All emergency medical technicians (EMTs) need to recertify their National Registry of EMT (NREMT) licenses every two years. As a dedicated professional, you want the course you choose to be of the highest quality possible.
When searching for an EMT recertification program, make sure it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), complies with the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) model adopted by the NREMT, employs experienced instructors, has a good reputation, and offers flexible learning options that work with your learning style and schedule.
Elements of a Quality Recertification Program
Recertification is an opportunity for EMTs to learn about new technologies, protocols, and procedures that have been introduced or evolved since their last class. To ensure you get the most from your course, look for the following features:
CAPCE Accreditation
CAPCE is an independent organization that ensures emergency medical service (EMS) continuing education programs meet rigorous standards. This certification is recognized by NREMT and most state EMS licensing agencies.
Compliance With the NCCP Learning Model
To be recertified, the NREMT requires that EMTs complete a minimum of forty hours of continuing education. Whatever program they choose needs to satisfy the NCCP requirements for these components:
- National: Essential topics, such as airway management, cardiology and resuscitation, medical emergencies, trauma, and EMS operations. The number of hours required will vary by certification level. EMTs need twenty hours, Advanced EMTS need twenty-five hours, and paramedics need thirty.
- Local/state: Related to EMS patient care that meet the requirements of state and local agencies.
- Individual component: Any EMS topic related to patient care.
Top-Notch Instruction and Reputation
The best programs are delivered by instructors with different EMT backgrounds (such as working in hospitals, ambulance services, helicopter rescue, etc.) to provide different perspectives on critical care and how it is provided in various scenarios. When looking for a recertification program, read online reviews and feedback from previous students about the quality of the education they received.
Convenience and Cost
Juggling coursework, a career, and a personal life can be challenging. Decide what works best for your learning needs. For example, do you learn better in person or online?
After narrowing your options and choosing between in-person and online EMT recertification, consider the costs versus the value of each program. Because online EMT refresher courses meet NREMT and state requirements, you have more flexibility in how you spend your money.
Make Sure it Counts
Even if a program checks all the boxes, it is essential to confirm that your state EMS office will accept it. The NREMT accepts state-approved and CAPCE-accredited education, dedicated EMS programs, US-accredited academic credit, college courses, and any other credits permitted by the NREMT Alternative Recertification Credits Policy.
Education that will not be accepted for recertification includes duplicate courses, clinical rotations, instructor courses, management or leadership training, hours accrued while performing job duties, hours accrued while serving as an instructor or skills examiner, and volunteer time.
If you’re not sure that some of your coursework can be used toward recertification, review the guidelines on the NREMT website. If you are actively employed as an EMT, ask your Medical Director about the programs you are considering. You don’t want to waste any of your valuable time or money on a program that will not satisfy your recertification requirements.
The Paramedic Coach Is the Answer
Evan, the force behind The Paramedic Coach, has years of experience in the EMS industry. He has now dedicated his career to helping students pass the NREMT exams and launch their careers in emergency medicine. The Paramedic Coach provides high-quality resources that can help EMTs recertify their licences after they have become EMS professionals!
