Recertification Requirement for Paramedics

Paramedic ambulance unit

Once a paramedic license has been obtained, an individual must actively work as a medic and complete continuing education to keep his license current. A paramedic license is issued after the successful completion of an accredited paramedic program and passing the necessary exams. The license expires after a number of years (which each state determines) and must be renewed. Paramedics can get recertified by completing a renewal application and the necessary continuing education required by each state.

Continuing Education Requirements

Each state determines the education required to practice as a paramedic. The amount of continuing education necessary to keep a medic license can be found both online or by contacting local EMS agencies. Continuing education requirements include a specific amount of time dedicated to specific categories such as medical, trauma, obstetrics and airway management. A medic must successfully complete the required amount of time learning material for each category. For example, if a state requires three hours of continuing education training for medical emergencies, the medic must complete a minimum of three hours of training, lectures or classes regarding medical emergencies to fulfill the requirement.

Finding Continuing Education Credits

Continuing education credits are required for recertification.

Continuing education credits include lectures, standardized courses such as PALS or ACLS, conferences and in-service training. Credits can be found and completed both online and in a traditional setting such as a classroom or training facility. Each continuing education course is worth a predetermined amount of time or credit that can be put toward the required amount of education needed for recertification.

Refresher Courses

Paramedic refresher courses are available and are often the easiest way to recertify because they contain all of the necessary continuing education credits required to keep the license. Refresher courses are available online, at colleges and through EMS agencies. Some states require medics to complete an official paramedic refresher course while others allow the credits to be earned by completing individual classes. Medic refresher courses may include passing skill stations and a final exam.

Practical Exam and Skill Station

Proving proficiency with equipment, such as heart monitors, is part of the recertification process in some states.

A practical exam can include a written test and skill station testing. Skill stations test the paramedic's ability to perform the skills necessary to use equipment properly. These must be successfully completed to recertify as a paramedic. Passing skill stations and a written exam may not be required by every state for recertification. Paramedic instructors or proctors will oversee the exam and skill stations and will determine, following state guidelines, what must be accomplished to pass. Practical exams and skill stations must be performed and completed successfully in person.

Obtaining Recertification

Once a paramedic obtains the required continuing education credits, he must apply for recertification with his state. The paramedic must send copies of certificates of completion for each continuing education requirement as well as a completed recertification application to the state either online or by mail. Individuals seeking paramedic recertification must also be working actively as a medic either with an EMS company or department or in a health care setting in which his medic skills are regularly used such as in a hospital emergency room.

The recertification process can take up to several weeks before a new license is issued. Send in the necessary application and continuing education credits as early as possible to avoid the expiration of the current license.

References

• Paramedic Recertification Requirements