As an emergency responder, it’s important to periodically renew your certifications. Otherwise, you risk not fulfilling the licensing requirements in your state. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your certifications. 

You Can Recertify a Couple of Different Ways

There are a couple of options for recertifying your emergency medical position credentials.

Recertification Via Education

One alternative, the National Continued Competency Program, requires you to take continuing education classes. The exact amount depends on the position you’re recertifying for.

You’ll need 16 hours of continuing education for an EMR recertification and 40 hours for an EMS recertification. Advanced EMTs need 50 hours of qualifying education, while paramedics require 60 hours.

This education must include the individual component, the national component, and any state or local components. If your state or municipality doesn’t have any specific educational requirements, you may obtain other qualifying education to fulfill the required hours. The courses must qualify for National Registry credit to qualify and be related to EMS patient care. You must take the course with an approved education provider. 

Recertification By Exam

Your other path to recertification is taking an exam. You’ll sign up for the exam using your National Registry account and fill out the Recertification By Exam application, specifying what position you’re recertifying for. Once you receive your authorization to test, you may schedule your exam. 

Tips for Obtaining Your Recertification

Regardless of what path you choose, start the process sooner rather than later. This gives you a chance to sign up for the required education or exam date that suits your schedule. 

You should also review the state requirements for whatever states you’ll be practicing in to confirm that you meet them. 

It’s important to maintain all the other requirements to hold your certification, like properly responding to any disciplinary action and reporting criminal convictions within 30 days to the National Registry. 

Get Started with Recertification Training

Coast Biomedical Equipment has everything you need to complete your training or run an approved EMS course. Visit us online to explore our options.