How Do I Become an EMT in Louisiana?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in Louisana:

Prospective EMT candidates, who wish to get EMT certification in Louisiana, must pass an exam organized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). But, before this, they need to complete EMT training program from a state-approved training college or institute. EMT certification in Louisiana is valid for a period of two years only.

In regards to the NREMT exam, the candidate must pass the written exam, which is a test comprising around 70-120 questions that are required to be answered in 2 hours duration. This is an adjustable difficulty computerized exam. The exam includes topics, such as airway management, ventilation, oxygen therapy, EMS operations, cardiology, health emergencies, and general trauma. In the practical examination, a candidate’s capability to handle traumatic situations, such as fractures, bleeding, joint dislocations, etc., are tested. A candidate will also be tested on medical emergencies such as diabetic emergencies, strokes, cardiac arrest, etc. If a candidate fails in the examination, he/she can re-test for the next examination after 15 days. Six attempts can be made by the candidate to pass the exams successfully.

In case, you fail to renew your certificate before or by the expiration date, your certificate will be considered as involuntary inactive. If, after the expiration of the certificate, you fail to recertify it within 180 days, your certificate will get null and void, and you will have to undergo the entire certification cycle, again.

What are the Requirements to Get EMT Certificate?

  • EMT candidates in Louisiana should not be less than 18 years of age.
  • A state-approved EMT training program should be completed by the candidate.
  • CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification is a must.
  • He/she should have passed an NREMT examination.
  • The candidate must provide proof of his/her citizenship in the United States.
  • It is significant for the aspirant to possess good stamina and strong mental fitness to cope up with the hardships in the job.
  • He/she must be able to communicate well in English.
  • A criminal background check is compulsory for the candidate in Louisiana.

Special Requirements

  • The prospective candidate is required to submit an application, as well as the application fee for the EMT certificate.
  • A state-approved practical test should be passed by the applicant.

What is the Process of EMT Certification?

Step 1: Training

Louisiana candidates must complete EMT training successfully from state-approved training schools. Contact to your local EMS department for more information on EMT training colleges in Louisiana.

Step 2: Application for National Certification

  • The candidate must create his/her account on the NREMT website by clicking on the option of “Create New Account”.
  • Secondly, the candidate needs to create a new application on the website by clicking on “Create Initial Entry Application”.
  • Though, the candidate can pay the application fee later but is advised to make the fee payment soon after he/she finishes the process of online application.
  • The candidate can keep an eye on the progress of the application by clicking on “Check Initial Entry Application Status”. Use your username and password to log in the NREMT website, and regularly check for “Authorization to Test” (ATT) Letter.
  • If “Submitted” appears next to “Course Completion Verification”, the NREMT site has provided the aspirant’s application details, and it is waiting for approval from the education program director about the course completion.
  • If “Not Submitted” appears beside “Application Payment”, it means that the candidate is needed to pay the application fee before acquiring the ATT Letter.
  • If the course completion process has been properly confirmed by the education program director, and the candidate has paid the application fee, the link “Print ATT Letter” will get displayed.
  • The candidate may now print the ATT Letter and decide a schedule of his/her NREMT examination. The directions of scheduling the timetable for the respective examination will be given in the ATT Letter.

State-approved training programs conduct NREMT practical examinations.

Step 3: Background Check

The candidate is required to go through a criminal background check in order to finish the process of certification. For more information, the candidate can contact his/her course coordinator.

Step 4: Apply for License

The candidate is needed to fill the application form and must include the following documents with it:

  • A copy of a valid driving license.
  • A photocopy of current National Registry card.
  • The application fee must be paid through money order drawn on the name of Bureau of EMS. However, personal checks will not be accepted.

Following is the fee structure for different levels of certification:

  • EMT-Basic (Public) – $15
  • EMT-Basic – $30
  • EMT-Intermediate – $40
  • EMT-Paramedic – $50

The fully filled application must be sent to the following address via mail:

Bureau of EMS
7173 Florida Boulevard, Suite- A,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana- 70806

Louisiana EMS Training Schools:

  • Bossier Parish Community College
    Address: 6220 East Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana- 71111
    Contact Number: 318-678-6000
    Official Website: http://www.bpcc.edu/
  • Central Louisiana Technical Community College
    Address: P.O. Box- 5698- 4311 South MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana- 71302
    Contact Number: 318-487-5443
    Fax: 318-487-5970
    Official Website: http://cltcc.edu/
  • Northshore Technical Community College
    Address: 1710 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427
    Contact Number: (985) 732-6640
    Fax: (985) 732-6603
    Official Website: http://www.northshorecollege.edu/
  • Nunez Community College
    Address: 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, Louisiana- 70043
    Contact Number: 504-278-6467
    Official Website: http://www.nunez.edu/
  • Fletcher Technical Community College
    Address: 1407 Highway 311, Schriever, Louisiana- 70395
    Contact Number: 985-448-7900
    Fax: 985-446-3308
    Official Website: http://www.fletcher.edu/
  • South Louisiana Community College
    Address: 320 Devalcourt, Lafayette, Louisiana- 70506
    Contact Number: (337) 521-9000
    Fax: (337) 521-8992
    Official Website: http://www.solacc.edu/
  • Delgado Community College
    Address: 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana- 70119
    Contact Number: (504) 671-5000
    Official Website: http://www.dcc.edu/
  • Nicholls State University
    Address: P.O. Box- 2004, Thibodaux, Louisiana- 70310
    Contact Number: (985) 448-4507
    Fax: (985) 448-4929
    Official Website: http://www.nicholls.edu/

Louisiana EMT Contact Information:
Department of Health and Hospitals
Emergency Medical Services
PHONE: 844-4LABEMS
(844-452-2367)
FAX: 225-925-3832

628 N. 4th Street
3rd Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

OFFICE HOURS
8:30 – 4:30 M-F

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