How Do I Become an EMT in Oregon?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in Oregon:

Prospective EMT candidates, who wish to get EMT certification in Oregon, 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 Oregon 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 an EMT Certificate In Oregon?

Following are the pre-requisites that should be fulfilled by the EMT candidates:

  • EMT candidate must be 18 years of age or more.
  • He/she should have completed a state-approved EMT training program.
  • He/she must possess a valid CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certificate.
  • The candidate is required to qualify the NREMT examination.
  • It is mandatory for the candidates to submit legal evidence of their U.S. nationality.
  • The candidate should be free from any mental or bodily ailment.
  • English fluency is a must for every applicant.
  • The candidate must compulsorily pass a criminal background screening.

Apart from this, there are some special requirements that are also required to be accomplished, like submission of application and applicable fees, and completion of a state-recognized practical exam.

What is the Process of EMT Certification?

Step 1: Get EMT Training

The candidate must successfully complete EMT training before applying for certification. The candidate can contact the local EMS department or any community college that provides training programs.

Step 2: Submit Application for National Certification

In order to get a national certification, a candidate has to appear for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam. Once the candidate has attained the Oregon license, the submission of NREMT certification for recertification is not necessary. The state of Oregon makes use of the National Registry only for the purpose of examination. After obtaining the license, it is mandatory for the licensee to complete the Continuing Education (CE) training. If the candidate is nationally registered, he/she is not refrained from fulfilling the Continuing Education (CE) requirements in order to renew the Oregon license.

  • The candidate should start by creating an account on the NREMT website. Click on “Create New Account”.
  • Next, the candidate must create a new application by clicking on “Create Initial Entry Application”.
  • Now, the applicable fee must be paid by the candidate soon after completion of the online application. Though, the application fee can also be paid afterwards.
  • After the candidate is done with the online application, he/she must keep a check on its progress by regularly looking for “Authorization to Test” (ATT) Letter. This can be done by logging into the website through the password and username, subsequently clicking on the option of “Check Initial Entry Application Status”.
  • The candidate’s details have been submitted by the website if “Submitted” appears beside “Course Completion Verification”, and therefore, it indicates that the approval of the course completion by the education program director is being awaited.
  • Whereas, if “Not Submitted” appears beside “Application Payment”, it clearly means that the candidate must pay the application fee before proceeding further.
  • After the application payment and confirmation by the education program director, the link “Print ATT Letter” will appear.
  • The candidate is required to take a printed copy of his/her ATT Letter and set a timetable for the NREMT exam.

The ATT Letter directs the candidate on scheduling the NREMT examination by using ‘Pearson VUE’ website.

Step 3: Background Check

To complete the process of certification, the candidate must undergo a criminal background check. For this, the candidate can contact his/her course coordinator.

Step 4: License Application

Your course instructor will provide information in regards to how to begin the licensing process once you complete NREMT testing. Alternatively, you may also contact:

Licensure Unit
Emergency Medical Services & Trauma Systems

800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 465
Portland, OR 97232
Phone:971-673-0520
FAX:971-673-0555
TTY:971-673-0372

Oregon EMS Education Locations:

  • Linn-Benton Community College
    Address: 6500 Pacific Boulevard South West, Albany, Oregon- 97321
    Contact Number: 541-917-4999
    Official Website: http://www.linnbenton.edu/
  • Clatsop Community College
    Address: 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, Oregon- 97103
    Contact Number: 503-325-0910 / 503-338-2411 /1-855-252-8767
    Official Website: https://www.clatsopcc.edu/
  • Central Oregon Community College
    Address: 2600 North West College Way, Bend, Oregon- 97701
    Contact Number: 541-383-7700
    Official Website: http://www.cocc.edu/
  • Columbia Gorge Community College
    Address: 400 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles, Oregon- 97058-3434
    Contact Number: 541- 506-6000
    Fax: 541-298-3104
    Official Website: http://www.cgcc.edu/
  • Southwestern Oregon Community College
    Address: 1988 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon- 97420
    Contact Number: 541-888-2525 / 1-800-962-2838
    Official Website: http://www.socc.edu/
  • Lane Community College
    Address: 4000 East 30th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon- 97405
    Contact Number: 541-463-3000
    Official Website: http://www.lanecc.edu/
  • Rogue Community College
    Address: 3345 Redwood Highway, Grants Pass, Oregon- 97527-9291
    Contact Number: 541-956-7500
    Official Website: https://www.roguecc.edu/
  • Mt. Hood Community College
    Address: 26000 South East Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon- 97030
    Contact Number: 503-491-6422
    Official Website: http://www.mhcc.edu/
  • Klamath Community College
    Address: 7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon- 97603
    Contact Number: 541-882-3521
    Official Website: http://www.klamathcc.edu/Home
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
    Address: 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon- 97601
    Contact Number: 541-885-1000
    Fax: 541-885-1024
    Official Website: http://www.oit.edu/
  • Oregon Coast Community College
    Address: 400 Southeast College Way, Newport, Oregon- 97366
    Contact Number: 541-265-2283
    Official Website: http://www.oregoncoastcc.org/
  • Treasure Valley Community College
    Address: 650 College Boulevard, Ontario, Oregon- 97914
    Contact Number: 541-881-8822
    Official Website: http://www.tvcc.cc/
  • Clackamas Community College
    Address: 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City, Oregon- 97045
    Contact Number: 503-594-6000 / 503-594-6100
    Official Website: http://www.clackamas.edu/
  • Portland Community College
    Address: 12000 Southwest 49th Avenue, Portland, Oregon- 97219
    Contact Number: 971-722-6111
    Official Website: http://www.pcc.edu/
  • Umpqua Community College
    Address: 1140 Umpqua College Road, Roseburg, Oregon- 97470
    Contact Number: 541-440-4600
    Official Website: http://www.umpqua.edu/
  • Chemeketa Community College
    Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive Northeast, Salem, Oregon- 97305
    Contact Number: 503-399-5000
    Official Website: http://www.chemeketa.edu/
  • Tillamook Bay Community College
    Address: 4301 3rd Street, Tillamook, Oregon- 97141
    Contact Number: 503-842-8222
    Fax: 503-842-8334
    Official Website: http://www.tbcc.cc.or.us/

Leave a Comment