How Do I Become an EMT in Tennessee?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in Tennessee:

Prospective EMT candidates, who wish to get EMT certification in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

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 Tennessee license, the submission of NREMT certification for recertification is not necessary. The state of Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 afterward.
  • 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

To apply for the license, you have to fill the application by going through the instructions mentioned in the form. It is necessary to fill the correct and complete information in the application form, otherwise; your application will get rejected. Documents to be enclosed with the application are:

EMS Training Centers:

  • Northeast State Community College
    Address: 2425 Highway 75, P.O. Box- 246, Blountville, Tennessee 37617-0246
    Contact Number: 423-323-3191 / 800-836-7822
    Fax: 423-323-0215
    Official Website: http://www.northeaststate.edu/
  • Cleveland State Community College
    Address: P.O. Box- 3570, Cleveland, Tennessee- 37320
    Contact Number: 423-472-7141 / 800-604-2722
    Official Website: http://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/
  • Columbia State Community College
    Address: 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, Tennessee- 38401
    Contact Number: 931-540-2722
    Official Website: http://www.columbiastate.edu/
  • Volunteer State Community College
    Address: Ramer Building, Suite- 173, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, Tennessee- 37066
    Contact Number: 615-230-3688
    Fax: 615-230-4875
    Official Website: http://www.volstate.edu/
  • Roane State Community College
    Address: 276 Patton Lane, Harriman, Tennessee- 37748-5011
    Contact Number: 865-354-3000 / 866-462-7722
    Official Website: http://www.roanestate.edu/
  • Jackson State Community College
    Address: 2046, North Parkway, Jackson, Tennessee- 38301
    Contact Number: 731-425-2643
    Official Website: http://www.jscc.edu/
  • Southwest Tennessee Community College
    Address: 5983, Macon Cove, Memphis, Tennessee- 38134
    Contact Number: 901-333-5000
    Official Website: http://www.tn.edu/
  • Walters State Community College
    Address: 500 South Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, Tennessee- 37813-6899
    Contact Number: 423-585-2600 / 800-225-4770
    Official Website: http://www.ws.edu/home/
  • Chattanooga State Community College
    Address: 4501, Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee- 37406-1097
    Contact Number: 423-697-4400 / 866-547-3733
    Official Website: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/
  • Dyersburg State Community College
    Address: 1510 Lake Road, Dyersburg, Tennessee- 38024
    Contact Number: 731-286-3200
    Official Website: http://www.dscc.edu/
  • Tennessee Tech University
    Address: 1 William L Jones Drive, Cookeville, Tennessee- 38505
    Contact Number: 931-372-3101 / 800-255-8881
    Official Website: http://www.tntech.edu/
  • Motlow College
    Address: P.O. Box- 8500, Lynchburg, Tennessee- 37352-8500
    Contact Number: 931-393-1500 / 1-800-654-4877
    Official Website: http://www.mscc.edu/
  • Middle Tennessee State University
    Address: 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee- 37132-0001
    Contact Number: 615-898-2300
    Official Website: http://www.mtsu.edu/
  • Nashville Fire Department
    Address: P.O. Box 196332, Nashville, Tennessee- 37219-6332
    Contact Number: 615-862-5390
    Official Website: http://nashfire.org/
  • Sewanee- The University of the South
    Address: 735 University Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee- 37383
    Contact Number: 931-598-1000
    Official Website: http://www.sewanee.edu/
  • The Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center
    Address: 9261 Florida Boulevard, Walker, Louisiana- 70785
    Contact Number: 225-667-5268
    Fax: 225-667-5479
    Official Website: http://www.lpltc.org/
  • Cookeville Regional Medical Center
    Address: 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Cookeville, Tennessee- 38501
    Contact Number: 931-528-2541 / 931-783-2020
    Official Website: http://www.crmchealth.org/

Tennessee EMT Contact Information:
Office of EMS
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN  37243
615-741-2584
1-800-778-4505
Fax: 615-741-4217
Email: [email protected]

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