How Do I Become an EMT in Oklahoma?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in Oklahoma:

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

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 Oklahoma license, the submission of NREMT certification for recertification is not necessary. The state of Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma license.

  • The candidate should start by creating an account on the (https://www.nremt.org/). 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:

  • Copy of NREMT card.
  • Application fee in the form of cheque or money order. The non-refundable amount at respective levels is:
    • EMT- Basic: $85.00
    • EMT- Intermediate: $160.00
    • EMT- Paramedic: $210.00

The application and documents can be submitted to:

OSDH Financial Management Address: P. O. Box- 268823, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- 73126-8823 Contact Number: 405-271-4027

EMS Education Sites:

  • Oklahoma State University Address: 900 North Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- 73107 Contact Number: 405-947-4421 / 1-800-560-4099 Official Website: https://www.osuokc.edu/home/

  • Oklahoma City Community College Address: 7777 South May Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- 73159-4444 Contact Number: 405-682-1611 Official Website: https://www.occc.edu/

  • Metro Technology Centers Address: 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma- 73111-5238 Contact Number: 405-424-8324 Official Website: https://www.metrotech.org/index.shtml

  • Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center Address: 4601 North Choctaw Road, Choctaw, Oklahoma- 73020 Contact Number: 405-390-9591 Fax: 405-390-9598 Official Website: https://www.eoctech.org/

  • Gordon Cooper Address: One John C. Bruton Boulevard, Shawnee, Oklahoma- 74804 Contact Number: 405-273-7493 Official Website: https://www.gctech.org/

  • Meridian Technology Center Address: 1312 South Sangre Road, Stillwater, Oklahoma- 74074 Contact Number: 405-377-3333 / 888-607-2509 Official Website: https://www.meridiantech.edu/

  • Kiamichi Technology Centers Address: P.O. Box- 548, 1004 Highway 2 North, Wilburton, Oklahoma- 74578 Contact Number: 918-465-2323 Fax: 918-465-3666 Official Website: https://www.ktc.edu/

  • Pontotoc Technology Center Address: 601 West 33rd Street, Ada, Oklahoma- 74820 Contact Number: 580-310-2250 Official Website: https://www.pontotoctech.edu/

  • Tulsa Community College Address: 3727 East Apache Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma- 74115 Contact Number: 918-595-7000 Official Website: https://www.tulsacc.edu/

  • Tulsa Technology Center Address: 6111 East Skelly Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma – 74147 Contact Number: 918-828-5000 Fax: 918-828-5009 Official Website: https://tulsatech.edu/

Oklahoma EMT Contact Information: (https://www.ok.gov/health/Protective_Health/Emergency_Systems/EMS_Division/index.html) (https://www.ok.gov/health/Protective_Health/Emergency_Systems/EMS_Division/index.html) 1000 N.E. 10th Room 1104 Oklahoma City, Ok 73117 Phone: 405-271-4027 Fax: 405-271-4240 E-Mail: Esystems@health.ok.gov