How Do I Become an EMT in Pennsylvania?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in Pennsylvania:

Prospective EMT candidates, who wish to get EMT certification in Nevada, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

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

Lastly, the students need to apply for a license by submitting an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Address: 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania- 17120
Contact Number: 717-787-8740
Fax: 717-772-0910
Email: [email protected]

Pennsylvania EMS Education Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Services Institute
    Address: 1002 Church Hill Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania- 15205
    Contact number: 412-242-7322
    Fax: 412-787-2340
    Official Website: http://www.emsi.org/
  • California University of Pennsylvania
    Address: 250 University Avenue, California, Pennsylvania- 15419
    Contact Number: 724-938-4000
    Official Website: http://www.calu.edu/
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    Address: 1011 South Drive, Indiana, Pennsylvania- 15705
    Contact Number: 724-357-2100
    Official Website: http://www.iup.edu/
  • Community College of Allegheny County
    Address: 8701 U.S. Route 19, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania- 15237
    Contact Number: 412-366-7000
    Official Website: http://www.ccac.edu/
  • Westmoreland County Community College
    Address: 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, Pennsylvania- 15697
    Contact Number: 724-925-4000 / 1- 800-262-2103
    Official Website: https://wccc.edu/
  • Butler County Community College
    Address: 107 College Drive, Butler, Pennsylvania- 16002
    Contact Number: 724-287-8711 / 888-826-2829
    Fax: 724-285-6047
    Official Website: http://www.bc3.edu/
  • Center for Emergency Medicine
    Address: 230 McKee Place, Suite- 500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania- 15213
    Contact Number: 412-647-5300
    Fax: 412-647-4670
    Official Website: http://www.centerem.org/
  • Mutual Aid Ambulance Service
    Address: 561 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, Pennsylvania- 15601
    Contact Number: 724-837-6134
    Official Website: http://www.mutual-aid.com/
  • Community College of Beaver County
    Address: One Campus Drive, Monaca, Pennsylvania- 15061
    Contact Number: 724-480-2222
    Official Website: http://www.ccbc.edu/
  • Emergency Health Services Federation
    Address: 722 Limekiln Road New Cumberland, Pennsylvania- 17070-2354
    Contact Number: 717-774-7911
    Official Website: http://www.ehsf.org/
  • Harrisburg Area Community College
    Address: One HACC Drive, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania- 17110-800
    Contact Number: 717-780-2400
    Official Website: http://www.hacc.edu/
  • Eastern Lebanon County School District
    Address: 180 ELCO Drive, Myerstown, Pennsylvania- 17067
    Contact Number: 717-866-7117
    Fax: 717-866-7084
    Official Website: http://www.elcosd.org/pages/ELCO
  • YTI Career Institute
    Address: 2900 Fairway Drive, Altoona, Pennsylvania- 16602
    Contact Number: 814-944-5643
    Fax: 814-944-5309
    Official Website: http://www.yti.edu/
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology
    Address: One College Avenue, Williamsport, Pennsylvania- 17701
    Contact Number: 570-326-3761 / 800-367-9222
    Official Website: http://www.pct.edu/schools/hs/
  • Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School
    Address: 110 Old Willow Mill Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania- 17050
    Contact Number: 717-697-0354
    Official Website: http://www.cpavts.org/
  • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
    Address: 101 Community College Way, Johnstown, Pennsylvania- 15904
    Contact Number: 888-385-7325
    Official Website: http://www.pennhighlands.edu/
  • Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center
    Address: 445 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, Pennsylvania- 15904
    Contact Number: 1-814-266-1300 / 1-888-434-4436
    Official Website: http://gjctc.org/
  • Eastern PA EMS Council, Inc.
    Address: 4801 Kernville Road, Orefield, Pennsylvania- 18069
    Contact Number: 610-820-9212
    Official Website: http://www.easternemscouncil.org/
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College
    Address: 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania- 18078
    Contact Number: 610-799-2121
    Official Website: http://www.lccc.edu/
  • Northampton Community College
    Address: 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania- 18020
    Contact Number: 610-861-5300
    Official Website: http://www.northampton.edu/
  • Reading Area Community College
    Address: 10 South Second Street, Reading, Pennsylvania- 19603
    Contact Number: 610-372-4721
    Official Website: http://www.racc.edu/
  • Bucks County Emergency Health Services
    Address: 911 Freedom Way, Ivyland, Pennsylvania- 18974
    Contact Number: 215-340-8735
    Fax:  215-957-0765
    Official Website: http://www.bcehs.com/
  • Fortis Institute
    Address: 5757 West 26th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania- 16506
    Contact Number: 814-838-7673
    Official Website: http://www.fortis.edu/
  • EMMCO East Regional EMS Council
    Address: 1411 Million Dollar Highway, Kersey, Pennsylvania- 15846-9726
    Contact Number: 814-834-9212
    Fax: 814-781-3881
    Official Website: http://www.emmcoeast.org/
  • EMMCO West, Inc.
    Address: 16271 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, Pennsylvania- 16335
    Contact Number: 814-337-5380
    Fax: 814-337-0871
    Official Website: http://www.emmco.org/
  • Chester County EMS Council, Inc.
    Address: 601 Westtown Road, Suite- 012, West Chester, Pennsylvania- 19380
    Contact Number: 610-344-5000
    Official Website: http://www.chescoems.org/
  • Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute
    Address: 600 Montgomery Avenue, West Chester, Pennsylvania- 19380
    Contact Number: 610-431-3132
    Fax: 610-840-0415
    Official Website: http://www.goodfellowship.com/
  • Southern Alleghenies EMS Council, Inc.
    Address: 123 Olde Farm Office Road, Duncansville, Pennsylvania- 16635
    Contact Number: 814-696-3200
    Fax: 814-696-0101
    Official Website: http://www.saems.com/
  • Seven Mountains EMS Council
    Address: 523 Dell Street, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania- 16823
    Contact Number: 814-355-1474
    Fax: 814-355-5149
    Official Website: http://www.smemsc.org/
  • Susquehanna EHS Council, Inc.
    Address: 265 Point Township Drive, Suite D, Northumberland, Pennsylvania- 17857
    Contact Number: 570-473-7834
    Fax: 570-473-7838
    Official Website: http://sehsc.org/
  • Delaware County Community College
    Address: 901 South Media Line Road, Media, Pennsylvania- 19063
    Contact Number: 610-359-5000
    Official Website: http://www.dccc.edu/
  • Luzerne County Community College
    Address: 1333 South Prospect Street, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania- 18634-3899
    Contact Number: 1-800-377-5222
    Official Website: http://www.luzerne.edu
  • Reading Health System
    Address: 6th Avenue, Spruce Street, West Reading, Pennsylvania- 19611
    Contact Number: 610-988-8000
    Official Website: https://www.readinghealth.org/
  • Lackawanna College
    Address: 501 Vine Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania- 18509
    Contact Number: 877-346-3552
    Official Website: http://www.lackawanna.edu/
  • Drexel University
    Address: 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- 19104
    Contact Number: 215-895-2000
    Official Website: http://www.drexel.edu/
  • Philadelphia Job Corps Center
    Address: 2810 South, 20th Street, Building 12, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- 19145-5001
    Contact Number: 267-386-2888
    Fax: 215-334-3675
    Official Website: http://philadelphia.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx

Pennsylvania EMT Contact Information:
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Address:
625 Forster St
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-8740
Fax: (717) 772-0910
Email: [email protected]

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