How Do I Become an EMT in the District of Columbia?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in the District of Columbia:

The candidates of District of Columbia can apply for the certification if they have successfully completed their EMT training from a state-approved training school. Candidates are required to clear the exam, conducted by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, in order to be certified as EMT professionals. 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. EMT certification in the District of Columbia is applicable only for two years.

What are the Requirements to Get An EMT Certificate?

  • It is compulsory for the candidates to be of at least 18 years of age or more.
  • A state-approved training course is important to be completed by the aspirant.
  • You are ought to finish your CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification.
  • Qualifying both parts of the NREMT examination is compulsory.
  • Good stamina along with the sound mental state is also obligatory.
  • The candidates must also provide lawful proof of their citizenship in the United States.
  • Good communication skills in English should be possessed by the candidate.
  • They should compulsorily undergo a background check.

Special Requirements to Get EMT Certificate

  • Submit the application for certification, as well as the required application fee.
  • They should have to clear an approved practical examination in the District of Columbia.

What is the Process of EMT Certification in the District of Columbia?

Step 1: Get Training

The foremost thing an applicant needs to do is to get EMT training from a state-approved training school in the District of Columbia.

Step 2: Application for National Certification

  • The applicant should begin by creating the account on the NREMT website by clicking on “Create New Account”.
  • Next, the applicant needs to create a new application by clicking on the link of “Create Initial Entry Application”.
  • Now, the application fees must be paid by the applicant soon after the online application is completed.
  • After that, the applicant needs to check the progress of his/her application process, as well as check the “Authorization to Test” (ATT) Letter. Go to the website’s homepage and log in using the username and password through which, you created your account. Here, click on the link “Check Initial Entry Application Status”.
  • The word “Submitted” appears next to the link “Course Completion Verification” if your information is submitted by the website. But, keep in mind that the approval by the education program director is still pending.
  • If “Not Submitted” appears next to the “Application Payment”, it indicates that the applicant should pay the application fee before getting the ATT Letter.
  •  “Print ATT Letter” will appear on the website if your course completion has been checked thoroughly by the education program director.
  • Now, print the ATT Letter and decide the date to take the NREMT examination.

Important Note: “Print ATT Letter” will not appear until and unless your course completion is verified by the program director and the payment of fees is made by you.

The ATT Letter will instruct the applicant how to schedule the time and date of his/her exam through a website, called ‘Pearson VUE’.

The practical NREMT examination in the District of Columbia is organized by state-approved EMT training institutes. For further assistance, the applicant can take the help of Emergency Medical Technician Practical Examination Handbook.

Step 3: License Application

In order to apply for the license, the applicant should submit the completely filled application form. Along with this, he/she should also provide the following documents:

  • A clear copy of the course completion certificate.
  • Copies of NREMT certificate.
  • A CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification card.
  • Initial certification fee of $45.00, either through a check or by a money order made to the “DC Treasurer”.

Step 4: Background Check of the Applicant

It is important for the candidate to undergo a criminal background check. For this, the applicant needs to contact the EMT course coordinator.

Washington DC EMS Training Locations:

  • The George Washington University
    Address: 2121 Eye Street, North-West, Washington, District of Columbia- 20052
    Contact Number: (202) 994-1000
    Official Website: http://www.gwu.edu/

District of Columbia EMT Contact Information:
Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department

Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:45 pm, except District holidays
Connect With Us
2000 14th Street, NW, 500, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 673-3320
Fax: (202) 462-0807
Email:[email protected]

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