Guide to EMS Continuing Education in 2022

Key Points

• Learn what EMS continuing education is
• Understand why continuing education is important
• Know your EMS continuing education requirements
• See how continuing education works and your options for taking it

Emergency medical services (EMS) workers have an intense job to do. They answer 911 calls and provide crucial, sometimes life-saving health assistance to people in crises. While their overall goal is to get a patient to the emergency room, the level of care that EMS professionals can give is always improving.

A quick response from an emergency medical technician (EMT) can mean the difference between life and death for people in dire circumstances. But how do EMS providers stay up to date on new techniques and concepts in their field after finishing their initial EMS training?

Continuing education (CE) allows EMS workers to stay abreast of new research, technology, and treatment options. In this article, we’ll discuss what EMS CE is, why it matters, and some of your options for taking it.

The EMS industry is constantly being updated. Breakthroughs in research show new and better ways to promote public safety, handle emergencies, and treat patients all the time. CE makes sure EMS workers can treat crisis victims with the best care possible. The more current an EMS worker’s knowledge is, the better chance an emergency patient has of survival.

For example, telemedicine has recently gained traction in the EMS field. Now, EMS professionals can see a patient on their smartphone before they get to a scene. This interaction gives workers a head start on deciding how best to treat a patient. In some circumstances, like heart attacks and strokes, speedy treatment can save a patient from huge problems down the line, or even death.

Some level of continuing education is mandatory to keep operating on both the national and state level. The amount of CE you’ll be required to take depends on the state you live in and your particular title. There are different levels of EMS certifications. The exact titles can vary by state. As an example, below are the levels of EMS workers in Texas:

• Emergency Care Assistant (ECA)
• EMT-Basic
• Advanced EMT
• EMT-Paramedic
• Licensed Paramedic

Each state has different course hour requirements. For example, in Texas, EMTs have to take at least 72 continuing education hours to renew their license every four years. While in Colorado, EMTs only have to take 36 hours of continuing education to renew their certification every three years. Typically, the higher your EMS certification is, the more hours of CE you’ll need.

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) decides the amount and type of CE you’ll need to get recertified nationally. You’ll have to renew your certification every two years. The amount of hours you need depends on your title. Below is a breakdown of the hours needed for each job:

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) — 16 hours
• EMT — 40 hours
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) — 50 hours
• Paramedic — 60 hours

There are several types of EMS continuing education you can take. You can get EMS continuing education units (CEUs) by taking in-person courses, online education programs, or attending in-person conferences or events. Below are a few topics that your CE events could cover:

• Ventilation techniques and using equipment such as bag valve masks
• Cardiology techniques for handling situations like cardiac arrest and using technology like ventricular assist devices
• Trauma concepts like hemorrhage management
• Medical emergencies
• Operation concepts, including using resources effectively
• Pediatric care

The recertification course is called the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP). The NCCP must be completed to renew an EMS license. Below are the three types of EMS courses it includes:

• National content makes up 50% of the coursework. The subject matter consists of things like national trends, research, and trends.

• State content makes up 25% of the coursework. It consists of EMS practices and information specific to your area.

• Individual content makes up 25% of the coursework. In addition, you can take any continuing education recognized by your state or the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE).

The NREMT website has resources for applying to renew your certification online after course completion. You can also renew your certification by taking an exam.

The CAPCE maintains the quality and relevance of EMS continuing education courses. It recognizes the continuing education courses that will help you optimize your care. To become CAPCE-approved, an EMS continuing education provider must meet the following criteria:

• Has a group of members that consistently reviews its educational activities
• Continually shows that its content is needed in the EMS field
• Sent a letter of approval from its state EMS office to the CAPCE

You can find a list of accredited continuing education providers on the CAPCE website. You may also be able to find options on your state or local health services website.

Even though the main goal of continuing education is to maximize the level of care you give to emergency patients, it can also be beneficial to your career as a healthcare provider. The more experience and knowledge you gain, the more valuable you’ll be to your EMS agency. In addition, continuing education exposes you to new technology, ideas and makes you better able to do things like manage your peers.

If you attend in-person events to get your education credits, you’ll have the bonus of getting to network with other professionals in your field. In addition, making connections can help you build a support network that can help you navigate your career. Your network may even help you secure your next job.

List your CE in the education and professional development portion of your resume. Don’t put it before your resume summary or work history. While employers value CE, they will still want to see your experience first.

If you’ve been working in EMS for a long time, you likely have a great deal of CE. In that case, don’t clutter your resume. Instead, just include the CE coursework you consider the most valuable and elaborate in your cover letter or interview.

Being a first responder can be stressful, exhausting, but, most of all, rewarding. It’s your job to provide essential care to people in dire need. If you want to give your patients the best possible outcome, you must know as much as possible about your industry. CE offers more than just refresher courses about your job — it helps you expand your knowledge and give optimal care.

If you’re looking for a job as an EMT, paramedic, or any other job in healthcare, Joblist is the best place to look. Take our personalized quiz, and we’ll use your work experience, skills, and aptitudes to show you curated job openings specifically for you.