EMT License Requirements: How to Become an Emergency Medical Technician in Vermont
Vermont Emergency Medical Technicians are licensed by the Vermont Department of Health. Training is based on the National EMS standards. In the past, training was based on the National Standard Curriculum. However, all Michigan licensees who received the older curriculum will transition by 2017.
Licensure is dependent on affiliatoin with a qualifying organization. The individual will also go through a credentialing process through his or her sponsor organization.
A person must be at least 18 to become an EMT. However, 16- and 17-year-olds can pursue the lowest EMS license: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).
Select a Vermont EMT Topic:
- Vermont EMT Training and Education Requirements
- The Examination Process
- Out-of-State Emergency Medical Technicians
- The Application Process
- Licensure at the Advanced EMT Level
- Renewal Requirements
- Additional Information: Contacts for State and Local Agencies, Education Options & Other Helpful Resources
EMT Educational Requirements
The prospective EMT will begin by enrolling in an approved program. The Department of Health has provided an EMS student manual that outlines major components. It can be found in the forms section.
The program will have a lab component. This may include demonstration and practice sessions, review sessions, psychomotor situation sessions, and test sessions. Situation sessions may be straightforward or may include unexpected elements that develop critical thinking and improvisation.
The student will complete at least five patient assessments prior to course completion. Some programs require emergency room observation hours.
Information about Vermont programs is available at the local level. Vermont has 12 EMS districts (http://www.healthvermont.gov/hc/ems/district_contact.aspx). Prospective students will need to contact the training coordinator of their district (or others to which they are willing to travel). The Department of Health has provided a schedule of upcoming EMT classes (http://healthvermont.gov/hc/ems/class_schedule.aspx). However, students will still need to contact a district-level coordinator to enroll.
An individual can also qualify based on out-of-state training; the program will need to be one that qualifies its graduates for examination and certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
The Examination Process
Candidates go through the full examination process developed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. There are two components. Candidates must register with the NREMT before initiating the process. They will need state authorization.
The EMT psychomotor examination includes seven skills stations, among them, trauma assessment management, oxygen administration, and supine spinal immobilization. One skill station is considered ‘random’; it could involve spinal immobilization of a seated person or immobilization of a bone or joint. Candidates are referred to the NREMT website for lists of performance criteria.
The Department of Health has provided a schedule of upcoming psychomotor examinations (http://healthvermont.gov/hc/ems/exam_schedule.aspx). The candidate must submit an application to the EMS Office at least two weeks in advance.
The cognitive examination can be self-scheduled through Pearson VUE. Candidates are allowed three attempts. After a third failure, a candidate is required to do remedial training.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity is based on National Registry certification. Certification may be at the EMT level or at a higher EMS service level.
The credential must be current. EMS personnel who have allowed their certification to lapse may need to meet additional requirements to recertify. They will find information on the NREMT website.
The Application Process
Applications are available from the Vermont Department of Health. Documents are available for download. The EMS Office notes that applicants will need to visit the DOH website to download the most current version (http://www.healthvermont.gov/hc/ems/documents.aspx#apps). They may instead call or email the EMS Office to request forms.
In-state candidates submit examination applications. Reciprocity applicants submit reciprocity applications after they have met all requirements. They will need the signature of the Head of Services of their affiliated agency. They will provide their National Registry certification number and expiration date.
Applicants who answer “yes” to screening questions (for example, criminal history, recent drug use, or lack of compliance with child support obligations) will need to provide explanation. They are directed to call the EMS Office if they have questions. Basic information about potential disqualifiers can be found in the student handbook. The EMS Office reserves the right to request additional information from applicants with “yes” answers; in some cases, the applicant may be asked to make a personal appearance. The Office may choose to allow the applicant to take the practical examination pending a decision but will not authorize the person to go through the full certification process.
Licensure at the Advanced EMT Level
An EMT who seeks licensure as an AEMT will go through a second training and qualifying process. Clinical requirements are much higher at this level. The student must complete assessments for patients with particular medical issues and administer medication in a variety of ways (for example, sublingual, nebulizer, and IV).
After completing the program, the individual will complete both a computer-based cognitive examination and a psychomotor examination. The cognitive examination is again scheduled through Pearson VUE.
The AEMT examination includes ten stations, among them, IV therapy and pediatric respiratory compromise. One skill is ‘random’. In many cases, students are registered by their programs. AEMT candidates may schedule their examinations at any authorized site, either in Vermont or another state. Those who wish to test in another state may use the search tool on the NREMT website.
Renewal and Continuing Competency Requirements
Vermont EMTs are expected to renew their national certification. The EMS Office notes that they will participate in the National Continued Competency Program.
EMTs who were licensed in the past without national certification may renew on the basis of continuing education.
EMTs generally have continuing education opportunities provided through their own agency. There are many other potential sources. Applicants who provide email addresses to the EMS Office can receive access to free online continuing education.
Additional Information
Vermont Emergency Medical Services is under the banner of the Vermont Department of Health. The EMS Office can be reached by telephone at 802-863-7310 or 800-244-0911; the toll-free number, however, only works within Vermont. Interested individuals can reach the Office by email at ‘vtems at Vermont.gov’.