EMS training, licensing and certification in the state of Alabama are governed by the Alabama Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma. This state bureau must approve all the applicants, as well as their certifications, before the individual can be employed in the state of Alabama as an EMT. This agency oversees all ambulance services, in addition to governing the Emergency Medical Technicians.
Each state has its own EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Board and requirements for EMS certification. Like many states, to enter paramedic training in Alabama requires certification in EMT – Basic before the individual is allowed to advance to paramedic training.
Certification in the state of Alabama requires an individual to:
- be at least 18 years of age.
- enroll in EMT-basic training and pass EMT certification.
- pass a criminal background check.
- must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
- have current immunization records.
Alabama training programs vary in length and credit hours due to the variables in each program. In addition to the program course hours, clinical experience is required for each training program and certification level.
EMTs and Paramedics who have completed training in Alabama will be proficient in EMS (emergency medical service) skills. Education and instruction in AL provides EMS personnel the ability to determine the type (and extent) of a patient’s injuries. They will also be able to determine if there are other factors such as seizures or pre-existing medication conditions. In Alabama the EMS courses completed will regulate the extent of treatment personnel can provide prior to the patient’s arrival at a hospital or medical facility.
Once Certified/Licensed:
EMT and paramedic training in AL provide the licensed EMS provider with the necessary skills in which to respond to emergency medical situations as set for by the Alabama Paramedic Protocol Scenarios.
The state of Alabama and the Alabama Office of EMS and Trauma also requires the individual who has completed EMT training to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and recognizes the exam certification if taken in other states. All NREMT Practicals are administered through a state approved EMT training program. In addition, passing of a state approved exam is also required before an EMT state license can be issued. The EMS Provider Licensure Application can be downloaded and filled out online.
Once licensed as an EMT or paramedic for the state of Alabama, you will be required to keep up licensing through courses and training which include (but are not limited to);
- Approved recertification CPR
- Advanced Cardiac Courses
- Refresher Courses
- EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) EMT License/Educational Changes
In the state of Alabama, the average salary range (from certification as EMT to paramedic) is: $15,700 to $31,600.
There are additional requirements for pursuing training in each region, and details of these are fairly common state to state. Read the articles found in EMT Training Top Tips and Paramedic Training Best Tips for details and a list of these requirements.
Contact Information
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS.
The RSA Tower
201 Monroe Street, Suite 1100
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5383
Fax: (334) 206-0364
Follow AL EMS on Facebook - you can also download an EMS brochure.
The following are EMT and paramedic schools in Alabama that offer accredited programs:
Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, AL offers a two year Associate’s Degree paramedic training program.
Northwest - Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, AL has an EMT training program that is one semester in length. The school also offers a paramedic training program which is 4 semesters and provides an EMT paramedic certificate to students successfully completing the paramedic school program.
Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Al offers a paramedic training program which is 4 semesters. The paramedic training program is a two year Associate’s Degree.
H. Council Trenholm State Technical College in Montgomery, AL has a two year paramedic training program which is an Associate’s Degree paramedic training program.