EMT and paramedic training, licensing and certification in the state of Florida are governed by the Florida Department of Health Services. EMS Testing and Certification functions within the Florida Department of Health have moved to the Division of Medical Quality Assurance. This state bureau must approve the EMT training to be sure it is accredited with their department, including certifications, before the individual can be employed in the state. There are over 60 EMT training schools and institutions in Florida, and employment continues to be on the rise for Emergency Medical Services.
EMS Certification in Florida
The state of Florida also has 2 levels of training certification, EMT-Basic and EMT Paramedic, and the state also has Professional Rescuer Certification.
All individuals interested in EMT and paramedic certification in the state of Florida must take and pass the state examination in order to be certified. The EMT exam is developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and the paramedic examination is a state-developed exam. Prior to being awarded a Florida certification, each applicant must pass the Florida approved examination.
State certification as an EMT in the state of Florida begins with meeting state requirements for EMT training. The first one requires an individual to be at least 18 years of age and to have completed high school or the equivalent of. In addition, you must complete an Application for Approval of an EMS Training Program. Further information for this application and process can be found at the end of this article. The application fees are the expense of the applicant.
EMT Requirements
All levels of Florida EMT training certification require the candidate to have completed a CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification training course, approved by the state of Florida.
Once you have taken a Florida EMT training course and successfully completed it, you can apply to become an EMT.
In order to become an EMT, the following must be met:
• Pass the EMT test
• Attend an HIV/AIDS information course
• Complete the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) form
a. Graduates of Florida programs will apply directly for certification
b. All others will apply for assessment for Florida
• Complete the DH 1583 Form; this can only be done after completing the previous form (NREMT)
• Consent to and pass a background check
Paramedic Information
EMT Certification must be met before a Paramedic License can be issued. Applicants who have prior advanced EMT training education must show proof of this training when submitting their application for further advancement/certification. Those who may be considered to have advanced paramedic training include:
• Certified Florida paramedic
• Licensed health professional
• Those who are certified in another state
The state of Florida provides an online licensure process where an applicant who has completed training may apply for a license online. You DO NOT have to complete the application process in one online visit; you may save your information and return to the process, if needed. This process requires:
• Valid email address
• Valid Mailing and Physical address
• School Name and Graduation date
• CPR course information and NREMT candidate number
• Credit or debit card for payment for fees
Out of State Certification
An EMT or paramedic certificate from another US state, territory, or possession, or from a military service may be recognized as a professional education equivalent, provided the certificate is current and in Good Standing. The “Good Standing” requirements can be found through the state of Florida Dept. of Health website. (see contact information below)
According to the United States Department of Labor: Employment of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
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 Florida Certification Office at 850-245-4910.
If you are looking for information regarding licensing and certification in Florida, and application,
you will find additional information at the Florida DOH Licensing page.
For general questions about licensing; phone (850) 488-0595
Department of Health
EMT-Paramedic Certification
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-85
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3285
For information regarding applications and fees: (850) 245-4910
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330