The state of Hawaii has two levels of training certification: EMT and EMT-Paramedic (also known as Mobile Intensive Care Technician). EMT training and EMT paramedic training and licensing vary state to state, but Hawaii is governed by the Hawaii Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs- EMS and Injury Prevention System. It follows the guidelines for the Paramedic National EMS Education Standards and applicants must meet all requirements for paramedic certification by the State of Hawaii and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Hawaii uses the NREMT as part of their state certification. The NREMT exam is administered on Maui, Hilo, and Oahu.
To become a certified EMT or EMT Paramedic in Hawaii an individual:
- must be at least 18 years of age
- must pass a criminal background check
- must possess current CPR certification
- must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- must pass a drug screening
- possess current immunization records
- must have a valid HI driver’s license
- must pass a physical
- must enroll in EMT-basic training and pass EMT certification (for paramedic licensure)
Hawaii EMS Training, Licensing, & Certification Requirements
For EMT and EMT Paramedic Training and Certification an applicant must complete a Board approved training program and successfully pass the NREMT exam and receive NREMT certification. Currently, the only Board approved EMS training program is found at Kapiolani College (KC); however, if you did not attend Kapiolani, you and your EMS instructor may submit your training information to the Board and certification may be approved, if the EMS training you received is equivalent to that of KC. Request an Equivalency Form, complete it, and submit it (along with your instructor) to request approval from the Board. For questions, call 1-808-506-3000.
For further information on Kapiolani Community College EMT program – see end of article.
The 2014 Board approved EMT and EMT Paramedic programs include the following:
EMT-Basic: 180 classroom training and 135 hours clinical for a total of 315 hrs. This program is the equivalent to EMT Ambulance training by the NREMT.
EMT-Paramedic: 400 classroom hours and 815 clinical course hours, for a total of 1,215 hours.
Continuing Education (CE)/Certification & License Renewal
The CE requirement for Hawaii may be met by possessing a current certificate from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The state does provide applications for temporary certification, if you have passed a Hawaii approved EMT or EMT-P course within 12 months of applying. The temporary certification is only good until you take the exam for licensing and exam results are received.
In addition, for refresher courses, an EMT must complete a state approved EMT refresher training (24 hours minimum), possess current CPR certification, and complete 48 hours of additional CE in any of the following:
- Standards and policies of the emergency medical services system
- Human systems and patient assessment
- Respiratory emergencies
- Cardiovascular emergencies
- Neurological emergencies
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Obstetrical and gynecological emergencies
- Pediatric emergencies
- Medical emergencies
- Trauma and Shock
- Basic knowledge of behavioral disorders
- Extrication and rescue techniques and Introduction to communications
Reciprocity
The state of Hawaii accepts EMS certification from other states, however, there is only one state Board accredited EMT/EMT-Paramedic school in Hawaii. If you are certified in another state, there may be additional training you will need and there are additional forms that you will need to complete as well.
Additional Information
All applications - for training, license renewals, etc. - can be found and/or requested on line at the Hawaii Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website. Cost of fees for certifications, renewals, and applications are also listed there.
Kapiolani Community College has the only Board approved EMS program for the state of Hawaii. The college is a 2-year public college, located in Honolulu, Hawaii. A student can enroll and work towards an Associate in Science degree for Mobile Intensive Care Technician (EMT-P) to receive a License to provide emergency medical services in the state of Hawaii. For more information, application requirements, fees, contacts, etc. – see our Kapiolani Community College article.
There are additional requirements for pursuing training, 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
State of Hawaii Department of Health
Emergency Medical Services & Injury Prevention System Branch
3675 Kilauea Avenue
Trotter Building, Basement Level
Honolulu, HI 96816 USA
Phone: 1-808-733-9210
E-mail: emsipsb@doh.hawaii.gov