EMT and paramedic training, licensing and certification in the state of Kentucky are governed by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS).
Kentucky has four levels of EMT training certification:
• Emergency Medical Responder (not the same as First Responder)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
• Paramedic
The state also has certification for a Critical Care Paramedic Endorsement.
Emergency Medical Responder
A certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) in the state of Kentucky is a person who has completed an accredited EMT training course and received certification by KBEMS in providing pre-hospital care for both medical and trauma emergencies. The EMR has a higher level of skill than those trained in basic first aid.
First Responder training programs are provided through various Kentucky Community Colleges or Technical Colleges, State Fire Rescue Training and other Training and Educational Institutions throughout the state. The First Responder program varies in length from 40-60 hours.
Kentucky EMS requirements:
The next 3 levels, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic all have the same requirements for certification as an EMR. After completing courses and training the candidates must pass the NREMT (National registry) exam. In addition:
• must be at least 18 years of age
• must enroll in EMT-basic training and pass EMT certification (for AEMT and paramedic certification)
• 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
• must complete the Cabinet for Health Services HIV/AIDS Course
• must have a state issued driver’s license
The EMT training and paramedic programs vary in length and credit hours due to the variables in each program, and depending upon which college or institution you attend for your training. EMT-Basic training usually consists of a core curriculum of minimum required information, and taught within a minimum 119-hour training program. In addition to the program course hours, clinical experience is required for each EMT course program and each paramedic technical course training level.
Advanced EMT Training regulations were under development for changes by early summer 2013. You can check the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services website/Advanced EMT link to follow the updates.
For paramedic training and certification the state of Kentucky uses the development training courses set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Reciprocity and training programs:
Reciprocity applicants applying for certification in Kentucky will need certification from another state and National Registry certification. This type of certification is a renewable certification. The requirements for Reciprocity are the same as those stated above, as well as proof of certifications, payment of fees, etc.
Kentucky EMT training courses and paramedic studies vary in length and credit hours due to the variables in each program, and depending upon which college or institution you attend for your training. In addition to the program course hours, clinical experience is required for each EMS training program and paramedic level.
Most training programs in Kentucky are through local community colleges and technical schools. Eastern and Western Kentucky University Paramedic Programs and Spalding University are just two of Kentucky’s paramedic schools offering certification courses.
Requirements for pursuing training are fairly similar, and details of these are somewhat 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.
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.
Contact Information
Further information can be obtained by contacting the KBEMS, Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services,
at 118 James Court; Suite 50 / Lexington, KY 40505
or by phone: 859-256-3565 or (toll free) 1-866-97KBEMS