EMT and paramedic training, licensing and certification in the state of Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Dept. of Health, Bureau of EMS (Emergency Medical Systems). This state bureau must approve all the applicants and certifications, before the individual can be employed in the state as an EMS service provider.
The state of Louisiana and the Louisiana Bureau of EMS also requires the individual who has completed training to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam for certification and recognizes the exam certification if taken in other states. Passing of a Louisiana state approved exam is also required before state licensing is issued.
Louisiana EMT information and requirements
Louisiana has three levels of certification: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic. The state also has a First Responder EMS level.
Training for paramedic courses in Louisiana must meet minimum standards for coursework and clinical experience to be accredited. These 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 Louisiana EMS training program and paramedic level.
For certification in Louisiana an individual:
- must be at least 18 years of age
- must enroll in EMT-basic training and pass EMT 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
Employment and reciprocity
Reciprocity for the state of Louisiana requires an applicant to apply through the Louisiana Bureau of EMS in order to transfer EMT course certification from another state. The application form can be obtained online through the Louisiana Dept. of Health, Bureau of EMS.
Any EMT training or certification can be recognized, but candidates must pass the National Registry Exam (NREMT) and provide a copy of their current NREMT card with the reciprocity application. In addition, copies of your driver’s license, current state certification/licensure or course completion certificate, DD214 (if applicable), and a letter of “Good standing” or completed Verification form. The reciprocity form can be found online at the Louisiana Bureau of EMS - contact information below.
Additional Information
License verification and/or application may be made in person or online. Paper applications are still accepted, though will be phased out in the near future. Keep in mind, once submitted, paper applications require up to 30 days for processing from the date they were received at the Bureau of EMS office
Previous fees were: (call for up to date fees)
First Responder: $5 / EMT-Basic:$25 / EMT-Intermediate:$35 / Paramedic:$45
Most Louisiana EMT training programs are through local community colleges and technical schools. Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City, Delgado Community College in New Orleans, and Nunez Community College in Chalmette are just a few of Louisiana’s EMT training and paramedic schools offering certification courses.
Requirements for pursuing training are fairly similar in each county of the state, and certification details are somewhat similar 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:
Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
7173 Florida Blvd., Suite A
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 763-5700
OR
Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
628 N. 4th Street / 3rd Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (844) 452-2367
emsweb@dhh.la.gov