EMT and paramedic training, licensing and certification in the state of Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana 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 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
The Bureau of Labor statistics stated in May 2010 that the median salary for EMTs and paramedics in Louisiana was $30,360. Current average salaries for advanced levels of EMTs can be up to $40,000 a year.
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. Any EMS 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.
Current fees for reciprocity are: EMT-Basic $60.00, EMT- Intermediate $ 80.00, EMT- Paramedic $100.00.
The reciprocity form can be found online at the Louisiana Bureau of EMS – contact information below.
Additional Information
An EMS certification renewal may be applied for online. 2013 fees are:
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.
There are additional requirements for pursuing EMT and paramedic training in each region, and details of these are fairly common state to state. Read the articles EMT Training and EMT Paramedic Training 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 Bureau of EMS.
Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
P.O. Box 94215
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(225) 763-5700
11224 Boardwalk Drive, Suite A-1
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 275-1764
emsweb@dhh.la.gov
