EMT and paramedic training, licensing and certification in the state of Ohio are governed by the Ohio Department Public Safety Division of Emergency Medical Services (ODPS-EMS). This state bureau must approve all the applicants, as well as their certifications, before the individual can be employed in the state as an EMT. It also holds the responsibility for the coordination and activities of all EMTs and Paramedic in the state of Ohio. An individual pursuing a certificate to practice as a First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, or EMT-Paramedic in Ohio must submit a completed application for certification to the State Board of Emergency Medical Services. The acceptable form is one provided and furnished by the EMS Board. The state of Ohio and the OEMS also requires the individual who has completed any EMS training to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and recognizes the exam certification if taken in other states, though additional training and testing is required for Ohio state certification. In addition, passing of a state approved exam is also required before state licensing is issued.
Ohio has four levels of certification:
• Emergency Medical Responder • EMT-Basic • EMT-Intermediate (uses state approved intermediate course; not quite I-99 standard) • EMT-Paramedic In the state of Ohio, EMS training programs must meet minimum standards for coursework and clinical experience to be accredited. OH EMT students must also participate in fieldwork and this consists of, in part, participation in a “ride-along” where the EMT candidate gains first-hand experience.
Ohio EMT training
The OH EMT-Basic certification is distinctive from most other states in that their courses include the use of advanced airway devices, ET and Combi tubes. Some of these skills are taught at advanced EMT training levels in other states. There are other differences and though slight, it is important you review them before assuming your level of training will allow you to be certified in the state of Ohio, or continue your Ohio paramedic training, if you received training in another state. Ohio EMT training programs vary in length and credit hours due to the variables in each program. In Ohio, when you have become a certified EMT, you must complete a training course after three years for recertification. Refresher courses are offered through the Ohio EMS at the First Responder level through the EMT paramedic level.
Ohio EMS Education
The state of Ohio offers EMTs four different options of training programs: 1. Complete a review course (covers the entire curriculum from the initial training course) 2. Complete a trauma training 3. Complete an Ohio Emergency Services test 4. Enrolling in additional EMT related courses For those students who decide to enroll in additional EMT related courses, there is a specific time requirement for completion, and these are based on your level of EMT certification. The time requirements are as follow: • Basic EMTs – 40 hours • Intermediate EMT – 60 hours • Paramedic – 86 hours
Certification Prerequisites
In the state of Ohio 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 have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent • must pass a drug screening Most Ohio EMT courses are through local community colleges and technical schools. Columbus State Community College and Cuyahoga Community College are just two of Ohio’s paramedic schools offering paramedic 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.
Reciprocity Certification and Licensing
Reciprocity is accepted in the state of Ohio. If you hold an EMT-Basic certification from another state or you hold just NREMT Certification, you will usually need additional training. This is often in the area of advanced airway management techniques. EMT Basics in Ohio must be proficient in the use of these techniques in order to be issued certification and an Ohio EMT-B License. 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. Full-time paid EMTs and paramedics will be needed to replace unpaid volunteers.
Contact Information
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Ohio Department Public Safety Division of EMS at 1970 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43218. Phone: toll free (800) 233-0785. Mailing address: P.O. Box 182073 - Columbus, Ohio 43218-2073 Questions? Email: AskEMS@dps.state.oh.us