Requirements for becoming an EMT or paramedic in Tennessee are governed by the Division of Emergency Medical Services (DEMS) of the Tennessee Department of Health. The DEMS is the licensure authority for the granting of EMS licenses in TN. Tennessee has three recognized levels of EMT certification. The EMS levels in TN are: EMS (Emergency Medical Service provider), EMR (Emergency Medical Responder), EMT- Basic, EMT-IV (intravenous therapy), AEMT (Advanced EMT), Paramedic, Paramedic Critical Care, and EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher). The EMT-IV level is equivalent to the EMT-Intermediate level. Each certification levels is good for two years, after which recertification is required.
Certification in Tennessee can be reciprocal and obtained by those with national EMT certification, an EMT license from another state, or with EMT training from a federal agency.
Training includes
EMT training, both EMT-Basic and paramedic levels, an understanding of the most up-to-date emergency medical techniques, skills, and protocols, and EMS scenarios. The various levels of education encompass coursework, lab work, and clinical field experiences.
To enter an EMT or paramedic training program in TN an individual:
must be at least 18
must be physically fit; passing a fitness exam
must have a valid driver’s license
must submit a program application and fee
must pass a criminal background check
must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
must hold a current CPR card
must have current immunization records
All states, including TN, and the NREMT, require the candidates for EMT certification to take a rigorous training course. Thus averages about 120 - 140 hours of classroom instruction and in-the-field practice. In the state of TN, many EMT training programs take between six and nine months to complete. For EMT-Paramedic licensing, the training can take about one year.
As with other states, upon completing you emergency services training, regardless of level, you will be required to apply and take the NREMT exam. The certification exams consist of the cognitive and the psychomotor exam, and is tailored to fit each individual’s current level of training.
EMS Reciprocity Certification in TN
The state of Tennessee allows reciprocity certification. It is governed by the state’s Health Department and applications can be obtained here: http://health.state.tn.us/ems/PDF/Reciprocity.pdf
Contact Information
Questions can be directed the TN Office of EMS
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37243
615-741-2584
1-800-778-4505 / Email: tn.health@tn.gov
There are well over a dozen schools within Tennessee that have EMT training programs. Some of these with accredited EMT/Paramedic training programs are:
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
1301 East Main Street - Murfreesboro, TN 37132-0001 / Phone: 1-615-898-2300
Chattanooga State Community College
4501 Amnicola Highway - Chattanooga, TN 37406 / Phone EMS Center: 1-423-697-4450
Dyersburg State Community College
1510 Lake Rd - Dyersburg, TN 38024 / phone: 1-731-286-3200 email: info@dscc.edu
Southwest Tennessee Community College
5983 Macon Cove - Memphis, TN 38134 / Phone: 1-901-333-5000
Tennessee Tech University
1 William L Jones Dr - Cookeville, TN 38505 / Phone 1-931-372-3101 or 1-800-255-888