EMT training and EMT paramedic training, licensing and certification in the state of Vermont are governed by the Vermont Department of Health (VDH).
Vermont has four levels of EMT certification:
- First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder
- EMT-Basic
- EMT-Intermediate (Advanced EMT)
- EMT-Paramedic
EMT training and EMT paramedic training, certification and licensing vary state to state. Furthermore, not only are there specific training requirements for the levels of training, states also have specific requirements. These must be met in order to work within the state you are seeking employment in, regardless of your EMT training or certification.
For the state of Vermont, this is important to note as the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) now follows the education standards associated with the National Scope of Practice Model for Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic licensure levels. These standards were adopted as part of Vermont’s EMS certifications in January of 2012. Persons holding licenses based on the National Standard Curriculum must transition to the new NSPM levels by 2015, 2016 or 2017 depending on the expiration date of their current Vermont EMS license. This is for all certification and licenses of the following levels: First Responder-ECA, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Renewal and transition certification levels are very specific for each EMS level. If you need to complete this process to assure your certification stays up to date and does not expire, be sure to visit the Vermont Dept. of Health website for detailed information. (Contact information below).
Certification and Training Requirements
Emergency Medical Responder certification requires:
- Applicant must hold a current EMR certification from the National Registry of EMTs
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Be sponsored through an EMS service, such as ambulance or medical facility requiring VT EMS licensure
- Pass a criminal background check and screening
- Additional requirements as listing in training courses
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic certification requires:
- Applicant must hold a current EMT certification from the National Registry of EMTs or successfully complete an approved EMT-B to EMT transition course
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- must possess a valid driver’s license
- must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Be sponsored through an EMS service, such as ambulance or medical facility requiring VT EMS licensure
- Pass a criminal background check and screening
- Additional requirements as listing in training courses
EMT-Intermediate/Advanced EMT certification requires:
…the same requirements as EMT-Basic certification, with the exception that an applicant must hold a current AEMT certification from the National Registry of EMTs or successfully complete an approved EMT-Intermediate to AEMT transition course.
Previously, this level was Vermont’s EMT-I-03, EMT-I-09, and EMT I-85. Person’s holding a Vermont EMT-I-90 or EMT-I-03 with a current NREMT-B certification may obtain initial certification for NR-AEMT by completing the Vermont state-approved EMT-I to AEMT transition course, followed by passing the NR-AEMT cognitive and psychomotor examinations. The state of Vermont will not require transitioning Vermont EMT-Intermediates to become certified at the National Registry AEMT level, but all are participants are encouraged to do so.
All Vermont certified EMT-Intermediates will have one registration cycle (which is two years) to complete a Vermont state approved Intermediate/85 to Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) transition course in order to be eligible for National EMS certification as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NR-AEMT).
EMT-Paramedic certification requires:
…the same requirements as EMT-Basic and AEMT certification, with the exception that an applicant must hold a current National Registry of EMTs Paramedic certification.
Once these pre-training requirements are met for these Vermont EMS levels, and training courses successfully completed, an applicant can apply for licensure using online appropriate EMS level licensing forms provided by the Vermont Department of Health.
EMS License Renewal
To renew your Vermont EMR license, you must:
- Renew your National Registry EMR certification
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial EMR licensure
- Complete and submit an EMR License Renewal application prior to the expiration date of current license/certification
To renew your Vermont EMT license, you must:
- Renew your National Registry EMT certification or show 72 hours of continuing education as described on the license renewal paperwork
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial EMT licensure
- Complete and submit an EMT License Renewal application prior to the expiration date of current license/certification
To renew your Vermont AEMT license, you must:
- Renew your National Registry AEMT certification or show 72 hours of continuing education as described on the license renewal paperwork
- Renew your National Registry EMT certification if they have ever held National EMT or EMT-B certification and have not transitioned to a National AEMT certification
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial AEMT licensure
- Complete and submit an AEMT License Renewal application prior to the expiration date of current license/certification
To renew your EMT-Paramedic license, you must:
- Renew their NREMT Paramedic certification
- Continue involvement with the delivery of emergency medical treatment as described for initial Paramedic licensure
- Complete and submit an AEMT License Renewal application prior to the expiration date of current license/certification
Reciprocity and Recognition of Licenses & Certifications from Other States
Persons applying for Vermont EMR licensure who have training, education, certification and/or licensing from another state, territory or country must present a current National Registry of EMTs EMR certification (or higher) in order to be considered for Vermont licensing. Next, submit an EMS Reciprocity Application to the Vermont Department of Health. This application can be found on their website.
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.
Contact Information
Emergency Medical Services Vermont Department of Health
108 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT 05401
EMAIL: vtems@state.vt.us
TEL: 802-863-7310 or 800-244-0911 (in Vermont only)