EMT Paramedic Training in Ohio
EMT training and EMT 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 their EMT 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 OH EMT training 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, EMT 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 for 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 EMT 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.
The state of Ohio offers EMTs four different options of training programs:
1. Completing a review course (covers the entire curriculum from the initial training course)
2. Completing a trauma training
3. Completing Ohio Emergency Services test
4. Enrolling in additional EMT related courses
For those EMT training 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
To become a certified EMT or EMT paramedic 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 training programs are through local community colleges and technical schools. Columbus State Community College Paramedic Program and Cuyahoga Community College EMT Training Program are just two of Ohio’s paramedic schools offering certification courses.
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 EMT 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. It is becoming increasingly difficult for emergency medical services to recruit and retain unpaid volunteers because of the amount of EMT training and EMT paramedic training, and the large time commitment these positions require. Not to mention liability. As a result, more paid EMTs and paramedics are needed. Furthermore, as a large segment of the population—aging members of the baby boom generation—becomes more likely to have medical emergencies, demand will increase for EMTs and paramedics. There will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas.
Job prospects should be very favorable and job opportunities should be best in private ambulance services. Competition will be greater for jobs in local government, including fire, police, and independent third-service rescue squad departments which tend to have better salaries and benefits. EMTs and paramedics who have advanced EMT training education and paramedic training, such as Paramedic level certification, should enjoy the most favorable job prospects as employees and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.
Additional requirements for pursuing EMT training and EMT paramedic training exist, and specifics 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.
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.
Tags: EMT Paramedic Programs in Ohio, EMT paramedic training, EMT Schools in Ohio, emt training, EMT training in Ohio, Paramedics