EMT training and EMT paramedic training, licensing, and certification in the state of Illinois are governed by the Department of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety. IDPH delivers the necessary approval of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout Illinois.
IL EMT Training Requirements
EMS Education is carried out by or in partnership with approved EMS systems all over the state. This educational training includes preliminary courses, refresher courses, and continuing medical education. These Courses are conducted at colleges, hospitals, along with a variety of local community locations. Online EMT Training certification schools and courses are also offered through online resources.
The state has three main levels of EMS certification: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-P.
To partake in EMT or EMT paramedic schools in the state of Illinois an individual:
- must be at least 18 years of age
- 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
- possess current immunization records
- must have a valid IL driver’s license
- must pass a physical
- must enroll in EMT-basic training and pass EMT certification (for paramedic licensure)
- must possess sponsorship and/or letters of support (for paramedic licensure)
Training programs in Illinois must meet minimum standards for coursework and clinical experience to be accredited. These EMS 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 training program and certification level.
Licensing and Certification in IL
The state of Illinois is among those few states that do not require an EMT or Paramedic to pass the National Registry Exam in order to become a licensed EMT or Paramedic. Eligible candidates may elect to take either the Illinois State Licensing Exam or the National Registry Exam (NREMT). If forgoing the NREMT Exam, the state of Illinois Licensing Exam must be passed to receive state approval and license issuance. When applying to take the exam, you must disclose whether or not you have previously taken the National Registry Exam (NREMT). Failure to disclose this information may get your application for an EMT license denied.
Candidates who successfully pass initial licensure courses are qualified to take licensure exams through their EMS System that sponsored the course. Qualifying candidates may elect to take either the Illinois State Licensing Exam or the National Registry Exam. Paramedic exam candidates who wish to test with the National Registry of EMT’s must qualify by graduating from a Co-AEMSP accredited Paramedic program.
The IDPH Emergency Medical System provides a study guide for each of the three EMS certification levels: EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate, and Paramedic. These study guides have an analysis of the Illinois State EMT Exam and about 30 sample EMT questions.
Additional Information
The IDPH provides online forms for EMS Authorization Release Information, EMS Training Program Application, EMS Examination Application, EMS Testing Reasonable Accommodation Request, and an application for both the Registration for the Illinois State Examination and the NREMT Exam.
As of 2016, there were nearly 16,000 EMS and Paramedic personnel employed in Illinois. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paramedics and EMTs will see 33% growth nationwide between 2010 and 2020. The BLS also noted that the average salary for the career field was roughly $34,000 nationally as of May 2011; however, paramedics and EMTs in Illinois made almost $44,000.
Contact Information and Schools
Illinois Emergency Medical System
535 W. Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone (217)-782-4977 OR 1-800-547-0466
Email: DPH.MAILUS@illinois.gov
Illinois paramedic training school programs are offered by two-year, public schools throughout the state, as little as one year for EMT Basic. All programs include an internship or work experience period that allows students to interact, with supervision, with patients. Some institutions include CPR in their coursework, others require CPR certification prior to applying. Here are just a few accredited Illinois EMT and Paramedic training schools.
Black Hawk College
District Office 6600 34th Avenue - Moline, IL 61265
Phone: 1-309-796-5000
Parkland College
2400 West Bradley Avenue - Champaign, IL 61821
Phone: 1-217-351-2200 OR 1-888-467-6065
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road - Joliet IL, 60431
Phone: 1-815-729-9020
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Jackson - Chicago, IL 60612
Phone1-312-850-7000