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Requirements for CPR Certification for EMTs


EMTs are often the first emergency personnel on the scene of an accident or emergency. As first responders, EMTs are expected to quickly assess the situation and perform life-saving actions quickly – which means EMTs need to be prepared for anything.

Learn more about the requirements for BLS and CPR certification for EMTs – then get started with your certification online!

Do EMTs Need to Be CPR Certified?

Summary:

EMTs are required to obtain a BLS certification with a hands-on training component, and they may be eligible to receive Continuing Education (CE) Credits for ProTrainings' BLS course, as well as ACLS and PALS courses.

Nurses are eligible to receive up to four Continuing Education (CE) Credits for ProTrainings’ BLS course. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) regulate EMS professionals. ProTrainings can help EMTs complete the steps to receive CE credits.



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Dive Deeper:

As first responders, EMTs are often the medical professionals that victims and bystanders turn to in order to save a life. EMTs may be called to scenes involving severe injuries, cardiac arrest, stroke, head trauma, and more. Because EMTs are typically the first on the scene to assess and treat ailments of all kinds, they need to be prepared to help their patients and colleagues with any situation that arises. This includes being trained in CPR with a proper Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

As a requirement of their profession, EMTs are required to obtain a BLS certification with a hands-on training component to complete their professional requirements. Many employers of EMTs have additional certification requirements such as first aid certification, though this varies widely. The most common requirement for EMTs, though, is a BLS certification.

BLS certification programs are more advanced training programs for CPR and other life-saving skills that are designed specifically for healthcare professionals.

EMTs are typically required to complete a BLS certification course that includes a hands-on component, either through a blended program or a classroom course. If your employer provides on-site hands-on manikin training, you may be able to complete the BLS course online to supplement the hands-on component.

Also, according to the American Nursing Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation (ANCC), nurses are eligible to receive up to four Continuing Education (CE) Credits for ProTrainings’ BLS course, as well as ACLS and PALS courses. If you need assistance, ProTrainings can help you complete the steps to claim these credits.

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is the certifying organization that provides EMT training and licensure, while the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) is the organization that governs Continuing Education requirements for EMTs. There are many different types of EMS professionals under the regulations of these two entities, which includes all licensed emergency responders, such as paramedics.

All emergency responders need are required to complete and maintain a BLS certification with a hands-on component. EMTs are eligible to receive Continuing Education (CE) Credits for ProTrainings’ BLS course, as well as ACLS and PALS courses. If you need assistance, ProTrainings can help you complete the steps to claim these credits.

What CPR Certification Course Do EMTs Need?


CPR certification for EMTs are determined based on three criteria: 

Course Content


EMTs are healthcare professionals, which means they are required to complete healthcare-level training in Basic Life Support. This is your course content requirement. Be sure to select CPR classes for nurses that specifically includes BLS training.

Course Delivery Modality


Most likely, your employer’s CPR requirements for EMTs will state that you need to complete a CPR certification program that involves a hands-on training program. This is your course delivery modality requirement. Look for a program listed as a “blended” course, which means there is a hands-on training portion, manikin, and live video skills assessment with an instructor in order to meet the requirements to earn a CPR certification for EMTs.

Course Brand


Finally, your state or employer may have specific course brand requirements. Some employers require that your CPR certification for EMTs come from a specific brand; others don’t have brand-specific requirements and allow you to complete your training with flexible online providers like ProTrainings.


Be sure to check your state’s unique requirements in order to select a CPR certification for EMTs that’s right for you.
State Lookup

What Are the Requirements for EMTs CPR Certification in Your State?


There may be specific CPR certification requirements and special considerations for EMTs performing CPR according to your state. To learn more about which requirements impact you, select your state on the map below.

Click on your state for CPR requirements for EMTs: