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The most comprehensive library of emergency training resources — including videos, articles, downloads, and more.
The most comprehensive library of emergency training resources — including videos, articles, downloads, and more.
Updated September 8, 2022
Update: NREMT EMS Providers may complete all training via distributive (pre-recorded content) learning for recertification – there is no longer a limit on distributive hours. Code One’s Continuing Education program meets both NREMT and Connecticut renewal requirements for all EMS levels.
Connecticut’s Office of Emergency Medical Services made several changes to the recertification process for state certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). These substantive changes took effect January 1, 2020. We’ve outlined the new recertification process, provided some helpful links, and answered frequently asked questions.
Connecticut certified EMTs now follow the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) for recertification.
Before: Prior to 2020, CT EMTs would complete a 30 hour EMT Refresher course within a year of their expiration date. The EMT Refresher course included a practical skills test and written exam proctored by an OEMS assigned examiner. Successful completion of the course and exams resulted in an extension of 3 years to the EMT certificate.
Now: EMTs need to complete 40 hours of continuing education plus a skills verification for EMT recertification. Successful completion results in a 2 year extension of the EMT certificate.
The key advantages to using NCCP for recertification include:
Recertification: EMTs with an unexpired Connecticut EMT certification.
Reinstatement: EMTs with a Connecticut EMT certification that has been expired for over 90 days and less than 2 years.
More information on EMT Reinstatement from the CT OEMS website
Continuing Education for EMT Recertification is split into three categories – National Component, State / Local Component, and Individual Component. Each category has its own required education hours and limits for how many hours can be completed using Distributive Education (pre-recorded content).
National Component: 20 hours. The National Component has an outline of topics and time that must be spent on each topic to satisfy this requirement.
State / Local Component: 10 hours. Connecticut has a “SCREENING FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, RISK OF SUICIDE, DEPRESSION AND GRIEF, AND SUICIDE PREVENTION” training requirement which went into effect January 1, 2022. Many local health departments offer this training at no cost (see resources in above linked memo). This curriculum is being built into the Prodigy EMS recertification program through Code One. Your local medical control or EMS agency may specify educational requirements to be completed in this component. If there is no state or local requirement, these hours are for elective courses.
Individual Component: 10 hours. These hours are for elective courses.
Total: 40 hours
As of September 2022, both Connecticut and the NREMT no longer limit distributive education. Therefore the below categories don’t really matter, but we left the information here in case you’re interested.
The NREMT categorizes education as F1, F2, F3, and F5 (yup, F4 doesn’t exist!)
Code One’s Online EMT Recertification Course consists of 40 hours of online content which satisfies continuing education requirements. Register for the Online EMT Recertification course is here.
Skills verification can be completed through two methods:
EMTs obtaining recertification within 90 days of their expiration date are exempt from the Mental Health First Aid certification requirement which took effect January 1, 2020. Mental Health First Aid certification requirements for EMR, EMT, and AEMT levels was removed by legislative action in March 2020. Paramedics seeking initial licensure or reinstatement are required to have Mental Health First Aid certification.
Yes. Code One’s Online EMT Recertification course provides all required continuing education hours in a flexible virtual format. More information is here.
In September 2022, Connecticut OEMS permanently lifted the limits on distributive (pre-recorded) continuing education. This change was in response to the NREMT permanently lifting their limits on distributive education earlier in the year.
EMTs need a state certification to practice. The EMT can easily submit their updated NREMT certification through the Connecticut eLicense website to obtain updated state EMT certification.
The Mental Health First Aid requirement established by PA 19-191 is now only currently required for initial Paramedic licensure. This may change in the future to include EMTs seeking reinstatement of an expired certification.
The Mark King Initiative (MKI) provides EMTs who previously held NREMT certification with a one-time reinstatement of their NREMT certification without having to complete the usual reinstatement testing requirements. Connecticut OEMS plans to offer the Mark King Initiative after the COVID-19 pandemic is declared under control. There is a small fee for reinstatement through the MKI.
Connecticut made some significant changes to the certification process for EMTs which took effect January 1, 2020. These changes have streamlined the process for those who have dual certification with NREMT and the state. While these updates may be confusing at first glance, there are many resources available to guide EMTs through the new process. Code One is here to help with any questions or challenges you may have.
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