EMT Certification: Steps to Become an Emergency Medical Technician in Indiana
Indiana Emergency Medical Technicians are state-certified by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. EMTs must be at least 18 years of age. They must complete approved training programs and then pass two examinations. Scope of practice is not identical from state to state. Indiana programs include some state-specific curriculum.
Select an Indiana EMT Topic:
- Indiana EMT Education Requirements
- The Examination Process
- Advanced EMT Requirements
- Out-of-State Emergency Medical Technicians
- The Application Process
- Renewal Requirements
- Additional Information: Contacts for State and Local Agencies, Education Options & Other Helpful Resources
Educational Requirements
EMT programs must be state-approved. Programs may be offered by various sponsoring institutions, including post-secondary institutions, private trade schools, hospitals, and even high schools. Education standards are based on recent National EMS Standards. Indiana has made some additions. The total program is typically at least 160 hours. Core coursework comprises at least 138 hours.
Among the major content areas are trauma, shock and resuscitation, medicine, and EMS operations. A portion of the EMS operations hours may be subtracted for qualifying ICS coursework.
The EMT student will 1) complete at least ten patient contacts and 2) do a clinical internship of at least eight hours and a field internship of at least eight hours.
The Indiana curriculum includes driving laws, hazardous materials (HazMat), and advanced directives. Some requirements, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and autism awareness, are noted as Indiana requirements but should be in the curriculum nationwide, provided that training was indeed based on recent National EMS Standards.
Indiana EMT students will have training and assessment in Physician’s Orders for Scope of Treatment, or POST (https://secure.in.gov/dhs/3818.htm).
Examination Requirements
Prospective EMTs must complete written examinations as well as tests of practical skills. By passing both examinations, an individual can also earn certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
The written examination is now computer-delivered. It is administered in a standardized manner across the nation. Candidates can register through the NREMT website (https://www.nremt.org/nremt). Currently the fee is $70; it will increase to $80 in early 2017.
The candidate will need to confirm successful completion of a qualifying program. Once approved, he or she can schedule an examination at a Pearson assessment center. Pearson has provided a search tool for assessment centers around the country (http://www.pearsonvue.com/nremt/). The ATT grants a 90-day examination window. Candidates with questions about the examination process can contact the NREMT at (614) 888-4484.
Candidates can expect to receive information about the practical examination from their programs.
Both examinations must be passed within 12 months of each other.
Advanced EMT Requirements
Advanced EMT (AEMT) is a designation for individuals who have training beyond the typical EMT level but well below that of paramedic; Indiana AEMTs have some skills that are not in the curriculum in all parts of the nation. A student enrolled in an Indiana AEMT course will typically receive at least 190.5 hours of training (160 hours of core coursework and another 30.5 of Indiana curriculum that will result in an expanded scope of practice).
Pharmacology receives considerable focus at the AEMT level; a student can expect fully 30 hours. The student will need to access venous circulation a minimum of 25 times and administer medication to at least 15 patients. He or she will need to perform a variety of assessments, including assessment of patients with chest pain and those with altered mental states. Among the Indiana-specific requirements are 1) adult IO and 2) EKG monitoring and interpretation.
The AEMT candidate will again go through the NREMT examination process; detailed information can be found on the NREMT website.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security notes that prospective AEMTs take the Indiana Cardiac Psychomotor Examination as part of their training; a skills sheet is linked from the Department website (http://www.in.gov/dhs/3795.htm).
Out-of-State Emergency Medical Technicians
An EMT who completes an equivalent out-of-state program and then achieves registration through the National Registry is eligible for reciprocity provided that registration is current. An EMT can be licensed on the basis of licensure in any other U.S. state provided that he or she passes the required practical and written examinations. The licensing agency can also accept equivalent courses of study completed through the military provided that the individual goes on to pass the required examinations.
A reciprocity applicant at the Advanced EMT level will need to be affiliated with an Indiana provider in order to achieve active licensing. An unaffiliated AEMT may, however, present credentials and receive a license with inactive status. AEMTs work under medical direction.
The Department of Homeland Security may issue temporary authorization to out-of-state licensees who are affiliated with Indiana providers.
Reciprocity candidates may need to do some supplemental training. The Department has provided a resource page.
The Department notes that AEMTs who wish to expand their scope of practice to include practices such as 12-lead ECG acquisition and transmission will need to meet state requirements (http://www.in.gov/dhs/3795.htm).
The Application Process
The education and application process are closely linked, at least in the case of in-state applicants. The licensing agency notes that the student’s Report of Training (ROT) also serves as license application.
Reciprocity applications can be downloaded from the website of the Department of Homeland Security (http://www.in.gov/dhs/3527.htm).
The licensing agency will look for a copy of a qualifying document. Military applicants are to include a copy of their EMS curriculum as well as their DD-214.
An Indiana physician who seeks EMS credentialing will also use the reciprocity application.
Renewal Requirements
EMTs renew their credentials every other year. They are expected to do at least 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year cycle. If the EMT has a current affiliation, some hours are credited for audit and review.
Renewal applications can be found on the DHS website (https://secure.in.gov/dhs/3527.htm).
Additional Information
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security can provide information about certification of Emergency Medical Technicians (http://www.in.gov/dhs/3527.htm). EMS Certifications can be reached by email at ’emscertifications at dhs.in.gov’ or by telephone at (317) 232-6425.
Training and certification requirements are described in Title 836 of state code (http://www.state.in.us/legislative/iac/title836.html).
The Indiana Emergency Medical Services Association, a state professional association, is an additional resource (http://indianaemsa.com). Indiana EMSA is not involved with the licensing process.
