EMT License Requirements: How to Become an Emergency Medical Technician in Nevada

Nevada has a unique licensing system for Emergency Medical Technicians. EMTs in Clark County – the county where the bulk of the state’s population resides — are licensed by the Southern Nevada Health District. Those residing in other parts of the state receive their authorization from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public and Behavioral Health. This is authorized by statute. According to state statute, a “health authority” is a board when the population is 700,000 or more. The two jurisdictions have reciprocity, but require applicants to go through their own application process. While it is not unusual for a district located within a state to impose some additional requirements, it is unusual to use the term ‘reciprocity’ when referring to applicants from elsewhere in the state.

Many requirements are similar. Both jurisdictions require that EMTs be at least 18 and have proficiency in the English language. Both have transitioned to recent national standards, and both recognize EMTs and Advanced EMTs (AEMTs). Applications ask for similar information, including information about child support status. Both jurisdictions have recently published procedures manuals that include many similarities. Requirements have apparently grown more similar with time. However, there remain some differences.

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Clark County EMT Licensing Requirements

Prospective EMTs must complete approved training programs. The Southern Nevada Health District has its own approval process. The list of approved Southern Nevada programs is available from the Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System (http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ems/training-centers.php). A student must have a CPR certification in order to enter an EMT program in Clark County. EMT programs are based on national standards.

The candidate will eventually need to pass practical and cognitive examinations. The Health District will verify skills competency.

The Clark County Application Process

In order to be license eligible, an EMT needs ties to Clark County. The applicant may reside within the county, be employed within the county, or be enrolled in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training within the county.

Application forms can be downloaded from the website of the Southern Nevada Health District (http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ems/forms.php). The initial license is $61, effective July 1, 2016.

The applicant will provide evidence of current CPR certification at the healthcare provider level. The Health District has provided a list of approved providers (http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ems/approved-cpr-acls-programs.php).

An EMT candidate must have an acceptable legal and professional background. Fingerprints may be made at the Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System Office. It is also an option to submit fingerprint cards. The prospective EMT will have a physical examination and TB test prior to application.

Clark County Reciprocity

Clark County grants reciprocity to EMTs who hold Nevada licensure or National Registry certification. National Registry certification is dependent on completion of practical and cognitive examinations.

Nevada Certification Requirements

A prospective Nevada EMT must complete an approved program. Nevada-approved programs are based on the most recent national scope of practice and standards; EMTs working under licenses that reflected older scope of practice were required to transition by the end of 2015. Students work under provisional licenses while meeting their educational requirements (http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/EMS/dta/FAQs/Emergency_Medical_System_(EMS)_-_FAQs).

The individual will complete practical and written examinations as required by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The written examination is delivered via computer and is widely available.

Current requirements are described in the EMS Policy and Procedure (http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/EMS/dta/Policies/Emergency_Medical_System_(EMS)_-_Policies/). This is a recent document, showing a 2016 publication date. Procedures are subject to change.

The Nevada Application Process

Application forms can be downloaded from the website of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/EMS/dta/Forms/Emergency_Medical_System_(EMS)_-_Forms/). There is some distinction between ‘certificate’ and ‘license’.

An EMT will submit a certification application at the appropriate level. The applicant will document having passed the National Registry cognitive examination. The in-state application is to be submitted with a $10 fee. The individual will also need to document completion of an approved CPR course at the time of application.

An individual who will be working as an ambulance attendant will need approval by the EMS coordinator and medical director. He or she will also provide skills verification. The applicant will either submit fingerprint cards or follow Nevada LiveScan (electronic) fingerprinting procedures. If the person has lived in another state in the recent past, the Division will need the out-of-state motor vehicle record.

Advanced Licensure and Endorsement Options

The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has transitioned from issuing licenses at the Intermediate level to issuing licenses at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) level. Students attending AEMT programs under Division jurisdiction work under provisional licenses.

Nevada AEMTs, like paramedics, are eligible for an immunization endorsement. The endorsement reflects intent to prepare for public health disaster. The endorsement is contingent on completion of an additional training program. (The Southern Nevada Health District can also issue immunization endorsements.)

Nevada Reciprocity

An applicant can be certified by reciprocity on the basis of current NREMT certification or licensure by the Southern Nevada Health District.

An out-of-state licensee who holds neither of these credentials will be required to test through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The individual may be granted a 90 day temporary certificate if he or she can document intent to hire. EMTs applying for reciprocity on the basis of state licensure pay $30.

Additional Information

Information about Clark City EMT licensure is available from the Office of Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System, a part of the Southern Nevada Health District (http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ems/index.php). The System can be reached by telephone at (702) 759-1050 or by email at ‘EmergencyMedical at snhdmail.org’.

Information about Nevada EMT certification is available from the Department of Health and Human Services (http://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/EMS/EMS-home/). Statutes are available online (http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-450B.html). Emergency Medical Systems can be reached by telephone at (775) 687-7590.

Nevada has its own professional organization, the Nevada Emergency Medical Association (http://www.nevadaemts.org/).