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

Wyoming Emergency Medical Technicians are licensed by the Public Health Division of the Department of Health. They fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of Emergency Medical Services & Trauma.

Wyoming EMTs can be licensed at any of multiple levels. The term ‘intermediate’ is sometimes used to denote more than one scope of practice. According to a 2012 report, more than half of Wyoming’s providers held licensing at the basic EMT level (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/reportsandpublications.html). There were more licenses at the intermediate level than at the paramedic level. EMT is the most common designation around the nation. However in some states, licenses that represent intermediate levels of training are relatively uncommon, and a majority of individuals who seek additional training progress all the way to paramedic status.

Select a Wyoming EMT Topic:

Educational and Training Standards

A Wyoming resident will complete a Division-approved course. Information about in-state programs is available from the Department of Health (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/course.html). Out-of-state courses can be accepted if they are substantially equivalent. The Division will need detailed information such as course descriptions, instructional hours, and clinical time. Some individuals may receive equivalent education through the Department of Defense.

Examination Requirements

Prospective licensees can be licensed on the basis of the Division Licensure Exam or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Applicants who hold licensure in other states may be exempted from the Division Licensure Exam.Those who apply without holding a qualifying credential will be scheduled for the Division Exam. The Division can allow up to six examination attempts, made seven to 30 days apart. However, remediation is required after a third unsuccessful attempt.

Most EMTs around the nation are licensed on the basis of National Registry examinations. An EMT can achieve national certification as well as state licensure. The licensing agency notes that certification is not authorization to practice; an individual must still go through the license application process.

National Registry certification is dependent on passing a state-approved practical skills evaluation and a standardized computer-based examination. The candidate must create an account. Authorization can be granted after all portions of the course have been completed and required materials submitted; individuals who need authorization are directed to call the EMS Office. Examinations are administered at Pearson VUE assessments centers. The Department of Health has provided a list of Wyoming Pearson VUE centers (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/pearsonvuecentersWY.html).

The Application Process

Applications can be submitted online through the Online Wyoming licensure System, or ‘OWLS’ (https://wyoming.emsbridge.com/licensure/public/wyoming/public-portal/Login/). Instructions can be found in the “forms” section of the EMS website (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/forms.html)

The applicant will need to have a fingerprint-based background check. Fingerprints are to be made on FBI blue applicant cards. Applicants may opt to have their fingerprints made at the Cheyenne Department of Criminal Investigation Office. There is a $5.00 fee for this service. An appointment will be necessary. The applicant may opt to have fingerprints made elsewhere. Fingerprint cards can be obtained from a local law enforcement office.

The combined fee for the state and federal background checks is $39. The licensing agency has provided an instruction sheet which includes a mailing address for the DCI as well as codes to use when filling out the fingerprint card (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/Licensing.html). The applicant will include the fee with the fingerprint card.

Recertification Requirements

Licenses are renewed on a two-year basis. The initial licensing period may be slightly longer.

An EMT at the basic level is expected to complete 55 hours of continuing medical education; fully 49 are to be distributed among specific content areas identified by the Division. The EMT will take an examination and have his or her skills evaluated. Requirements are listed in Chapter 8 of EMS Regulations (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/RulesandRegulations.html). The EMT must have current CPR certification.

An EMT who completes a Division-approved paramedic program can be considered to have met the continuing medical education requirement for that licensing period.

Advanced EMT and Intermediate EMT Standards

Wyoming also has two license categories that represent a level of training and scope of practice beyond the typical EMT level but below that of paramedic. They are Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) and Intermediate Emergency Medical Technician (IEMT). The AEMT corresponds to a national certification that is recognized in most U.S. states. The IEMT is a less common designation.

EMTs are expected to have 12 months of active affiliation before they enter training programs at the intermediate level.

An IEMT will need ACLS certification.

An EMT who has met requirements for a higher license will seek an upgrade to his or her license.

Additional Information

The Office of Emergency Medical Services is part of the Wyoming Department of Health (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/index.html). Emergency Medical Services can be reached by telephone at (307) 777-7955 or (888) 228-8996. Individuals who are calling from outside Wyoming should use the ‘307’ number. Rules and regulations can be downloaded from the website of the Department of Health (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/RulesandRegulations.html). Interested individuals can find additional contact information, including email addresses for staff members, on the website (http://www.health.wyo.gov/sho/ems/aboutus.html).

The Wyoming EMS Advocates is a state professional organization and serves as an additional resource (http://www.wyems.org/).