EMT Certification in Arkansas

EMT professionals, who want to get nationally certified need to appear for an examination that is conducted by a non-profit body, called National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT). The exam comprises of two sections- the cognitive section includes a question paper consisting 70-120 questions, covering subject areas, like bleeding management, oxygenation, and ventilation, cardiology, etc, while the psychomotor exam is a practical test of student’s capability to manage various emergency situations in a proper manner.

The main aim of Emergency Medical Technician certification is to ensure whether the EMT professional is capable of handling the trauma or not.

Requirements to Get EMT Certificate

The general obligations that a candidate is ought to fulfil in order to get an EMT certificate in Arkansas are:

• EMT aspirant should be 18 years of age or more.
• A state-approved EMT program program should be completed by the candidate.
• Passing the NREMT exam is also essential.
• A state-approved CPR program is required to be done by the candidate.
• The candidate must be a citizen of U.S. He/she may be asked to show proof of citizenship.
• You must be physically and mentally fit.
• Knowledge (read, write and speak) of English is another crucial requirement.
• A background check of the candidate is also necessary.

Special Requirements for EMT Certification

• An application along with the applicable fees is to be submitted by the candidate.
• A state-approved practical examination is also needed to be passed by the candidate.

Process of EMT Certification

The following steps will guide you about the entire EMT certification process in Arkansas:

Step 1: Program

Firstly, the student should successfully complete an EMT program course from a state-approved program center in Arkansas, which includes both the classroom, as well as practical internships.

Step 2: Apply for Certification

• The candidate needs to create an account on the NREMT website by clicking on “Create New Account”.
• Next step is creating a new application by clicking on “Create Initial Entry Application” in order to take the exam.
• Now, the candidate must pay his/her application fee as soon as the online application finishes off, though, it can also be paid later.
• Now, the candidate must check the status of his/her application by regularly logging into the website using his/her username and password. Check for “Authorization to Test” (ATT) Letter on the website’s homepage by clicking on “Check Initial Entry Application Status”.
• If the NREMT website has submitted the details of the candidate, then a link of “Submitted” will appear next to the link “Course Completion Verification”. It implies that your application is waiting for the approval by the education program director.
• However, if “Not Submitted” appears next to the option of “Application Payment”, it clearly means that the candidate needs to pay the fees before he/she receives the ATT Letter.
• After the payment, as well as the verification by the education program director, the candidate may print the ATT Letter, if the link appears as “Print ATT Letter”.
• Now, take out a print-out of your ATT Letter and plan a timetable of your NREMT exam. The ATT Letter will give the guidelines for scheduling the examination by using the Pearson VUE website.

The NREMT practical exams will be managed by the state-approved program programs.

Step 3: Background Check of the Candidate

A criminal background check of the candidate is also necessary if he/she is applying for the EMT certificate. The aspirant will be instructed on this by the class instructor. Other paperwork that you need to fulfil may differ from college to college.

Renewal of EMT Certificate

The common requirements for EMT, advanced EMT and paramedic level of program are:

• The candidate must provide a signed and dated application.
• The candidate must be currently working in an Emergency Medical Service.
• Applicable fees should be paid by the candidate either through a check or money order made on the name of Arkansas Department of Health.
• The candidate must also submit a copy of his/her current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification signed by the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider and American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescue.
• The candidate must also undergo an approved refresher course or complete program of Continuing Education.
• He/she must give a proof of his cognitive knowledge through an examination or Continuing Education program.
• A skills verification proof is important, which should be checked by the Physician Medical Director, Program Program Director, or Director of Operations.

EMR-Emergency Medical Responder

• A refresher course of 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE).
• An applicable fee of $10.00, which is non-refundable.

EMT-Basic

• A refresher course of 24 hours, along with 48 hours of additional program.
• A non-refundable fee of $15.00 should be paid while submitting the application for recertification.

EMT-Intermediate/99

• The candidate must complete a 36-hour refresher course, along with 36 hours of added program.
• The candidate needs to pay a non-refundable fee of $15.00.

Paramedics

• The aspirant is required to do 48 hours of Continuing Education (CE) or approved paramedic level refresher program.
• Additional Continuing Education (CE) of 24 hours.
• A non-refundable fee of $20.00.