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INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION
Qualifications for certification:
The Department will issue an EMS Instructor certification to an individual who meets all of the following requirements:
- Has completed an application for EMS instructor certification on a form prescribed by the Department.
- 18 years of age
- Successful completion of an EMS instructor course. approved by the department or possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in education or a teacher's certificate in education issued by the PA Department of Education.
- EMT-B transition program/update or completion of EMT-B course or any other required updates by the Department.
- No evidence of suspension, revocation or denial of certification from the Department or its designee.
- Current certification as EMT, EMT-paramedic, PHRN or health professional.
- Possess current certification in CPR or current certification as a CPR instructor.
- Possesses at least one-year experience functioning at the EMT, EMT-paramedic or health professional level providing prehospital care.
- Documentation of 20 hours supervised participation as an assistant instructor within the previous 12 months.
Renewal of instructor certification:
An EMS instructor certification is valid for 3 years. The Department will renew an EMS instructor certification for an individual who meets the following requirements:
- Has completed an application for renewal of an EMS instructor certification on a form prescribed by the Department.
- Has demonstrated competence in teaching the didactic and practical skills portion of the curriculum.
- Has provided documentation to the department to establish that the individual conducted at least 6o hours of teaching over three years.
- Possesses current certification as an EMT, EMT-paramedic or recognition as a health professional.
- Possess current certification in CPR or current certification as a CPR instructor.
- Effective October 14, 2003, has completed an EMS instructor update program within 3 years prior to applying for renewal of certification; as accepted by the department.
*If teaching in multiple regions, the application process is through region of primary residence.
Reinstatement for Instructor Certification
This process is for EMS Instructors who have not maintained their instructor certification and wish to regain their EMS Instructor certification.
Prerequisites:
- Previously certified as a Pennsylvania EMS instructor.
- Current certification as an EMT, EMT-P, PHRN or Health Professional.
- Possess current certification in CPR or current certification as a CPR instructor.
- No evidence of suspension, revocation or denial of certification from the Department or its designee.
- Complete an update for new material, curricula, and instructional techniques as established by the regional EMS council, and approved by the Department. Including demonstrated competency in curricula, which will be taught.
- Provide recommendations from regional EMS council and approved training institute that the instructor be re-certified.
- Documentation of 20 hours supervised instruction within the previous 12 months.
- Documentation of 60 hours of instruction in the last three years.
Instructor Trainer
Instructor Trainers will provide future instructors with the education and various teaching methodologies to educate future EMS providers. In order to teach an Instructor training program, the criteria set forth in this section shall be met. An Instructor Trainer is an individual who has the overall responsibility for an EMS Instructor training program. This individual is formally recognized by the Department of Health, and is able to function as an Instructor Trainer throughout the Commonwealth, and coordination through the Regional Council.
An Instructor Trainer must:
- Possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Education; or teacher's certification in education issued by the department of education.
- Be certified at the level of EMT or above for not less than three years;
- No evidence of suspension, revocation or denial of certification from the Department or its designee.
- Be currently certified as an EMT Instructor;
- Possess current certification in CPR or current certification as a CPR instructor.
- Receive an endorsement from a Regional EMS Council.
- Approved by the Department of Health Bureau of EMS.
Process to become recognized as an instructor trainer:
- Complete an application for Instructor Trainer
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a Regional EMS Council.
- Provide proof of current Department EMS Instructor certification.
- Submit official transcripts verifying completion of a Bachelors Degree in Education; or teacher's certification in education issued by the department of education.
- Recognition of an Instructor Trainer status will be provided by way of a formal letter from the Director, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
- Recognition is valid concurrently with EMS Instructor certification and is renewed upon endorsement by the regional EMS council in which the applicant teaches. The applicant must maintain original requirements to maintain recognition as an Instructor Trainer.
If you have questions or need assistance please call EMMCO (814) 337-5380 x107 or email us at mail@emmco.org