Emergency Medical Technician Basic Program at CMC
Be well-prepared for the National Registry NREMT exam. with our state/nationally approved EMT-B program
The Colorado Health Department requires specific training for those who work as emergency medical technicians in emergency care situations. This program covers those requirements and prepares students for the national examination.
Emergency Medical Technician program graduates are hired or serve as EMT volunteers for ambulance services, police departments, fire departments, ski patrols and search-and-rescue organizations.
The EMT program may be taken in conjunction with other course work or independently. However, because of the limited course requirements, it is not appropriate as a sole course of study for full-time students. Graduates of the program will receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency in Emergency Medical Technology.
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate is offered at:
- Aspen: Mostly in-person
- Breckenridge: Mostly in-person
- Carbondale: Mostly in-person
- Leadville: Mostly in-person
- Rifle: Mostly in-person
- Salida: Mostly in-person
- Steamboat Springs: Mostly in-person
- Vail Valley at Edwards: Mostly in-person
What information do I need to provide to register?
- Completed Colorado Mountain College Admissions Application
- Proof of college level reading and composition (ACT or SAT scores, college transcripts, or Accuplacer testing at CMC)
What information needs to be provided within the first two weeks of class?
- Successful background check and drug screen (instructions will be provided at first class)
- Immunization records including proof of MMR vaccinations (2 shots or titer)
- Proof of 2 negative 2-step TB tests or 1 Quantiferon gold or 1 chest x-ray (any choice within the past year)
- Proof of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations or titer or signed rejection
- Proof of current season flu shot
- Proof of fully vaccinated against COVID-19
- Proof of varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations (2 shots or titer)
- Proof of current tetanus vaccination (within the past 10 years)
- Copy of current AHA CPR for the Healthcare Provider certification (this course is taught during the EMT Basic class)
- Copy of health insurance card
- Signed Colorado Mountain College Waiver (instructor will provide)
- Signed Worker’s Compensation Form (instructor will provide)
- Signed Functional Position Description for EMT (instructor will provide)
- Signed Student Policy Manual (instructor will provide)
Your CMC advisor can help with your plan to become a certified for EMT or EMS service in Colorado
EMT certification and recertification is a complicated process. Please call the EMS Education Office at 970-453-6757 ext. 2621 with any questions or concerns.
How do I become state certified in Colorado?
You must successfully complete our state/nationally approved EMT-B program (testing, practical skill stations, and clinical rotations) and then pass the National Registry CBT (computer based testing) test.
There are other requirements such as a criminal background check, 18 years of age, and establishment of lawful presence in the US. So, you must first become a National Registry EMT-B before applying for State EMT-B certification.
Ultimate approval of state and/or national certification is not managed by Colorado Mountain College, but from the National Registry of EMTs and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Can I use a current out-of-state EMT certificate to get my Colorado certification?
No. You are required to have certification from the National Registry
Is there a grace period on expired certificates?
No. Your certificate expires on the expiration date. You may not practice as an EMT during this time. The CDPHE (Colorado EMS office) allows up to 6 months after your expiration date to get your paperwork and skills testing complete.
The National Registry of EMTs will also not allow you to practice as an EMT past your expiration date.
Is there a re-entry program for Colorado State EMS?
No. Any person whose Colorado EMT certificate is more than 6 months expired is not eligible for renewal and must complete first-time application requirements.
The exception to the rule would be that you have a current National Registry EMT-B certification that you could submit to the CDPHE.
How do I reinstate expired National Registry certifications?
The following info is from the National Registry of EMTs. To be reinstated once EMT-Basic national registration has lapsed, the candidates must:
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- If lapsed within a two-year period, document successful completion of a state-approved DOT National Standard EMT-Basic refresher education program within the past two years; submit a new application and fee; and successfully complete the NREMT-Basic cognitive examination and state-approved practical examination (within the past 12 months) that meets or exceeds Registry standards.
- If lapsed beyond a two-year period and still currently state-certified at the EMT-Basic level, document successful completion of a state-approved DOT National Standard EMT-Basic refresher training course within the past two years; submit a new application and fee; and successfully complete the NREMT-Basic cognitive examination and state-approved practical examination (within the past 12 months) that meets or exceeds Registry standards.
- If lapsed beyond a two-year period and state certification at the EMT-Basic level has also lapsed, document successful completion of a new state-approved DOT National Standard EMT-Basic education program within the past two years; submit a new application and fee; and successfully complete the NREMT-Basic cognitive examination and state-approved practical examination (within the past 12 months) that meets or exceeds Registry standards.
How long are my certifications good for before they expire?
As follows:
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- American Heart Assoc. CPR: 2 yrs
- EMT Basic National Registry: 2 yrs
- Wilderness First Responder: 3 yrs
- EMT Basic State of Colo.: 3 yrs
- Community First Aid & CPR: 2 yrs
- Outdoor Emergency Care: 3 yrs