Top 11 Emergency Department Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for emergency department technicians in the job market because they demonstrate that the technician has been trained in specific areas of expertise and has met a certain level of proficiency. Certifications can also provide employers with assurance that the technician has a comprehensive understanding of their duties and responsibilities. Additionally, certifications can help emergency department technicians stand out from other job applicants by providing proof of their qualifications and experience. Finally, certifications can open up new career opportunities as some employers may require certified technicians to fill certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Emergency Department Technicians and explain how they can help advance an emergency department technician's career.

What are Emergency Department Technician Certifications?

Emergency Department Technician (EDT) certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who provide patient care in emergency departments. EDT certification is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in emergency nursing practice. The BCEN recognizes EDTs who demonstrate proficiency in providing essential care to patients in the emergency department, as well as those who have completed additional education and training relevant to the specialty.

Earning an EDT certification can help individuals advance their careers and become more competitive job candidates. It also serves to validate the knowledge and skills they have acquired while working in the field, demonstrating their commitment to professional development. Additionally, it can help establish credibility among peers and employers, as well as provide access to advanced practice opportunities within the specialty. Ultimately, earning an EDT certification can help ensure that individuals are adequately prepared to provide high quality patient care in emergency departments.

Pro Tip: When considering emergency department technician certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and regulations of your state and city. Many jurisdictions have their own set of licensing and certification requirements that may differ from national standards.

Related: What does an Emergency Department Technician do?

Top 11 Emergency Department Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Emergency Department Technicians today.

1. Certified Emergency Department Technician (CEDT)

Certified Emergency Department Technician (CEDT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in emergency departments. The certification is awarded by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).

The CEDT certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience as an emergency department technician, or ED tech. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, medical terminology, pharmacology, and more.

It typically takes six months to one year to prepare for the CEDT exam. In order to prepare, applicants should review the BCEN's Candidate Handbook and take practice exams. Additionally, many hospitals offer courses specifically designed to help ED techs prepare for the CEDT exam.

The cost of taking the CEDT exam varies depending on where you take it and when you take it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$400 USD.

2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is an advanced level of medical training that focuses on the emergency care of patients with cardiac and other life-threatening conditions. It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening arrhythmias, resuscitate patients in cardiac arrest, manage acute coronary syndromes, and provide effective post-cardiac arrest care.

It typically takes 8 hours to complete an ACLS course. To get ACLS certification, you must attend a course taught by an instructor certified by the American Heart Association or another nationally recognized organization. The cost of an ACLS course varies depending on where it is taken, but generally ranges from $150-$300.

3. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is an advanced level of resuscitation training that focuses on the recognition and treatment of critically ill infants and children. It is designed to help healthcare providers recognize and respond quickly to life-threatening emergencies in a pediatric setting. PALS is based on the American Heart Association’s Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

PALS certification is typically obtained through an American Heart Association approved course. The course typically takes about 16 hours to complete, including both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with manikins. Most courses are offered by hospitals, medical centers, or other organizations approved by the AHA.

The cost of a PALS certification course varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $200-$400.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of life-saving techniques that are used to provide immediate, short-term assistance to an individual who is experiencing a medical emergency. BLS includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED), and other techniques that may be used in the event of cardiac arrest, stroke, or other medical emergencies.

BLS can be obtained through a variety of sources, including online courses, in-person classes, and certification programs. The length of time it takes to obtain BLS certification varies depending on the type of course taken. Online courses typically take around 4 hours to complete, while in-person classes may require up to 8 hours.

The cost for BLS certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Generally speaking, online courses range from $25-$50 and in-person classes range from $50-$100.

In addition to obtaining BLS certification, individuals should also stay up-to-date on their skills by taking refresher courses or attending practice sessions with certified instructors at least once every two years.

5. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is an evidence-based, internationally recognized educational program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and hands-on training needed to care for trauma patients. It is a two-day course that covers topics such as trauma assessment and management, shock and resuscitation, airway management, and injury prevention. The course also provides a comprehensive review of trauma nursing practice in the prehospital setting.

TNCC is offered through the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). To get TNCC certification you must complete the two-day course, pass a written exam at the end of the course, and maintain your certification every four years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the course.

The cost of TNCC varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$500 for both days of training.

6. International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is a comprehensive, evidence-based educational program designed to teach prehospital trauma care. ITLS focuses on the recognition, assessment and management of the trauma patient in the field. The program is based on the latest scientific evidence, and provides an organized approach to managing trauma patients.

ITLS courses are offered in two levels: Basic and Advanced. The Basic course is designed for prehospital providers such as EMTs and paramedics, while the Advanced course is intended for physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers who may be involved in the care of trauma patients. Both courses include lectures, skills stations and hands-on scenarios that allow participants to practice their skills in simulated environments.

The length of an ITLS course varies depending on the level being taken; most Basic courses are 8-12 hours long, while Advanced courses can range from 16-24 hours.

To get ITLS certification, individuals must attend an accredited course taught by an authorized instructor. Courses are typically offered at hospitals, fire departments or EMS agencies throughout the United States and Canada. The cost of a course varies by location but usually ranges from $100-$300 USD per person.

Once an individual has completed a course they will receive a certificate of completion which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed with additional training or continuing education credits.

7. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides patient care in a variety of settings, including doctor's offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities. CMAs typically perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and billing insurance companies. They also provide direct patient care such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and preparing patients for examinations.

It usually takes about one year to become a CMA. To get certified, you must complete an accredited program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. After completing the program, you must pass the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on where you take your classes and how long it takes to complete the program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 or more for tuition and fees. In addition to tuition costs, you will also need to pay for textbooks and other materials related to your studies.

8. National Healthcareer Association Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Certification

The National Healthcareer Association Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Certification (NHA EMT-B) is a professional credential that demonstrates a person has completed the necessary training and passed the required exams to become an entry-level emergency medical technician. The certification is valid for two years, after which it must be renewed.

To become certified as an NHA EMT-B, you must complete a state-approved EMT program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Most programs take between six months and one year to complete, depending on your state's requirements.

In addition to completing an approved EMT program and passing the NREMT exam, you must also have current CPR certification from either the American Heart Association or American Red Cross before you can apply for certification.

The cost of becoming an NHA EMT-B varies by state, but typically includes fees for tuition, books, supplies, and testing. Generally speaking, the total cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.

9. American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers

American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers is a certification course that teaches healthcare providers the basic skills necessary to save lives in a variety of medical emergencies. The BLS course covers CPR, AED use, and relief of choking in adults, children, and infants. It also includes recognition of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

The American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification course takes approximately 4 hours to complete. To get certified, you must attend an instructor-led training session at an approved American Heart Association Training Center or take the online version of the course with an authorized provider.

The cost for the instructor-led training session varies depending on your location and can range from $50-$100 USD. The online version of the course typically costs around $25 USD.

10. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED

American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED is a certification program designed to teach individuals how to respond to and manage medical emergencies. The program covers topics such as CPR, AED (automated external defibrillator) use, choking relief, wound care, and other first aid techniques.

The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED course typically takes about 6-8 hours to complete. It can be taken in person or online. In-person classes are offered at local American Red Cross chapters and authorized training centers across the US. Online courses are also available through the American Red Cross website.

The cost of the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED course varies depending on the type of class you take and where you take it. In-person classes typically range from $70-$100 per person, while online courses range from $30-$60 per person.

11. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification is a certification program that provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assess stroke patients using the NIH Stroke Scale. It is designed to help healthcare professionals recognize stroke symptoms, determine the severity of a stroke, and provide appropriate treatment. The certification is valid for two years.

To obtain NIHSS certification, healthcare professionals must attend an approved training course and pass an exam administered by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association or other approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $200-$500.

The training course typically consists of online modules, lectures, case studies, and hands-on practice sessions. The duration of the course can vary, but is usually between one and three days in length. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals will receive their certification in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

Once certified, healthcare professionals must complete continuing education activities every two years to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Emergency Department Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific career goals of the individual. For those looking to work in an emergency department, a technician certificate may be beneficial in order to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job duties effectively. This certificate can provide a well-rounded education that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, clinical procedures, emergency management and more.

In addition to providing an educational foundation for working in an emergency department, having an emergency department technician certificate may also open up career opportunities. Many employers look for candidates with a certification or degree when hiring for positions within the emergency department. Having a certificate could give you the edge over other applicants who do not have one.

Furthermore, having a certified emergency department technician could help ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest protocols and techniques used in the field. This can help keep you safe while performing your duties as well as ensure that you are providing quality care for patients in need of urgent attention.

In short, whether or not someone needs an emergency department technician certificate ultimately depends on their individual career goals and aspirations. If they wish to pursue a career within an emergency department setting, then obtaining such certification may be beneficial in order to gain additional knowledge and skills as well as increase chances of getting hired by potential employers.

Related: Emergency Department Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Emergency Department Technician Certifications

1. What is an Emergency Department Technician Certification?

Answer: An Emergency Department Technician (EDT) Certification is a credential that verifies the individual has received specialized training to provide care in emergency medical settings. It also demonstrates knowledge and skills in patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, basic life support, and other clinical procedures.

2. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time can vary depending on the type of certification you are pursuing, but typically it takes about six months to complete the required courses and pass the certification exam.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as an EDT?

Answer: Generally, individuals must have either a high school diploma or equivalent and must successfully complete an accredited EDT program before they can be eligible for certification. In addition, some states may require additional certifications or licensure prior to working as an Emergency Department Technician.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my EDT certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require completion of continuing education credits (CEUs) every two years in order to maintain your certification status. These CEUs are typically obtained through attending conferences or completing online courses related to emergency medical services topics.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as an EDT?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on the certifying body you choose and other factors such as the location of the test center or additional fees associated with obtaining necessary materials for study purposes. Generally speaking, however, the total cost will range from $100-$500 USD depending on what is included in your specific certification package.