Top 11 Emergency Room Technician Certifications

Certifications for an emergency room technician are important for a number of reasons. First, certifications demonstrate a certain level of competency in the field and can help provide assurance to employers that the technician is qualified and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. This can give employers confidence when hiring an emergency room technician. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers or may help technicians stand out among other applicants. Lastly, certifications can open up opportunities to advance within the medical field or gain access to specialized training programs, which can lead to higher pay and greater job satisfaction.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Emergency Room Technicians and explain how they can help advance a technician's career.

What are Emergency Room Technician Certifications?

Emergency Room Technician Certification is a credential that is awarded to individuals who have completed a specialized training program in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This certification demonstrates a commitment to providing quality care and safety in the emergency room setting. It also shows that the individual understands the importance of being well-trained and knowledgeable about emergency medical procedures.

The certification prepares individuals for the rigors of working in an emergency department, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely treat patients. It covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), trauma management, pharmacology, wound care, and more. Individuals who receive this certification must demonstrate their ability to perform critical patient assessments and interventions under pressure.

Having this certification can be beneficial for those interested in working as an emergency room technician. Employers may be more likely to hire someone with this credential due to their increased level of knowledge and understanding of medical procedures specific to the ER setting. Additionally, having this certification can provide individuals with better job security since they are seen as more qualified than those without it. Furthermore, having this certification may open up opportunities for advancement or specialization within the field of EMS.

Pro Tip: Invest in a comprehensive emergency room technician certification program that includes both classroom and hands-on training. This will ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your duties as an emergency room technician safely and effectively.

Related: What does an Emergency Room Technician do?

Top 11 Emergency Room Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Emergency Room Technician (CERT)

A Certified Emergency Room Technician (CERT) is an individual who has completed a specialized training program and certification process to become qualified to work in an emergency room. CERTs are responsible for providing direct patient care, monitoring vital signs, assisting physicians with procedures, and helping to maintain a safe environment in the emergency room.

The length of time it takes to get certified as a CERT varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, most programs require between 150 and 200 hours of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Additionally, some states may require additional training or certification before being able to practice as a CERT.

In order to become certified as a CERT, individuals must complete an approved training program from an accredited institution or organization. Most programs include classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience in an emergency room setting. After completing the program, individuals must pass an exam administered by either their state licensing board or the National Board for Certification of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

The cost of becoming certified as a CERT varies depending on the program chosen and may include tuition fees, textbooks and other materials, exams fees, and any other applicable fees.

2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. It is an advanced form of basic life support (BLS), which is designed to provide high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. ACLS is based on the American Heart Association’s guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care and includes a variety of skills such as airway management, rhythm recognition, drug administration, and team dynamics.

ACLS certification typically takes between 12 to 16 hours to complete depending on the provider. The course consists of both didactic instruction and hands-on practice with a manikin or simulator. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get ACLS certified, you must take an accredited course from a provider such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. You can find these courses online or in person at hospitals or training centers.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100-$300 USD.

3. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is an advanced level of training for healthcare providers who care for children. It is a two-day course designed to provide healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, recognize, and manage critically ill infants and children. It is based on the American Heart Association's Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

The PALS course takes approximately 16 hours to complete, depending on the number of participants in the class. The course consists of lectures, hands-on practice sessions, simulations, and group activities. The cost of taking a PALS course varies by location but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

In order to get certified in PALS, you must first complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course or have current BLS certification. After completing the BLS course or having current certification, you must then register for the PALS course through an American Heart Association training center or other approved provider. Once registered, you will attend the two-day PALS course where you will learn about pediatric assessment techniques, airway management, CPR techniques for infants and children, rhythm recognition and defibrillation techniques for infants and children, as well as pharmacological interventions used in emergency situations for infants and children. Upon successful completion of the PALS course you will receive a certificate verifying your certification status which is valid for two years from date of issue.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a set of medical skills that are used to provide immediate life-saving interventions for patients with cardiac or respiratory arrest. BLS includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). It is also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

BLS typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as recognizing signs of cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED, providing rescue breaths, recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, stroke and choking emergencies, and using personal protective equipment.

You can get BLS training through a variety of providers. These include hospitals, American Red Cross chapters, community centers, fire departments, and private companies. Prices vary depending on the provider but generally range from $50-$150 per person.

In addition to taking a course in BLS, you may need to be certified in order to practice it professionally. Certification is usually done through an accredited organization like the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Certification courses typically cost around $50-$100 per person and require successful completion of a written exam and skills test.

5. National Healthcareer Association Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-C)

The National Healthcareer Association Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-C) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs). This certification is intended to demonstrate that an EMT-C has met the minimum standards of practice as established by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

It typically takes about six months to complete the EMT-C certification process. The first step is to complete an approved EMT course, which includes both classroom and clinical training. After completing the course, applicants must pass a written exam and take a practical examination administered by their state or local EMS agency. Once these requirements are fulfilled, applicants can apply for certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The cost for taking the EMT-C exam varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $100-$200. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with taking courses or obtaining certifications from other organizations.

6. International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) is a comprehensive, evidence-based trauma education program designed to teach healthcare providers the skills needed to assess and manage trauma patients. The program consists of both an 8-hour Advanced Prehospital Trauma Course and a 16-hour Provider Course. The ITLS curriculum is based on the American College of Surgeons’ Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines and includes topics such as airway management, shock, hemorrhage control, injury prevention, patient assessment and transport.

The 8-hour Advanced Prehospital Trauma Course is designed for prehospital providers such as paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters, police officers, nurses and physicians. This course teaches participants how to recognize life-threatening injuries and how to provide appropriate care in the field.

The 16-hour Provider Course is designed for healthcare professionals who provide care in the hospital setting. This course covers more advanced topics such as chest tube insertion, needle decompression of tension pneumothorax, surgical airway management and more.

The cost of ITLS varies depending on location and provider organization but typically ranges from $150-$300 for each course. It usually takes about 1-2 days to complete the courses but can be completed online in some areas. To obtain ITLS certification you must attend an approved course or pass an online assessment with a score of 80% or higher.

7. American Heart Association First Aid Certification

The American Heart Association First Aid Certification is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond to medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, choking, and other life-threatening situations. It is designed to help people learn how to provide basic first aid in an emergency situation. The certification program typically takes around 8 hours to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

In order to get the certification, individuals must attend an American Heart Association (AHA) approved course. These courses are offered by AHA certified instructors at hospitals, community centers, or even online. Once the course is completed, participants must pass a written exam and demonstrate their ability to properly perform CPR on a mannequin.

The cost of the American Heart Association First Aid Certification varies depending on the provider and location of the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $50-$200 USD per person for the entire course including materials and exam fees.

8. American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED Certification

American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED Certification is a course that teaches individuals the skills necessary to respond to medical emergencies. It covers topics such as how to assess an emergency situation, how to provide basic first aid, and how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). The course typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete, depending on the type of certification being sought.

To get certified, individuals must take an American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course from a certified instructor. These courses are offered in person or online through approved providers. After completing the course, students will be tested on their knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion of the test, they will receive their certification card.

The cost for American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and where it is taken. Generally speaking, in-person classes range from $50-$100 per person while online classes range from $30-$60 per person.

9. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification is a professional certification program for automotive technicians and other professionals working in the automotive service industry. It is designed to ensure that technicians have a certain level of knowledge and skill when it comes to repairing and servicing vehicles.

To get an ASE certification, you must take and pass one or more of the ASE tests. The tests are divided into eight different categories, including engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drivetrain and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, and engine performance. Each test has its own set of requirements that must be met before taking the exam.

The exams are administered by independent testing centers throughout the country. To prepare for the exams, you can purchase study materials from ASE or take an online course from a third-party provider. You can also find free practice tests online to help you prepare for the real thing.

Once you have passed all of the necessary tests in each category, you will receive your ASE certification card in the mail. This card will serve as proof that you have met all of the requirements for becoming an ASE certified technician.

The cost of taking the ASE tests varies depending on which tests you need to take and how many times you need to retake them if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs around $60-$100 per test plus any additional fees associated with retaking them if needed.

In total it typically takes about two years to get your ASE certification depending on how quickly you can complete all of the required tests.

10. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Certification

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is a nonprofit organization that certifies and registers emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the United States. The NREMT certification is required for EMTs to practice in most states, and it is recognized as the gold standard of EMT certification.

It typically takes an EMT candidate approximately four to six months to complete the process of becoming certified by the NREMT. To become certified, an individual must complete an approved EMT training program, pass both a cognitive and psychomotor exam, and meet all other requirements set forth by the NREMT.

The cognitive exam consists of 70-120 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, airway management, medical emergencies, trauma management and EMS operations. The psychomotor exam tests the candidate’s ability to perform basic skills such as patient assessment, bleeding control, spinal immobilization and airway management. Both exams are administered at approved testing centers throughout the country.

The cost of becoming certified by the NREMT varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking (basic or advanced). For basic certification, there is a $70 registration fee and a $110 fee for each exam taken. For advanced certification, there is a $90 registration fee and a $130 fee for each exam taken.

In addition to these fees, some states may require additional fees or paperwork to be completed before becoming certified by the NREMT. It is important to check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements before beginning the certification process.

11. National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Emergency Room Technician

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Certified Emergency Room Technician (CERT) is a certification program that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are employed as emergency room technicians. This certification provides employers with assurance that their employees have met the standards of practice in the field of emergency room technology.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by NCCT. Eligibility requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an accredited emergency room technician program, and at least one year of full-time experience working as an emergency room technician.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment and management, medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, medical law and ethics, trauma care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric care, and obstetrics/gynecology. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To register for the CERT exam, applicants must submit a completed application form along with the required fee ($150). Once approved by NCCT, applicants will receive instructions on scheduling their exam date at a testing center near them.

The cost for taking the CERT exam is $150 per attempt. There is no additional fee for retaking the exam if needed.

Do You Really Need a Emergency Room Technician Certificate?

In short, yes. An Emergency Room Technician Certificate is a valuable asset to have if you are looking to pursue a career in the medical field. This certificate provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in an emergency room setting. It will also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show employers that you are serious about your career.

Having a certification will give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one when applying for jobs. It shows employers that you understand the importance of safety and professionalism within the medical field, which is essential when working in an emergency room setting. Additionally, having a certification will help you stand out from other applicants who lack this training.

In addition to providing knowledge and skills, earning a certification also ensures that you are up-to-date on all relevant regulations and policies related to working in an emergency room setting. By obtaining this certificate, you will be able to provide better care for patients since you have been trained in proper procedures for handling emergencies and other critical situations. Furthermore, having this certification may open up more job opportunities since some employers may prefer candidates with certifications over those without them.

Overall, earning an Emergency Room Technician Certificate can be incredibly beneficial for anyone looking to pursue a career in the medical field. This certification provides essential knowledge and skills that are necessary to perform well in an emergency room setting while also demonstrating commitment and dedication to the profession. Additionally, having this certificate can make you stand out among other applicants while ensuring that you are compliant with all relevant regulations and policies related to working in an emergency room setting. For these reasons, it is important for anyone hoping to pursue a career as an Emergency Room Technician to obtain their certification before they start their job search.

Related: Emergency Room Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Emergency Room Technician Certifications

Q1. What certifications do I need to become an Emergency Room Technician?

A1. Depending on the state you are in, you may need certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT).

Q2. How do I obtain certification as an Emergency Room Technician?

A2. You will need to complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam. Once completed, you will receive your certification credentials.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming an Emergency Room Technician?

A3. Yes, typically applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years of age, and possess current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as an Emergency Room Technician?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of program you choose and how quickly you can complete the required courses and exams. In general, it typically takes between 6-12 months to become fully certified as an ERT technician.

Q5. How much does it cost to become certified as an Emergency Room Technician?

A5. The cost of certification varies depending on the type of program chosen, but generally ranges from $500-$1000 including tuition, books, and exam fees.