Top 11 Paramedic Certifications

Certifications are important for paramedics in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the paramedic has received the necessary training to be able to competently perform their duties as a paramedic. Certifications also show employers that the paramedic is up-to-date on current medical practices and procedures, which can help them stand out from other potential candidates. Additionally, certifications can increase a paramedic’s earning potential as employers may be willing to pay more for employees who have completed additional training or certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for paramedics and explain how they can help advance a paramedic's career.

What are Paramedic Certifications?

Paramedic certification is a formal credential that demonstrates an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to become a certified paramedic. Certified paramedics are trained to provide pre-hospital medical care in emergency situations, such as accidents or medical emergencies. This includes assessing a patient's condition, providing basic life support, administering medications and treatments, performing minor surgical procedures, and transporting patients to hospitals or other medical facilities.

Having paramedic certification can help individuals gain employment with ambulance services or fire departments, as well as other health care organizations. It also helps demonstrate an individual's commitment to the profession and their dedication to providing quality pre-hospital care. Additionally, having this certification can give paramedics access to continuing education courses and other professional development opportunities. Finally, it gives them the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements in the field of emergency medicine.

Pro Tip: When considering paramedic certification, be sure to research the requirements in your state or region and make sure that you are up-to-date on any changes or updates to the certification process. Additionally, it is important to take advantage of any available study materials or courses that can help you prepare for the exam.

Related: What does a Paramedic do?

Top 11 Paramedic Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Paramedics today.

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

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is a non-profit organization that serves as the national certification agency for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the United States. The NREMT certifies EMTs at five levels: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate/85, EMT-Intermediate/99, AEMT, and Paramedic.

To become certified by the NREMT, an individual must successfully complete an accredited educational program and pass both a cognitive (knowledge) exam and psychomotor (skills) exam. The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the level of certification sought; however, most programs can be completed within two years or less.

To get certified by the NREMT, individuals must first complete an approved educational program and then submit an application to take the cognitive and psychomotor exams. Once an individual has passed both exams, they will receive their certification from the NREMT.

The cost of becoming certified by the NREMT varies depending on the level of certification sought; however, most applicants can expect to pay between $100-$200 for both exams combined. This fee does not include any additional costs associated with completing an approved educational program or any other related expenses such as travel or lodging.

2. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Certification

American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Certification is a certification program that teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies. This certification is designed for healthcare professionals, first responders, and laypersons who are not healthcare providers.

The BLS Provider Certification course takes approximately 4 hours to complete. During the course, participants will learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants; how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED); how to relieve choking; and how to use barrier devices such as masks or shields. The course also covers basic life support skills such as recognizing cardiac arrest and stroke symptoms, providing rescue breaths and chest compressions, using an AED in a safe manner, and other important topics.

To get certified in BLS Provider Certification, you will need to take an AHA-approved BLS Provider Course either online or in person at an AHA training center. You can find a list of approved courses on the AHA website or by contacting your local American Heart Association chapter. Once you have completed the course successfully, you will receive your BLS Provider Certificate from the AHA.

The cost of the BLS Provider Certification varies depending on where you take the course and whether you take it online or in person. Generally speaking, online courses are more affordable than in-person classes. Prices typically range from $25-$50 for online courses and $50-$100 for in-person classes.

3. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider Certification

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider Certification is a certification program designed to prepare healthcare providers to respond to life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The program provides the skills and knowledge necessary for healthcare providers to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest. ACLS certification is required for many healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists.

The ACLS Provider Certification course typically takes 8-12 hours to complete. During this time, participants will learn how to assess a patient’s condition, provide basic life support measures such as CPR and defibrillation, recognize signs of cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies, and manage the patient’s care until advanced medical help arrives. Participants must also demonstrate proficiency in the use of advanced airway management techniques.

To obtain ACLS Provider Certification, individuals must successfully complete an accredited ACLS Provider Course from an approved provider or institution. These courses are offered by various organizations throughout the United States and can be taken online or in person at an approved training center. Additionally, some hospitals may offer their own internal ACLS training programs for their staff members.

The cost of ACLS Provider Certification varies depending on the provider or institution offering the course; however, it typically ranges from $100-$300 per person. Additionally, some employers may cover part or all of the cost of obtaining certification if it is required for work purposes.

4. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider Certification

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider Certification is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and treat life-threatening conditions in pediatric patients. It is intended for healthcare providers who care for infants, children, and adolescents. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice of resuscitation techniques, as well as an exam that must be passed to become certified.

The PALS course typically takes two days to complete. During the course, participants will learn how to assess and manage critically ill infants, children, and adolescents. They will also learn how to recognize life-threatening conditions such as shock, cardiac arrest, respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis. Additionally, they will learn how to perform basic life support techniques such as CPR and defibrillation.

To get PALS certification, you must first take an approved PALS course from an accredited provider. After completing the course successfully, you must pass a written exam in order to receive your certification card. The cost of the PALS course varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

5. Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Provider Certification

Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Provider Certification is a two-day course designed to teach prehospital providers the principles and practices of prehospital trauma care. The program is based on the latest research and best practices in prehospital trauma care. It covers topics such as patient assessment, airway management, shock management, spine immobilization, medical emergencies, special considerations for pediatric patients, and more.

The PHTLS Provider Certification course typically takes two days to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on skills practice. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

To become certified in PHTLS, students must attend an NAEMT approved provider course and pass a written exam. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider offering the course but generally ranges from $200-$400.

6. International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Provider Certification

International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Provider Certification is a certification program designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage trauma patients. It is based on the principles of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), but has been adapted for international use. The certification requires successful completion of both an online course and a hands-on skills assessment.

The online course consists of 10 modules, which cover topics such as patient assessment, airway management, shock management, and other aspects of trauma care. This portion takes approximately 12 hours to complete. After completing the online course, participants must attend a one-day skills assessment in order to receive their ITLS Provider Certification. During this assessment, participants will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various scenarios related to trauma care.

The cost for ITLS Provider Certification varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$400 USD for both the online course and one-day skills assessment.

7. National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Provider Certification

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Provider Certification is a comprehensive training program designed to provide medical personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide medical care in a tactical environment. This certification is intended for pre-hospital providers, such as paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.

The TECC Provider Certification course consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on practical session. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and covers topics such as hemorrhage control, airway management, wound management, patient assessment and transport considerations. The practical session is a full day of instruction with hands-on skill practice in the areas of hemorrhage control, airway management, wound management and patient assessment.

To obtain the TECC Provider Certification, individuals must successfully complete both parts of the training program. Upon completion of the course requirements, participants will receive a certificate valid for four years from NAEMT.

The cost of the TECC Provider Certification varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$400 per person for both parts of the training program.

8. National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Provider Certification

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Provider Certification is a comprehensive course designed to provide pre-hospital medical care in the tactical environment. It is based on the U.S. Department of Defense’s TCCC guidelines and was developed by NAEMT in collaboration with the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC). The certification is open to all EMS personnel, including EMTs, paramedics, nurses, physicians and other healthcare providers who may be called upon to provide care in a tactical setting.

The TCCC Provider Certification consists of two parts: an online self-paced learning module and a practical skills assessment. The online self-paced learning module covers topics such as casualty assessment, airway management, hemorrhage control and other topics related to providing medical care in a tactical environment. The practical skills assessment involves demonstrating proficiency in the use of tourniquets, hemostatic agents, chest seals and other medical interventions that are used in a tactical setting.

The TCCC Provider Certification takes approximately 8 hours to complete. To get certified you must first register for the course through NAEMT’s website and then complete both the online self-paced learning module and the practical skills assessment.

The cost for the TCCC Provider Certification is $125 for NAEMT members or $175 for non-members.

9. Hazardous Materials Technician Level I & II Certifications

Hazardous Materials Technician Level I & II Certifications are certifications that are designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively respond to hazardous materials incidents. The certifications are offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Level I certification is designed for individuals who will be responding to hazardous materials incidents as part of their job duties. It requires a minimum of 24 hours of training and covers topics such as hazardous materials identification, safety precautions, emergency response strategies, and decontamination procedures. To obtain this certification, individuals must complete an approved course and pass an examination. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

Level II certification is designed for individuals who will be managing hazardous materials incidents or providing technical advice in response to them. It requires a minimum of 40 hours of training and covers topics such as hazardous materials identification, safety precautions, emergency response strategies, decontamination procedures, incident management techniques, and legal considerations. To obtain this certification, individuals must complete an approved course and pass an examination. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000.

Both Level I & II certifications must be renewed every three years by completing additional training or passing a recertification exam.

10. Wilderness Advanced Life Support (WALS) Provider Certification

Wilderness Advanced Life Support (WALS) Provider Certification is a certification program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide advanced medical care in remote and austere environments. The WALS Provider Certification is offered by the Wilderness Medical Society, and it includes two levels of certification: Basic and Advanced.

The Basic Level WALS Provider Certification is designed for healthcare professionals who are new to wilderness medicine or need a refresher course. It consists of an online course that takes approximately 12 hours to complete, followed by an online exam that must be passed with a score of at least 80%. The cost for the Basic Level WALS Provider Certification is $195 USD.

The Advanced Level WALS Provider Certification is designed for healthcare professionals who have already completed the Basic Level certification or have extensive experience in wilderness medicine. It consists of an online course that takes approximately 24 hours to complete, followed by an online exam that must be passed with a score of at least 80%. The cost for the Advanced Level WALS Provider Certification is $295 USD.

Once both levels are completed, providers will receive a certificate from the Wilderness Medical Society validating their completion of the WALS Provider Certification Program. This certificate will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

11. Critical Care Paramedic Certificate Program

A Critical Care Paramedic Certificate Program is a specialized program designed to provide paramedics with the skills and knowledge needed to provide advanced medical care in an emergency setting. This type of program typically takes between six months and two years to complete, depending on the school or institution offering it.

To get a Critical Care Paramedic Certificate, students must first complete an accredited Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. After completing the EMT program, they must then pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and obtain state certification as an EMT-Paramedic. Finally, they must complete a critical care paramedic certificate program which includes courses in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS), trauma management, airway management, pharmacology, and other related topics.

The cost of a Critical Care Paramedic Certificate Program varies depending on the school or institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition for these programs range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more for full-time students. In addition to tuition costs, students may also need to purchase textbooks and other materials for their coursework.

Do You Really Need a Paramedic Certificate?

When it comes to deciding if you need a paramedic certificate, the answer is not always a simple one. It will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are considering a career in health care, having a paramedic certificate can be beneficial for advancing your career and making yourself more marketable to employers.

That said, there are many factors that go into determining whether or not you should pursue a paramedic certificate. You should consider what type of job opportunities you might be looking for after completing the program and how long it will take to complete the program. You also need to weigh the cost of the program versus any potential salary increases or job opportunities that might come with certification.

If you are looking for a job in emergency medical services (EMS), having a paramedic certificate can be beneficial since many EMS positions require certification as part of their hiring process. In addition, having this certification can make you more attractive to potential employers since they will know that you have gone through an accredited program and have met all necessary training requirements.

Another factor to consider when deciding if you need a paramedic certificate is whether or not the experience gained during the program will help you advance in other areas of healthcare. Many paramedics use their experience in EMS to transition into nursing or other health care professions after graduating from the program. Having this knowledge can give them an edge over those who don't have such experience when applying for jobs in these fields.

Overall, whether or not you should pursue a paramedic certificate depends on your individual goals and needs. It is important to do research on what type of jobs may be available after completing such a program and how long it may take before making any decisions about going forward with certification.

Related: Paramedic Resume Examples

FAQs About Paramedic Certifications

Q1: What is a paramedic certification?

A1: Paramedic certification is the process of becoming a certified paramedic. This involves completing an approved paramedic training program and passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

Q2: How long does it take to become a certified paramedic?

A2: It typically takes two to three years to become a certified paramedic, depending on the type of program you choose to complete.

Q3: What are the requirements for becoming a certified paramedic?

A3: The requirements vary by state but generally include completion of an approved EMT-Paramedic training program, successful completion of the NREMT exam, and obtaining licensure from your state’s EMS agency.

Q4: Is there any continuing education required to maintain my certification?

A4: Yes, most states require that paramedics complete continuing education in order to maintain their certification. The amount and type of continuing education required varies by state.

Q5: Are there any online courses available for obtaining my paramedic certification?

A5: Yes, many schools offer online courses that can be used towards obtaining your paramedic certification. However, some states may not accept online courses for licensure purposes so it is important to check with your state’s EMS agency before enrolling in any online coursework.