Best state paramedic card for living outside the U.S.

ExpatMedic0

MS, NRP
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As some of you know, I am an overseas contract paramedic living abroad with no true permanent domicile for almost a decade now. Aside from the NREMT, contracts and health authorities sometimes require that I maintain a state license or certification back in the U.S. Whats a good state license to keep which does not require residency, has low renewal fee's, ease of renewal, and a nice wallet card ;-) ? I picked California a few years back. However, the renewal fee's are killing me and I have never even lived in California. Sexy wallet card though... Any other suggestions?
 
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ExpatMedic0

ExpatMedic0

MS, NRP
2,237
269
83
200 USD every 2 years if submitted early. Plus about 50 bucks in Fed-ex fees to send it in due to their policy of sending in hard copies.
 

DrParasite

The fire extinguisher is not just for show
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Buddy of mine lives in NC for almost 10 years but keeps his NY medic up to date though the training he does in NC. I'm sure you could do the same.

doesn't require any affiliation simply to hold a card.
 

luke_31

Forum Asst. Chief
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As some of you know, I am an overseas contract paramedic living abroad with no true permanent domicile for almost a decade now. Aside from the NREMT, contracts and health authorities sometimes require that I maintain a state license or certification back in the U.S. Whats a good state license to keep which does not require residency, has low renewal fee's, ease of renewal, and a nice wallet card ;-) ? I picked California a few years back. However, the renewal fee's are killing me and I have never even lived in California. Sexy wallet card though... Any other suggestions?
Alabama 10 plus fees which are only about a few dollars. Will require a one time state training course which is one day or depending on who you find can do self study and take the test. Only have to submit National registry every two years.
 

chriscemt

Forum Lieutenant
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I would throw Missouri into your list. Re-certs every 5 years, relatively basic CE numbers to satisfy. Can't comment on the fee amount as my employer pays mine, but I imagine its fairly nominal. No wallet card (emailed PDF).
 

Tigger

Dodges Pucks
Community Leader
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Colorado is every three years to renew, which you just provide your national registry and proof of CPR and ACLS. There is no fee to renew and it's all online. You can print a card as soon as it's processed (minutes usually) and as many times as you want. One downside: if you live out of state you'll have to submit a fingerpint based FBI background check. Anyone can take your prints, you mail them to somewhere (can't remember) and pay 35 bucks I think.
 

EpiEMS

Forum Deputy Chief
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Budd
y of mine lives in NC for almost 10 years but keeps his NY medic up to date though the training he does in NC. I'm sure you could do the same.

Surprised you can do that - didn't think NYS accepted out of state refreshers?
 

akflightmedic

Forum Deputy Chief
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Florida....$35 every two years. Online renewal.

Maine...$0 Elicensing, good for 2 years.

Neither required any kind of audit or proof for recert....just said to have all your courses in order in case you get audited.

FYI...I have had FL Medic since 1999 and last 10+ years have been overseas.
 
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ExpatMedic0

ExpatMedic0

MS, NRP
2,237
269
83
Great information everyone! Thank you very much. I'll let you know which I choose soon.
 

DrParasite

The fire extinguisher is not just for show
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Surprised you can do that - didn't think NYS accepted out of state refreshers?
My bad, that was his PA medic cert, not his NY one.

I know NY changed the way they do recerts about 15 years ago for all levels of EMS, from test and test out based to a CEU function. personally, I think the former is better, because too many places (my own department included) half *** their continuing education, and making they pass the state test, from a proctored NYS location, every 3 years supports the idea that they at least know the minimum level of basic knowledge for a current paramedic, even if they took the class 20 years ago.
 
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EpiEMS

Forum Deputy Chief
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I know NY changed the way they do recerts about 15 years ago for all levels of EMS, from test and test out based to a CEU function.

Yeah, they have both options now, I believe. I did the test-based one, and I think it is better, too, as far as assuring competency.
 
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