California EMT Certification

BrandonD008

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Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and just passed my NREMT last week.
I am trying to get certified so I can start applying for jobs soon, but I'm pretty confused in the process. I currently live in Temecula, and am going to be applying for AMR in San Diego County, Riverside County, and even Orange County. I have already completed my Live Scan, and Medical exam (At a place in SD county) for the state, to take my ambulance driver's test.
My question is: Do I have to apply for certification in each county I want to work in before applying to jobs, or can I apply in one county just to get my California EMT card and take that anywhere? I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars in each county if I don't know I'm for sure going to be working there.

Thanks for your time!
 

NPO

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You apply for certification in only one county. It doesn't matter which county (with a few exceptions). For example, I used to live in Ventura, but worked in Los Angeles. I got my initial and renewal certifications through Ventura County because they're faster and cheaper than Los Angeles.

The license is done at the county level, but the license is a state license and is valid statewide. You only have to certify at one, so just pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation. Also, you don't need to recertify if you move counties.

There are only a couple exceptions that I'm aware of. Los Angeles and Orange County both require an "expanded scope" certification. This is easier to do of you certify with them, but you can do it and certify elsewhere. (Again, in my example, I certified in Ventura, but got my Los Angeles County expanded scope.) Check with your county where you will work to see if they require anything specific beyond the standard state application.


If you plan on getting your Paramedic license, be prepared to forget all of this. Paramedics are licensed by the state at the state EMS office (or now online, I believe).
 
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BrandonD008

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That was very helpful! I'm just going to register with Riverside County since it's cheaper than SD. I do plan on going to paramedic school at Palomar College, but since you said it's through the whole state it sounds like it won't be a problem.
Thank you so much @NPO
 

CbrMonster

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i would look into how much each county costs to renew like you did, for instance orange county if you do your state through them you do not pay for the county card atleast when you renew.
 

DesertMedic66

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i would look into how much each county costs to renew like you did, for instance orange county if you do your state through them you do not pay for the county card atleast when you renew.
But also keep in mind that once you do start working, some counties have a policy that states when you renew it must be through that county. So you may be able to shop around for the best price for your initial cert but may not be able to when you renew.
 

CbrMonster

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But also keep in mind that once you do start working, some counties have a policy that states when you renew it must be through that county. So you may be able to shop around for the best price for your initial cert but may not be able to when you renew.
Good to know, that I didn’t know, but i’ve Only worked as an emt in oc la and riverside
 

Mufasa556

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Pass on applying to AMR Orange County. You’ll thank me later.
 
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