10. How do I become a paramedic if I am currently a MD, RN, MICN, or PA?
In order to apply for a paramedic license, the following documentation must be submitted to the EMS Authority for review:
* copy of current MD, RN, MICN, or PA license;
* documentation that training is equivalent to a U. S. DOT EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, a copy of which can be accessed at
www.ems.gov/index.html then click on Education. A suggested way to provide this documentation is to submit a copy of your transcripts from your MD, RN, MICN or PA training, and it is highly recommended that you have also completed one of the following training courses:
o EMT I Certification
o MICN Course
o EMT-P Refresher Course
* documentation of successful completion of a field internship through an approved paramedic training program which includes 40 ALS patient contacts in a field setting. An ALS contact is the performance of one or more ALS skills, except cardiac monitoring and basic CPR, on a patient (each contact must be documented and signed by a county approved preceptor). Field contacts as a Flight Nurse, EMT II, or other prehospital ALS contacts may apply toward the 40 required contacts;
* in addition, it is highly recommended that training in the following (or equivalent) be completed:
o ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
o BCLS - Basic Cardiac Life Support
o PHTLS or BTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support or Basic Trauma Life
o Support PEPP or PALS – Pediatric Education for Prehospital Personnel or Pediatric Advanced Life Support
The knowledge and skills from these courses will assist you in passing the licensure exam.
Once the EMS Authority has reviewed and approved the above documentation, you will be sent verification to submit with your National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Application that you have completed the equivalent training of a paramedic program. In addition, you will be sent a Paramedic License Application – Initial Applicant, and a Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for State Paramedic License Application/Renewal (Form IS-01) to complete and return to the EMS Authority with a check or money order made payable to EMS Personnel Fund in the amount of $230.00. Fees include:
Initial Application Fee $100
License Fee $125
State Licensing Match Fee $5
You will also be sent a Request for Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form and instructions for a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (see instructions on our website for submission of fingerprints).
Once you have submitted the documentation listed above and we have received the results of your criminal history check and NREMT test results you, will be issued a California paramedic license in most cases within 10 to 15 days.
