Frustrated about NR cert

[HereToLearn]

Okay, so I was told a while back that National Registry was not a requirement in the state of CA for EMT-B's. I was told this by the County Registers office in Los Angeles. So because of my situation at the time, I didn't re-certify my national registry status. My county card is still valid.

So now, a year later, I am going to apply to a new ambulance company (I've worked for two different companies since becoming an EMT two years ago...neither of which needed national registry) and one of them just asked a friend for his national registry (He has already applied with the company that I am planning on applying with). He also did not maintain his NREMT status because of the information that was given to us. It still has not been made clear if they simply asked for it or if they are requiring it...But it has put me under some stress because I just made a move back up here and I'm about to sign a new year lease with my new place.

So here are my question's to you guys. Is NR required in CA? Because I've been told no by a reputable source.

Could this private ambulance company require it, if the state of CA does not?

And finally, if I wanted to regain my NREMT status, since it has been over a year, would my only option to be to retake the NREMT test?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If anything here didn't make any sense, feel free to ask me to clarify.

 

[VentMedic]

http://www.emsa.ca.gov/personnel/EMT_FAQ.asp

 

[HereToLearn]

That appears to be directed to EMT county cards cert's and not the national registry portion.

 

[EMTCop86]

How do I become an Emergency Medical Technician I (EMT-I)? To become an EMT-I in the State of California, you will need to successfully complete an approved EMT-I training program. You may find a list of approved training programs here. After you have completed your training, you must pass a National Registry written and skills certifying examination and apply for certification at a local EMS agency. The local EMS agency may have additional requirements such as paying a fee, supplying a picture or undergoing a background check. It is a good idea to call ahead and find out what, if any, additional requirements exist.
http://www.emsa.ca.gov/personnel/EMT_FAQ.asp

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[JPINFV]

Is NR required in CA? Because I've been told no by a reputable source.

California leaves EMT-B certification to the local EMS agencies who can require more than the minimum for cert/recert. In general, NREMT is required for initial certification, but not for recertification.

Could this private ambulance company require it, if the state of CA does not?

If they wanted the certification standards for their employees to surpass the county's requirements, then that is their prerogative. Hell, if a company only wanted to hire EMT-Bs with undergraduate degrees, then they can do that to regardless of if the county requires any sort of education past the EMT-B and CPR courses.

 

[Ridryder911]

Again, another one of those situations .. THIS IS YOUR PROFESSION! BE RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW WHAT IS REQUIRED AND NOT REQUIRED!

Don't blame anyone but yourself especially if you relied up on anyone but from the appropriate resource.

R/r 911

 

[HereToLearn]

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Two years ago I did pass it and that appears to be directed at EMT's who are first becoming EMT's and are passing the test for the first time. I was asking if it was a requirement in this state when we go to recertify after two years and if individual companies can require it as well.

California leaves EMT-B certification to the local EMS agencies who can require more than the minimum for cert/recert. In general, NREMT is required for initial certification, but not for recertification.


If they wanted the certification standards for their employees to surpass the county's requirements, then that is their prerogative. Hell, if a company only wanted to hire EMT-Bs with undergraduate degrees, then they can do that to regardless of if the county requires any sort of education past the EMT-B and CPR courses.

Thanks For the information! You were helpful!

Again, another one of those situations .. THIS IS YOUR PROFESSION! BE RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW WHAT IS REQUIRED AND NOT REQUIRED!

Don't blame anyone but yourself especially if you relied up on anyone but from the appropriate resource.

R/r 911

Well at the time, I was a new EMT, just starting my work and wasn't aware of the requirements for the state. I had been told by my FTO to go check with the registers office and that is what the registers office told me. That should be an appropriate resource of information given that they handled our paperwork for our county cards and the information they gave me, matched what I was told by my FTO and several supervisors. So I did find out what was required and what was not required. My question was more aimed at whether an individual company could change it's standards and require it, which JPINFV was able to answer. By the way, next time we can do without the capital letters. This isn't middle school.

 

[Ridryder911]

Well at the time, I was a new EMT, just starting my work and wasn't aware of the requirements for the state. I had been told by my FTO to go check with the registers office and that is what the registers office told me. That should be an appropriate resource of information given that they handled our paperwork for our county cards and the information they gave me, matched what I was told by my FTO and several supervisors. So I did find out what was required and what was not required. My question was more aimed at whether an individual company could change it's standards and require it, which JPINFV was able to answer. By the way, next time we can do without the capital letters. This isn't middle school.

Then don't act as such. Your a health care professional? Then be responsible enough to know whom to call about your certification and license. I definitely would never rely upon anyone at work to "take care" of anything. I would also immediately know only to contact my County or State office/ Internet to affirm a correct and official answer before asking for anonymous answers on a EMS forum.

One should always only direct such questions to officals to be able to make statements and also be sure they fully understand the question. I then would document whom made the offical answer. I personally ask for a return answer per e-mail or letter stating such. I have seen too many poor communications made and then EMT's loosing their cert.

One may recieve answers per an EMS forum but is correct? Although it is from a well being members but; hey it's only your career your missing with.

R/r 911

 

[HereToLearn]

Then don't act as such. Your a health care professional? Then be responsible enough to know whom to call about your certification and license. I definitely would never rely upon anyone at work to "take care" of anything. I would also immediately know only to contact my County or State office/ Internet to affirm a correct and official answer before asking for anonymous answers on a EMS forum.

One should always only direct such questions to officals to be able to make statements and also be sure they fully understand the question. I then would document whom made the offical answer. I personally ask for a return answer per e-mail or letter stating such. I have seen too many poor communications made and then EMT's loosing their cert.

One may recieve answers per an EMS forum but is correct? Although it is from a well being members but; hey it's only your career your missing with.

R/r 911

Asking for opinions on a forum isn't acting like anything. My information was provided by an official at the county office level who was in a position to give valid information. Anyway I'm over bickering with you about this. I wasn't going to base any arguments with anyone over what was said on a forum. I was curious to see what some people thought about a private company asking for purely current national registry EMT 's in a state that doesn't require they maintain their NR status.

I could have made it simpler for myself (and to avoid individuals like yourself) and not included any background information, instead I should have simply asked my basic question...Obviously we are past that point. One person was able to respond to that question. Either way it doesn't at this point because it's all cleared up. But I wanted to come back to this thread and update this post, so perhaps it will help someone with a similar question in the future. :wacko:

I got my answer back from the company and the individual my buddy spoke with was new to the HR department and didn't know what he was talking about. All they need or want is the certificate that shows you passed the national registry test initially when you completed your EMT course. They couldn't care less if it has lapsed (my case). Case closed. Thanks to those who helped. Have a good one guys and stay safe out there.