This is part 2 of my thread about Pennsylvania. This thread will detail the available certification levels for PA EMS providers.
The following levels exist in Pennsylvania.
I'm interested to hear what others think about some of our unique certifications levels like PHPE, or PHP.
The following levels exist in Pennsylvania.
- Attendant: Not a certified level anymore, but defined by the EMS act as a person with CPR/AED certifications. Basically, your ride along/shadow. Can help with calls.
- EMSVO: Strictly a driver certification obtained by getting EVOC, and completing approval process from the state. Required certification for all ground ambulances/ground vehicles, except QRS where driver's must comply with EMSVO standards, but not necessarily become certified.
- EMR (formerly first responder): Age 16+ to be certified, and must complete EMR course. Performs within BLS protocols with some exceptions. Cannot be with patient in ambulance without presence of provider at least EMT-Basic. PA initial exam for candidates 18+ is NREMR written, and practical required.
- EMT-Basic: Same as EMT-Basic, but full BLS scope of practice permitted. Candidates for initial certification that are 18+ must do NREMT exam for skills, and cognitive.
- Advanced- EMT: Must be 18+, and completed National registry written, and skills.
- Paramedic: ALS skills, and NREMT required for initial certification. Must be 18+ to be certified. May operate as on all levels of EMS agencies: critical care, regular ALS, and AIR.
- PHRN (pre-hospital registered nurse): Must hold RN license, and must complete state application for PHRN. Must also do NREMT paramedic written, and skills test. These providers operate at paramedic level, but may also perform skills permitted by state nursing practice act. Also, they are not allowed to perform any skills that have not been taught to them. For example, if they were not taught to place an i/o in school, then they must obtain the training to perform the skill.
- PHPE (pre-hospital physician extender): Physician assistants who have are licensed by state allopathic, or osteopathic licensing requirement/licensed by state. They operate at the paramedic scope of practice, and any other skills within physician's assistant scope of practice. Must complete NREMT paramedic tests, and may only do skills they have been taught to do. Interesting, a PHPE does not need to have a doctor's affiliation to practice. When operating as an EMS provider, they operate under their agency medical director; thus, there is no conflict with the supervising physician of the PA-C requirements. PHPE is the rarest certification in the state.
- PHP (pre-hospital physician): A provider that is a licensed MD, or DO. This provider operates at the paramedic level, but may also do physician skills. In order to be a PHP you must pass the NREMT paramedic tests, and have at least one of the following circumstances fulfilled. Be an emergency medicine resident (completed first year), with ACLS and other similar certifications. Alternatively, you could have completed a residency that requires ACLS, and other similar certifications.
- EMT-instructor: An ems provider that completed the state instructor course requirements. Must have at least 1 year of working experience as an EMT or higher, and must be 18+.
- Medical command physicians, medical director, and other medical directors are all levels that must be certified by the state, but these are not technically provider levels.
I'm interested to hear what others think about some of our unique certifications levels like PHPE, or PHP.