relocating dilemna

[saucisquirrel]

So... first of all: I'm new here. Hi! *waves hand*

Now down to business: I am state certified in PA. I took my course over two years ago and I am trying to relocate to Colorado. Worked on the streets for a couple of years before I was found my place on a cardiac unit... where I've worked for the past year and a half. My cert isn't up until January 2010.

My question is this: what is the best way for me to transfer to Colorado (specifically, Denver)? I'd like to do this by August 2009.

I could take a PA refresher course, apply for national registry, then apply for a CO state certification. However I am baffled as I am unable to find any refresher courses around and about the Philly area! Not to mention how long and uncertain that path is. Or I could simply take a CO course once I get there (not something I feel too comfortable doing - you know, the whole job issue). Are there any distance learning programs for CO EMTs? Or accelerated courses? Are there any NREMT programs in the tri-state area that would at least save me two steps from the first option? NJ no longer offers the NREMT certification as an inherent part of their testing. I'd like to be able to do this as quickly as possible, with the least amount of expenses.

Any help/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MMiz]

First, welcome to EMTLife!

I did some searching for you and found a PDF file on First-Time Colorado Certification/Education Information.

Colorado does not have reciprocity with any other state, but if you have NREMT you can submit your information/application packet to Colorado and become an EMT.

If you are certified in another state, you will be required to achieve NREMT certification by completing the written and practical examination. Upon successful NREMT certification and submission of a completed application for Colorado certification (including a fingerprint-based criminal history record check and lawful presence requirements), you are eligible to be certified in Colorado.

As for finding a place in Philadelphia, I've had no luck using Google. I'd call local EMT programs/services and see what they have to say. If you could come back and post what you find on the forum it would be a great reference for the future, as many others have had the same question (looking at other sites), but I see no answer.

I hope that helps, and Happy Holidays!