The Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma is the governing body in charge of all aspects of EMS in Alabama, including licensing EMTs. Alabama recognizes the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification as the basis for licensing in Alabama. The state recognizes 5 levels of emergency medical service providers. The following is a list of the EMT Designations licensed in Alabama and the recommended number of hours of education required for that level:

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)  -  58 hours of education – An EMR typically works as part of a team on a rapid response vehicle and support other EMS providers at the scene. EMRs are not educated to take care of patients in the back of an ambulance. NREMT EMR Certification Information

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – 150 hours of education - An EMT can work in the patient compartment of an ambulance. EMTs use medical equipment and deliver trauma care. They’re educated with a basic understanding of all injuries and diseases. Most EMTs work in a team with more advanced EMS providers. NREMT EMT Certification Information

Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate – EMT-I/85 - Alabama stopped licensing EMT-Intermediates (I-85) in 2003 but will continue to re-license existing EMT-Is as long as their licenses are properly renewed each license cycle.

Advanced EMT – 150 additional hours – AEMTs provide interventions to patients that if done improperly can cause harm and so require advanced training and certification. NREMT AEMT Certification Information. Individuals wanting to become an AEMT must become an EMT first.

Paramedic - 1,200 hours of accredited education - Paramedics provide the most advanced life saving care of all EMS professionals. You must first become an EMT in order to pursue certification as a paramedic. NREMT Paramedic Certification Information

Requirements to Become an EMT in Alabama:

• The license candidate shall be 18 years of age within one year of the course completion date of the entry level course.
• Criminal background check
• Official notification from the NREMT of successful completion of the certification examination
• A current approved CPR card
• Verification of current protocol education

EMT Training Programs in Alabama

An updated list of Alabama EMT training programs can be found here: http://www.adph.org/ems/Default.asp?id=814

Out of State Applicants

How to Become an EMT in Alabama if You are Currently Certified in Another State

Out-of-State applicants for an emt license in Alabama shall have a current NREMT certificate. All persons possessing a current NREMT EMT Intermediate certificate will be eligible for an EMT license.

EMT Applicants with Criminal Convictions

Alabama requires EMTs to be certified by NREMT which denies applicants with criminal convictions based on the type of conviction and crime committed. They have three categories of denial guidelines:

General Denial Guidelines - Individuals convicted of crimes in this category will be denied in all cases.

Presumptive Denial Guidelines - Individuals convicted of crimes in this category will be denied except in extraordinary circumstances, and then will be granted only if the applicant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that certification will not jeopardize public health and safety.

Discretionary Denial - Individuals convicted of any crimes including DUI, but not including minor traffic violations may be denied after consideration of the following factors:

• The seriousness of the crime.
• Whether the crime relates directly to the skills of out-of-hospital care service and the delivery of patient care.
• How much time has elapsed since the crime was committed.
• Whether the crime involved violence to, or abuse of, another person.
• Whether the crime involved a minor or a person of diminished capacity.
• Whether the applicant’s actions and conduct since the crime occurred are consistent with the holding of a position of public trust.

EMT Jobs in Alabama

Check the job board to find EMT jobs in your area.

Resources

Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS & Trauma 
Dennis Blair, Director Alabama Department of Public Health Office of EMS and Trauma
The RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 750
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5383
Fax: (334) 206-5260

Alabama EMS Rules and Protocols

Alabama EMT Training Programs Directory

NREMT  Felony Conviction Policy

NREMT EMR Certification Information

NREMT EMT Certification Information

NREMT EMT-I/85 Certification Information

NREMT AEMT Certification Information

NREMT Paramedic Certification Information