If you want to learn how to become an EMT in Idaho, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Emergency Medical Services is the state agency that you’ll be working with.

Idaho follows the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) guidelines and currently licenses 3 levels of EMT in the state: EMT, Advanced EMT (AEMT), and Paramedic.

The step-by-step process for all EMS providers to become licensed in Idaho goes like this:

Step 1 – Successfully complete an approved EMS Course.

Step 2 - Pass the National Registry of EMT’s (NREMT) computer based written examination and practical examination.

Step 3 - Submit to and pass a Criminal History Check by the Department of Health and Welfare.

Step 4 - Secure affiliation with an Idaho licensed EMS agency.

Step 5 - Complete an Idaho EMS Initial Application.

The details for these steps follow

Requirements to Become an EMT in Idaho

Idaho allows individuals as young as 16 (with parental consent) to become certified as EMTs. Idaho has fairly tough requirements including having to be affiliated with an organization where you will practice as an EMT before you apply for your EMT license.

The final step before applying for your EMT license is passing the NREMT computer based written examination and practical examinations. You’re allowed three attempts to pass the exam, after which twenty-four hours of remedial education must be successfully completed before another three attempts are allowed.

EMT License Requirements:

• 16 years old or older. Candidates who are 16 or 17 need parental or legal guardian consent
• Successful completion of an approved course recognized by the EMS Bureau
• Declaration of Previous Applications and Licensures. A candidate must declare each state or jurisdiction in which he has applied for, been denied, or held an EMS license or certification.
• Authorization for Release of Information. A candidate must provide authorization for the EMS authority in other states or jurisdictions to release the candidate’s registration, licensure, and certification information to the Idaho EMS Bureau
• Provide Current Affiliation with EMS Agency. A candidate must declare all organizations in which they are allowed to practice as licensed personnel. A candidate must have a current affiliation with a licensed EMS agency that functions at, or above, the level of licensure being sought by the candidate.
• Valid Identification
• Criminal History and Background Check
• Pass the NREMT computer based written examination and practical examinations at the EMT level or higher within the preceding thirty-six months

Requirements to Become a Paramedic or AEMT in Idaho

Unlike an EMT, you must be 18 years old or older to become an AEMT or Paramedic in Idaho.

Also, if you fail if you fail the NREMT exam 3 times, the number of remedial education hours required of AEMT and Paramedic candidates is higher than the requirements for EMTs .

An AEMT candidate is allowed three attempts to pass the exam, after which thirty-six hours of remedial education must be successfully completed before another three attempts are allowed. A Paramedic candidate is allowed three attempts to pass the exam, after which forty-eight hours of remedial education must be successfully completed before another three attempts are allowed.

Paramedic and AEMT License Requirements:

• 16 years old or older. Candidates who are 16 or 17 need parental or legal guardian consent
• Successful completion of an approved course recognized by the EMS Bureau
• Declaration of Previous Applications and Licensures. A candidate must declare each state or jurisdiction in which he has applied for, been denied, or held an EMS license or certification.
• Authorization for Release of Information. A candidate must provide authorization for the EMS authority in other states or jurisdictions to release the candidate’s registration, licensure, and certification information to the Idaho EMS Bureau
• Provide Current Affiliation with EMS Agency. A candidate must declare all organizations in which they are allowed to practice as licensed personnel. A candidate must have a current affiliation with a licensed EMS agency that functions at, or above, the level of licensure being sought by the candidate.
• Valid Identification
• Criminal History and Background Check
• Pass Standardized Examination 
• A candidate for AEMT licensure must successfully pass the NREMT computer based written examination and practical examinations at the AEMT level or higher within the preceding twenty-four months.
• A candidate for Paramedic licensure must successfully pass the NREMT computer based written examination and practical examinations at the Paramedic level within the preceding twenty-four months.

Full details can be found in the Idaho Rule 16.01.07 (pfd) on page 8

Reciprocity for EMTs Licensed in Another State

Idaho has a very straightforward process for all EMTs with out-of-state licenses to become licensed in the state.

Requirements for reciprocity in Idaho:

1. Complete a Scope of Practice Transition course
   A list of approved courses located on the Idaho Health and Welfare EMS Education Page. (The “Transition Courses” link located on the right-hand side of the page under the header “Training Opportunities”).
2. Complete and submit an Idaho EMS Provider Reciprocity application for your level of licensure.
3. Send a License Verification Request form to any/all states where you have held or applied for an EMS license
4. Apply for an assessment examination for your license level
5. A Department of Health and Welfare Criminal History Unit criminal history background check
6. Secure affiliation with a licensed Idaho EMS agency (not necessary for examination approval)
7. Complete an Idaho specific Landing Zone Officer course to qualify for licensure. This online course is found at idahoprepares.com.
8. Advanced EMT and Paramedic candidates must include a $35.00 licensure fee with their reciprocity application

Full details for EMTs seeking certification by reciprocity can be found in the Idaho Health & Welfare Reciprocity Instruction (pdf)

Reciprocity applications and other forms can be found on the Idaho Health and Welfare website under Provider Licensure Forms.

EMT Applicants with Criminal Convictions

If you have a criminal conviction, Idaho may deny your application depending on the type of crime you’re convicted of.

Idaho has two categories of denial for individuals with criminal convictions:

Unconditional Denial – An unconditional denial means that your convictions fall into a category that makes you a potential danger to patients.

Designated Seven-Year Crimes – This is for crimes that are not considered to put patients at risk If you have been convicted of a crime in this category you would be unconditionally denied an EMT license for seven years from the date of conviction.

A full list of crimes in both categories can be found in the IDAPA 16.05.06 Rules Governing Mandatory Criminal History Checks (pdf) on page 4.

Exemption Review - For crimes that are not listed in the Unconditional Denial and Designated Seven Year Crimes categories, the department will review each case on an individual basis.

Full details can be found in the IDAPA 16.05.06 Rules Governing Mandatory Criminal History Checks (pdf) on page 6.

EMT Jobs in Idaho

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

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Resources

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Emergency Medical Services
650 W State St. B-17
Basement of the Len B. Jordan building
Boise, ID 83720-0036
877-554-3367  

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 83720 
Boise, ID 83720-0036

IdahoEMS@dhw.idaho.gov

Provider Licensure Forms

Idaho Health and Welfare EMS Education Page

Idaho Rule 16.01.07 (pfd)

DAPA 16.05.06 Rules Governing Mandatory Criminal History Checks (pdf)

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)

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