All EMTs, or Emergency Medical Technicians, must renew their certification every two years. Recertification requires at least 20 hours of training at the national level. This training encompasses continuing education in fundamental knowledge that EMTs must possess to serve any population nationwide during emergencies.
Additional required continuing education includes at least 10 hours of local or state training. If your state lacks specific requirements, these hours remain flexible based on your interests or what would most benefit the populations you serve. Up to seven of these 10 hours can be “distributive content.”
Finally, you must complete at least 10 hours of individual, flexible content. These hours can cover topics you choose but must be EMS-related and approved by CAPCE, or the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education.
Now that you understand the requirements for your online EMT refresher course, let’s examine the best options available.
1. 40-Hour Online NREMT Refresher (EMT Refresher)
This 40-hour refresher course combines virtual instructor-led training (VILT) with distributive hours. The sixteen VILT hours occur during the first two days of training, typically a Saturday and Sunday, lasting eight hours each day. These hours satisfy the in-person training requirements mandated by the NREMT for all EMT recertifications. Instructor-led training remains available through the archives at any time.
The remaining 24 hours of this EMT refresher course count as distributive hours. Distributive training consists of continuing education without real-time interaction between student and instructor. Your distributive training hours will cover topics essential for enhancing your EMT performance, incorporating the latest industry developments.
Upon successfully completing your 40-Hour Online NREMT Refresher course through EMT Refresher, you can instantly print your certificate. The certificate receives approval through the NCCP, or National Continued Competency Program.
2. 40-Hour NCCP EMT Recertification Package (EMT & Fire Training, Inc.)
EMT Fire & Training, Inc. provides a comprehensive EMT Recertification Package that includes the National, Local and State, plus Individual training required by NCCP. If you don’t need the complete 40-hour course, there’s a 24-hour traditional EMT refresher course and a 20-hour course covering only nationally required topics. You can add one month of test-prep services to your course for an additional fee. The test prep is highly recommended for those struggling with test-taking and can prevent the need for multiple testing attempts, as each NREMT attempt requires a fee.
During all VILT training or virtual instructor-led training, your attendance will be verified. Each class features a lecture and knowledge-based exam. The class topics build upon each other throughout the course, making attendance essential. However, EMT & Fire Training, Inc. recognizes that computer and internet issues occasionally arise.
All EMT refresher courses offered online through EMT & Fire Training, Inc. are conducted entirely online. If you need skills verification for your recertification, you’ll need to arrange this separately from your online EMT refresher course. Regardless of which online course best suits your needs, you can trust that your instructors are educated and experienced, sharing their tips, tricks, and techniques as you deepen your knowledge and passion.
3. Live 48-Hour EMT Refresher (Distance CME)
If you learn best through live training, where you can see and interact with your virtual instructor in real-time, then the 48-Hour EMT Refresher from Distance CME might be perfect for you. This self-paced course breaks down into 24 modules. Each module lasts only two hours, allowing you to focus on the topic without feeling overwhelmed and without having to schedule your busy life around lengthy lectures. Live modules are available seven days a week during morning, afternoon, or evening hours and can be taken in any order.
The self-paced format allows you to complete it in a couple of weeks or a couple of years, whatever works best for you. All modules and the complete 48-Hour EMT Refresher course are CAPCE-accredited. Distance CME accepts PayPal, including its “Bill Me Later” option if you’re approved for PayPal Credit, making it easier to finance your online EMT refresher course.
4. EMS-CE EMT Refresher (Safety Unlimited, Inc.)
Are you a California-based EMT? Safety Unlimited, Inc. offers an EMS-CE EMT Refresher course for those approaching recertification or within two years of certification expiration. The course meets all local and state training requirements for California.
To complete the recertification process, you may also need valid CPR certification and California EMT Skills Testing. These aren’t available online since they require in-person completion. Be sure to check your current status and complete these if necessary.
The 24-hour program is entirely instructor-based and counts for 24 contact hours of continuing education. It’s also self-paced, allowing you to work your EMT recertification training around your busy schedule. Being mobile-friendly, you can even study while away from home, making recertification even more convenient.
5. EMT Refresher Course (EMS University)
EMS University offers its 24-hour EMT refresher course in person at several locations in California, Arizona, and Texas. However, you can also complete their 40-hour EMT refresher course online featuring virtual instructor-led training (VILT). Both in-person and online courses are approved by the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP), the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), and the Department of Transportation (DOT).
If you need additional continuing education hours according to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), numerous options are available. These courses supplement the basic topic modules covering everything from medical to behavioral health and from trauma to pediatric medical assessments. For those interested in sharing their knowledge and passion for the EMT profession, you’ll also find courses in becoming an EMT instructor.
6. EMT Recertification (TargetSolutions)
If you want greater flexibility in the courses you take for EMT Recertification, then TargetSolutions could be the right starting point. Not only can you purchase individual courses that become part of your continuing education program, but there are also course packages that include everything needed to get started or advance your career.
The national training requirements can be met with course packages offered through TargetSolutions, but you’ll also find courses specific to local and state requirements for Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Each individual course or course package can be completed online. Once you pass the automatically graded tests, simply print your certificate.
Courses include live lectures plus pre-recorded videos and archived lectures. Audio narrations make it easy to maintain your continuing education on the go. You’ll learn from real-life scenarios and experienced EMT instructors with the most current information available.
7. 24-Hour EMT Refresher Topics (Hazmat Student)
Consisting of 39 sections across 7 modules, the 24-Hour EMT Refresher Topics course helps you pass the NREMT recertification test. The Online Training System (OTS) features an interactive platform that allows you to complete modules any time of day. You also have up to 24 months to complete the entire series of modules. The 24-hour course covers all nationally required topics plus those required by most local and state programs. However, you should verify requirements with your state.
Created for currently certified EMTs or EMTs still within the 2-year grace period after certification expiration, these refresher topics feature the latest EMT instruction. Additional training such as Hazmat First Responder Awareness (FRA) is also available. If you’re local to Simi Valley, California, you can complete your in-person testing through Hazmat Student as well.
8. EMT and Paramedic Refresher (MedEdNow)
Many paramedics begin as EMTs and maintain their EMT certification even after advancing to paramedic positions. MedEdNow offers all the refresher training needed to maintain your certification if it’s expiring soon or if you’re within the grace period. The 30-hour paramedic refresher course is their most popular option, but several EMS and EMT courses are also available.
MedEdNow is a nationally recognized continuing education provider within the medical field, and their course offerings extend beyond emergency, pre-hospital care. In fact, there are also courses in nursing, infection control, and EKG interpretation. The EKG interpretation course includes 12-lead, making it an excellent add-on for EMTs and paramedics.
All courses are mobile-friendly and accessible 24/7 for a full 12 months after enrollment. The 30-hour course includes 20 hours of virtual instructor-based learning plus an additional 10 hours of self-paced continuing education.
9. EMT Interactive (EMS1 Academy)
It’s helpful to maintain your continuing education hours consistently rather than scrambling when your certification approaches renewal. That’s where EMS1 Academy comes in. With an individual subscription, you can take current courses as desired while your subscription remains active. Group subscriptions are also available for teams of EMT personnel. Those responsible for maintaining their EMTs’ current training and certification can track each EMT’s progress through courses to ensure they’re on track for recertification when needed.
With 500+ courses available, you’ll always have something new to learn. EMT Interactive Refresher courses are approved by both the NREMT and CAPCE. The monthly subscription ensures you always have access to the most current courses available. Paramedic refresher courses are also available.
Final Thoughts On The Best EMT Refresher Courses Online
While the requirements for EMT recertification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians remain standard for all, each EMT requires different learning approaches and different topics. This makes finding the best online EMT refresher course for your specific needs crucial.
Something else to consider: as an EMT already in the medical field, you might be contemplating medical school. If that’s the case, make sure to read our article on the best MCAT review courses and prepare to pass your test.
