Connecticut State Department of Public Health

For EMS Instructors - Connecticut and the NREMT FAQ

As OEMS continues exploration of adopting  the NREMT certification model for all certified EMS instructors, we understand you may have questions. Below are Frequently Asked Questions OEMS has received. Check back often as we will continue to update this page.

Printable Version of NREMT EMS Instructor FAQ 

Will EMS Instructors still be required under the NREMT and NCCP programs?
Yes. EMSI personnel will still conduct INITIAL EMR, EMT, AEMT and paramedic programs. EMSI personnel will also provide the National Component of NCCP and MAY provide the Local Component and Individual Components as well.
Must EMS Instructors obtain NREMT certification?
No. Existing personnel are not required to obtain NREMT certification. It would be proper for EMS instructors who teach initial courses to be intimately familiar with the NREMT certification process, which may be done by becoming certified themselves.
What EMS education programs will require OEMS approval?
    1. Initial EMS programs – EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic – No change to this process.
    2. Continuing Education – Programs will be approved by OEMS for a two-year period.
      1. EMR NCCR (8 hours)
      2. EMT NCCR (20 hours)
      3. AEMT NCCR (25 hours)
      4. Paramedic NCCR (30 hours)
      5. BLS Continuing Education
      6. ALS Continuing Education
Will certification card courses count towards NREMT and NCCP requirements?
Yes. OEMS will produce a list of pre-approved standardized certification courses, with approval numbers, and total number of CE hours each program is granted. Instructors from these courses need not be certified EMS instructors, but must be approved or certified by the accrediting body (such as AHA, NAEMT, ASHI, etc.).
Is the state OEMS making any requirements as to the content of the State/Local Requirement (LCCR)?
No. At this time, OEMS will defer selection of topics to the EMS instructor, agency training officers and local medical director. OEMS reserves the right to implement requirements as deemed necessary in the future.
What types of education delivery are accepted by Connecticut OEMS?
    1. F-1 Live, In Person, Single Events (Conference, Grand Rounds, etc).
    2. F-2 Live, In Person, Recurring Events (Same agenda and curriculum, delivered multiple times).
    3. F-3 Distributive Education – Online, journal, video or other asynchronous education.
    4. F-4 Standardized Certification Courses (AHA, ARC, NAEMT, ASHI, NSC, etc.).
    5. F-5 Video Instructor Led Training (VILT) – Live, synchronous two-way video and audio training.
May CAPCE approved education for the Local or Individual Requirements?
Yes. CAPCE approved programs meet the expectations of LCCR and ICCR topics. Please note that there is a limit to the number of Distance Education credits allowed per certification cycle.
Will OEMS offer “State Approval” to a program developed by an instructor in Connecticut?

Yes. Currently certified EMS instructors may submit a request for approval to this office utilizing the prescribed method (to be announced). This approval meets the requirements of NREMT.
When must an instructor re-submit a request for education approval?
    1. Upon expiration of original approval (2 years).
    2. Upon significant change of the curriculum or format of education.
May people other than EMS instructors apply for program approval?
Yes. Content experts may submit for continuing education approval only, and must include their credentials or experience. Persons seeking to conduct initial EMS certification training must follow the usual path to become an EMS instructor. Some examples may include:
    1. ED physician conducting ED grand rounds
    2. OB nurse providing CE on emergency child birth
    3. Fire Instructor providing CE on safety during vehicle extrication
    4. Attorney providing CE on medical legal and documentation topics
Who is qualified to be identified as a "Training Officer" on NREMT.org?
    1. The "Training Officer" role serves to create education and apply it to individual users. Additionally, Training Officers provider bi-annual skills verification for EMR and EMT personnel.
    2. Any currently certified EMS instructor may serve as a Training Officer, and any certified or licensed EMS agency may appoint a Training Officer (who need not be an EMS-I).
    3. Special Note – Any EMR or EMT seeking recertification from NREMT must obtain their skill verification from a Training Officer from a certified or licensed EMS agency with which they are affiliated. Training Officers from non-licensed or non-certified agencies (such as community colleges, commercial EMS training businesses or high schools) are not authorized to provide such skill verification for recertifying providers.

Additional Resources

NREMT Agency Guide for Recertification

NREMT 2016 NCCP Requirements

NREMT 2016 EMR Level NCCP Update

NREMT 2016 EMT Level NCCP Update

NREMT 2016 AEMT Level NCCP Update

NREMT 2016 Paramedic Level NCCP Update


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