Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of work can I get with an EMT certification?

The majority of EMTs in Yakima County volunteer for their local fire department or search and rescue. Some become employed full-time as a firefighter/EMT or by private ambulance companies. There are also EMTs working in law enforcement.

Employment in a doctor’s office or hospital emergency department is not considered “prehospital care,” and therefore, will not qualify you for EMT certification. However, many individuals work full-time in clinical settings and volunteer with a fire department or other EMS organization in order to keep their EMT certification current.

What are the requirements needed to enter an EMT class?

• At least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Proof of current Hepatitis B vaccination, at least 2 of 3 shots must be received.
• Verification of professional liability, health, and accident insurance.
• Legible copy of driver’s license or other photo identification.
• Proof of background check performed by the Washington State Patrol.
• Proof of a drug screening performed by certified lab.

What are EMT certification requirements?

• At least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Legible copy of driver’s license or other photo identification.
• Successful completion of a Washington State DOH approved Initial EMT Course.
• Affiliation with a Washington State DOH approved agency.

Where can I get EMT classes?

We offer two EMT-B classes per year designed primarily for members of Yakima County fire agencies. These classes are held in the winter and spring of each year.

If you are currently a member of a Yakima County fire agency, contact your department’s Training Officer for information regarding future EMT courses with the Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services.

Application for EMT Training [ pdf kB]

Link to EMT Course Schedule

Where do I get continuing education classes to keep my EMT certification current?

The Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services schedules Ongoing Training & Education Program (OTEP) classes throughout the year. All 6 OTEP modules are hosted at each fire district at least once during a year. There are also make-up OTEP modules scheduled during Spring and Fall months. These classes are open to all Yakima County EMS providers, unless otherwise specified by the fire district or agency. Washington State recertification requirements are consistently met by the Ongoing Training & Education Program.

Calendar of OTEP & EMT courses

Is there a certification level between EMT and Paramedic in Yakima County?

There are 5 levels of EMT-Intermediate:

IV Technician
Airway Technician
IV/Airway Technician
EMT-Intermediate IV/Combitube
EMT-Intermediate IV/Endotracheal tube

How do I know when I need to recertify?

Look on your certification card for the expiration date. It is best to come in at least 3 months ahead of time to check on your eligibility for recertification.

What if I lose my certification card?

Contact the Washington State DOH at
1-800-458-5281 or
1-360-236-2852 (direct line)
Markay.newton@doh.wa.gov

How do I apply for recertification?

1. Complete all Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Ongoing Training and Education Program (OTEP) requirements.
2. Complete the Recertification Application
a. Read the Recertification Application Instructions
b. Complete the Recertification Application (includes Part “D”)

NOTE: This form may be filled out on your screen; however you MUST print it and obtain the necessary signatures.

3. Fill out the form completely. You will need to sign it and then obtain your agency’s signature (chief, training officer, supervisor).
4. Place the Part “D” Confidentiality form in a sealed envelope and submit the application and Part “D” forms to:

Yakima County Department of EMS
5110 Tieton Drive, Suite 370
Yakima, Washington 98908

Download Recertification Application (www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emstrauma/recert.htm)
Click onto your level of certification (e.g., EMT, Paramedic)

The link above is for files stored in the PDF format. To view a PDF file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free of charge at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

My certification has expired; how can I get it reinstated?

First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician

If it has been less than 3 years since your Washington State FR or EMT certification expired, you may be able to get it reinstated, provided you meet the following qualifications:

• You are actively affiliated with a Washington State DOH-approved EMS agency
• You have maintained your continuing education hours, both for the time period you were certified and for the time during which your certification expired
• You are recommended for certification by your county MPD in Washington State

NOTE: If your FR or EMT certification has been expired for more than 3 years, you will be required to re-take the entire First Responder or Basic EMT course.

If it has been over 30 days since submitting all required information, contact Washington State Licensing and Certification Section at: 1-800-458-5281, Ext. #1 or (360) 236-2845 to determine the status of your request.

For more information, go to www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emstrauma/reinstat.htm

EMT-Intermediate

If it has been less than 3 years since your Washington State certification expired, you may be able to get it reinstated, provided you meet the following qualifications:

• You are actively affiliated with a Washington State DOH-approved EMS agency
• You have maintained your continuing education hours, both for the time period you were certified and for the time during which your certification expired
• You are recommended for certification by your county MPD in Washington State

NOTE: If your certification has been expired for more than 3 years, you will be required to re-take the entire intermediate course that is applicable to your level of certification (e.g., IV, Airway, EMT-Intermediate).

If it has been over 30 days since submitting all required information, contact Washington State Licensing and Certification Section at: 1-800-458-5281, Ext. #1 or (360) 236-2845 to determine the status of your request.

For more information, go to www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emstrauma/reinstat.htm

Paramedic

If you were previously certified in Washington State and have since expired, your Paramedic certification may be reinstated provided you meet the following qualifications:

• You have completed a Recertification Application
• You are actively affiliated with a Washington State DOH-approved EMS agency
• You have maintained your continuing education hours and skills requirements, both for the time period you were certified and for the time during which your certification expired
• You have passed the Washington State Paramedic written exam
• You are recommended for certification by your county MPD in Washington State

If it has been over 30 days since submitting all required information, contact Washington State Licensing and Certification Section at: 1-800-458-5281, Ext #1 or (360) 236-2845 to determine the status of your request.

For more information, go to www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emstrauma/reinstat.htm

What are the pre-requisites to become certified as a Paramedic?

In addition to the following, you will need to contact the paramedic program in order to determine the necessary requirements.

• Field experience as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for at least one year.
• Paramedic training
• Initial Certification

How long does the EMT-Paramedic course last?

The average length of time is 2 years, which includes class time and field time.

Who do I contact about the Paramedic course?

Central Washington University (509) 963-1974

Other Washington State-approved colleges www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emstrauma/pmtrnprg.htm