EMT Training Iowa
In state of Iowa, the Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS oversees the EMT training program. Iowa is one of a small number of states remaining that do not accept the NREMT exam as a foundation for the certification of an EMT and Paramedic.
Instead, the Public Health Department in the state of Iowa has formulated its very own exam for EMT’s and Paramedics that are both written and practical. All applicants who are training to become an EMT must take this exam in order to get certified. If you are from another state, however, the Bureau of EMS in the state of Iowa will accept your certificate from the NREMT on a reciprocity condition. However, you will need to provide proof of this.
EMT Training in Iowa
Whether you are in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City or anywhere else in Iowa, the information outlined below should be of use to you.
In the state of Iowa, there are 19 recognized EMT training programs approved by the Bureau of EMS and the Public Health Department. Each approved training course has materials and resources that are required to become an EMT or Paramedic in the state of Iowa.
Those who are applying for the EMT certification must be CPR certified by the Red Cross before they can be accepted by one of the approved training programs in the state of Iowa.
EMT Training courses
EMT training courses in the state of Iowa are taught by lecture in the classroom and with clinical exercises in hospitals locally as well as local ambulance services. When the training course is completed, students will be able to assess patients during an emergency; stabilize them, perform CPR, assist with other pre-hospital care for sick and injured patients.
During the EMT training course, students will learn how to manage blocked airways, how to use the defibrillator and how to treat fractures. With successful certification as an EMT, individuals are able to work in hospital settings, fire departments and ambulance services.
