EMT Paramedic Programs in Iowa

How to Become an EMT-Paramedic in Iowa � Training Offered through EMT-Paramedic Programs in Iowa

There are strict guidelines set up in the state of Iowa for EMT certification. If you are interested in learning how to become an EMT paramedic in Iowa, it's helpful to take a closer look at what these guidelines are. They are set by the Iowa Bureau of EMS, which is using the new National Scope of Practice Model certifications that have been recommended by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. There are three different levels of licensing to choose from, including EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic. With numerous training courses offered through technical colleges, community colleges and larger universities, students can get started by learning the skills and medical knowledge necessary to gain this certification.

Before you can enroll in any EMT-Paramedic programs in Iowa, you will need to have your current CPR certification and be at least 17. Other requirements for these training programs include having a current and valid Iowa driver's license as well as a high school diploma or its equivalent. An EMT basic training program requires a minimum of 130 hours of training, and takes 16 weeks to complete. To become certified as an EMT paramedic, you will need additional training on top of this. Official training that must be completed includes emergency driving and communications training, dependent adult and child abuse training, and NIMS and Incident Command certifications.

In addition, those who are seeking how to become an EMT paramedic in Iowa will need to have their hepatitis B vaccination and pass a tuberculosis test, and then go on to pass all written and technical EMT certification exams. If you've already been licensed as an EMT in another state but wish to practice in Iowa, you may be eligible for reciprocity. Current members of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians can apply for this status, which will then result in an Iowa certification.

There are several different training programs offered throughout the state of Iowa. Two of these EMT-paramedic programs in Iowa are offered at the Des Moines Area Community College and Kirkwood Community College. At Des Moines Community College, there is a 46 credit EMT paramedic specialist program which offers the highest level of training available for emergency medical services. Students in this program receive extra training in trauma assessment, as well as ECG interpretation and airway management. At Kirkwood Community College, students can choose from the Iowa paramedic program or the Iowa paramedic specialist program, which also offer high levels of training totaling up to 1000 hours.

EMT Paramedic Schools Near You & Online in Iowa

Kirkwood Community College

  • 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (319) 398-5411

Mercy College – Health Science

  • 928 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (515) 643-3180

University of Iowa

  • 50 Newton Road Iowa City, IA 52242
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, EMT Paramedic, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (319) 335-3500

Western Iowa Technical Community College

  • 4647 Stone Avenue Sioux City, IA 51102
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, LPN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (712) 274-6400