If you are looking for Paramedic specific information then take a look at Paramedic Training in IL.
The following is a list of requirements you will need to satisfy prior to becoming a licensed EMT in the State of Illinois:
- 18 years of age
- High School diploma
- State approved CPR course certificate
- Criminal background check, criminal records may result in rejection; if you have a criminal record it’s best to contact your local EMS Agency before you invest time and money
- State approved EMT Basic training
- Pass NREMT-B exam
- Valid drivers license
Step 1
In order to submit an application you must do the following:
- Complete the Illinois Department of Public Health EMS Agency’s application form (http://www.idph.state.il.us/ems/EMT_Application_for_Licensure.pdf)
- Bring the application form with you to the training program for details on section VII
- Signature by course coordinator is required to complete application
- Include fee of $20 for the application plus the examination fee of $70 (check or money order payable to Continental Testing Services)
Alternatively you are able to apply online as follows:
- Submit your application electronically here: https://www.continentaltesting.net/IDPH/application/applicationIDPHForm.aspx?iProfessionID=70
- Inform your course instructor that you submitted application online
Step 2
Find a local approved training facility and register for the EMT Basic training. Prior to contacting the training facility you should get proof of immunization and verify with the training facility what other immunizations you will need prior to registering.
It is very important that you only register for an approved training program at a state approved facility, as non-approved courses will not be accepted for an EMT license. Before you sign up for an EMT-B course check with the IDPH EMS Agency whether it is an approved course.
Training programs are usually spread over a 3 to 6 month period and cost usually ranges between $1,000 and $1,500.
Step 3
A lot of approved training facilities also offer CPR certification courses. It would make sense for you to choose a training facility that does indeed offer both the EMT and CPR training courses. Applicants should also talk to the training provider about the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examinations and whether they will be able to provide such a certificate. Registration with the NREMT can be done through the EMT course facility.
Upon completion you will receive a certificate that is needed for the state EMT license application.
Step 4
EMT license applicants must pass the NREMT exams, which are made up of two parts, a written cognitive exam and a psychomotor exam. For the written exam an applicant will need to register with the NREMT (http://www.nremt.org) and pay the $70 application fee. The state of Illinois requires that you perform the registration through the EMT training coordinator and is usually done at the start of the training.
Once the applicant has received certification for both exams they will be issued with an NREMT certificate which is valid for 2 years; this certificate is needed for the state EMT license application.
For some tips and recommendations on preparing for these exams take a look at our Preparing For NREMT Exams page.
Step 5
All health care professionals are required to undergo a criminal background check in order to ensure patient safety. If you have a criminal conviction you should contact the IDPH EMS Agency and discuss the nature of your criminal conviction, as some crimes will not allow you to become a licensed EMT professional.
The process for the criminal background check is started during the application process for the EMT-B course and instructions for this are supplied by the training facility. You should expect fees to be about $87, but they can be higher if you have lived or worked in other states than Illinois.
Knowing all these steps in advance will greatly help in planning your training and ensuring a quick and efficient process as possible.
