Recertification

Emergency Medical Technician Basics in South Carolina must recertify every three (3) years.  Recertification is granted by successfully completing a department approved refresher-training program and successfully pass the state refresher/registry like written and practical examination plus submit a properly completed Certificate Application card and BLS credential.  Current or former S.C. EMT’s may participate in a refresher program.

Note:  If the former EMT-Basic state certification has lapsed more than two years, that candidate must repeat a full (initial) Basic course and test the National Registry EMT Basic examination.

Reciprocity

Out-of-State EMT Certifications:

1.  Candidates who hold EMT certifications from other states may qualify for reciprocity.  Perspective candidates must submit the following documentation to DHEC:

• A copy of the candidate’s out-of-state EMT certificate or certification pocket card.  Must have a minimum of 6 months remaining on the certification.
• A detailed course outline documenting any additional training as required in S.C.
• A completed and signed reciprocity application.
• A copy of the candidate’s current BLS credential or pocket card.
• A properly completed and signed Certificate Application card.   Candidates must have the endorsement section of the certificate application card signed by their S.C. EMS sponsor and that service’s medical control physician.
• If the out-of-state certification can be verified through that state’s EMS office and the additional training requirements have been satisfied, the candidate will receive a S.C. certification with an expiration date as stated below.

2.  If the additional training required by S.C. cannot be adequately documented, the candidate will receive a letter of permission to obtain the necessary training in S.C. approved training institution.  Additional Training Requirement include:

• Successful completion of the 1994 DOT EMT-Basic Curriculum.
• Training in Orotracheal Intubation (ET). 
• Training in IV maintenance.

3.    If candidate has less than the required six months remaining on their out-of-state credential:

Candidate must successfully complete a S.C. State approved refresher course and pass the National Registry EMT Basic examination.

4.   If candidate out-of-state credential has been expired for less than 2 years.

Candidate must successfully complete a S.C. State approved refresher course and pass the National Registry EMT Basic examination.

5.   If candidate out-of-state credential has been expired for more than 2 years.

Candidate must successfully complete a full (initial) S.C. State approved EMT Basic course and  pass the National Registry EMT Basic examination.

Military Reciprocities:

Candidates who have medical experiences through the military medical corps program or military EMT program MAY qualify to enter a S.C. EMT Basic refresher course.  Perspective candidates must submit the following documentation to DHEC:

• A copy of the candidate’s military training records delineating emergency medical training.  Any documentation, which details the content of the training, will be helpful.
• A copy of the candidate’s BLS credential or pocket card.
• A completed and signed reciprocity application.
• If the candidate’s training can be verified as equivalent to the DOT EMT Basic curriculum, a letter of permission to enter a SC EMT Basic refresher-training program will be mailed to the candidate.

The letter of permission is the candidate’s authority to enter the refresher program and if successful, qualify to take the National Registry EMT Basic certification examination.

Nurse Reciprocities:

Candidates who have licensed Registered Nurses MAY qualify to enter a S.C. EMT  refresher course at any level.  Perspective candidates must submit the following documentation to DHEC:

(Other nursing credentials, i.e. LPN are not acceptable)

• A copy of the candidate’s registered nurse license.
• Medical resume documenting critical care nursing or experience in the ER.
• A copy of the candidate’s BLS credential or pocket card.
• A completed and signed reciprocity application.
• If the candidate’s training and experience can be verified, a letter of permission to enter a SC  refresher-training program will be mailed to the candidate.

The letter of permission is the candidate’s authority to enter the refresher program and if successful, qualify to take the S.C. EMT certification examination.

National Registered EMT Reciprocities:

National Registry EMTs may be able to obtain direct reciprocity in South Carolina by meeting the following requirements:

• Submit a copy of their current National Registry certificate and a copy of the written examination grade report.
• Submit a course outline of their last DOT refresher or initial course as documentation of training in Orotrachel Intubation.  Documentation of specialty training (ACLS etc.) As well as training in EGTA, EOA, PTL, Combi-tube or any other airway device is not acceptable for documentation of training in Orotracheal Intubation (ET).
• Documentation of training in IV maintenance.
• A copy of the candidate’s current BLS credential.
• A completed and signed reciprocity application.
• A properly completed Certificate Application (white card)