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Best firefighter/paramedic certifications
The best certifications for a firefighter/paramedic are Equipment Management Specialist (EMS), Emergency Medical Services, and Community Paramedic Certification (CP-C).
Firefighter/paramedic certifications demonstrate your competency as a firefighter/paramedic to employers. However, not all firefighter/paramedic certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best firefighter/paramedic certifications. Obtaining a firefighter/paramedic certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
12 best certifications for firefighter/paramedics
| Rank | Firefighter/paramedic certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equipment Management Specialist (EMS) | AEMP |
| 2 | Emergency Medical Services | ABEM |
| 3 | Community Paramedic Certification (CP-C) | BCCTPC |
| 4 | Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS) | American Red ... |
| 5 | Emergency Medicine | ABPS |
| 6 | Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) | NREMT |
| 7 | Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI-II) | NFPA |
| 8 | Certified Fire Inspector I | NFPA |
| 9 | Airport Master Firefighter (AMF) | AAAE |
| 10 | Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression Certification (ISO) | FDSOA |
| 11 | Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM) | NAMSS |
| 12 | Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) | I.A.A.I. |
12 best firefighter/paramedic certifications
1. Equipment Management Specialist (EMS)
The Equipment Management Specialist designation is a recognized standard for developing the qualifications of a person involved with equipment in a private, municipal, or government fleet within the first five (5) years of career development.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) involves prehospital emergency patient care, including initial patient stabilization, treatment, and transport to hospitals in specially equipped ambulances or helicopters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Community Paramedic Certification (CP-C)
The expectation for the CP-C exam candidate is competency in mobile integrated healthcare, and expanded EMS services in rural and urban settings, including various healthcare, mental health, and housing and service needs. This examination is not meant to test entry-level knowledge, but rather to validate competency of those paramedics providing services beyond the roles of traditional emergency care and transport.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
4. Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Emergency Medicine
The ABPS's emergency medicine board certification exams enable successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in emergency medicine. Completing the emergency medicine board certification exams indicates mastery of emergency medicine experience and knowledge, as well as a professional commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 8 year(s)
6. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
The NREMT Advanced Emergency Medical Technician cognitive exam is a computer based test (CBT). The exam will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care including: Airway, Respiration & Ventilation; Cardiology & Resuscitation; Trauma; Medical & Obstetrics/Gynecology; and EMS Operations. Items related to patient care are focused on adult and geriatric patients (85%) and pediatric patients (15%). In order to pass the exam, you must meet a standard level of competency. The passing standard is defined by the ability to provide safe and effective entry level advanced emergency medical care.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Fire Inspector II (CFI-II)
Like the CFI-I, the CFI-II is based on the NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner. In addition to the codes covered in CFI-I, the CFI-II program expands the fire inspector certification track to include the NFPA 24 and NFPA 220 standards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
8. Certified Fire Inspector I
The NFPA Certified Fire Inspector I (CFI-I) certification program was created in response to repeated requests by local entities, state agencies, and national organizations for certification programs founded on the NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner, and other applicable NFPA codes and standards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Airport Master Firefighter (AMF)
The purpose of the A.M.F., first level of the ARFF Professional Designation Program, is to document that the Master candidate understands, to an acceptable degree, the ARFF Body of Knowledge essential to carry out the responsibilities to manage an airport fire department and also has a basic understanding of airport administration and management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
10. Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression Certification (ISO)
A fire department incident safety officer's mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. Members of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, applicants sponsored by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and individuals meeting the duties and requirements of a company officer or an Incident Scene Safety Officer may apply.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
11. Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM)
The Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM) is typically employed or contracted by a health care organization including, but not limited to, health plans, group practices, credentialing verification organizations or hospitals (health systems).A CPMSM is an integral part of the team that manages key systems and is responsible for maintaining compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies, developing and implementing credentialing processes and procedures, and overseeing development of and adherence to governance bylaws, department rules and regulations, and medical staff, organizational, and/or practitioner/provider policies. The CPMSM may also be responsible for overall management of medical services functions (i.e. staffing, budgets, database administration, etc.), continuing medical education, and provider recruitment/relations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
The International Association of Arson Investigators seeks to acknowledge demonstrated competence in all phases of fire investigation, as held by numerous individuals from many fields, both public and private. This goal is accomplished by awarding points for achievements in Education, Training and Experience as they relate to Fire Investigation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a firefighter/paramedic?
The best firefighter/paramedic certification is Equipment Management Specialist (EMS). The Equipment Management Specialist (EMS) is awarded by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this firefighter/paramedic certification:
- To become a certified Equipment Management Specialist (EMS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for firefighter/paramedics?
The most in-demand firefighter/paramedic certification is Emergency Medical Services based on all active job postings. Having this firefighter/paramedic certification will give you access to more firefighter/paramedic jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a firefighter/paramedic career and salary?
The Equipment Management Specialist certification will help you to secure a paramedic position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A paramedic's average salary is $41,625 whereas firefighter/paramedics make an average salary of $51,764.
The most common combination of firefighter/paramedic certifications include: Equipment Management Specialist (EMS), Emergency Medical Services, and Community Paramedic Certification (CP-C).
Online courses for firefighter/paramedics to earn certifications
1. Trauma Emergencies and Care
Welcome to Trauma Emergencies and Care. In this course, you will learn about some of the mechanics and physics of trauma on the human body, and how this can cause injury. You will continue to expand your new vocabulary with medical terminology, and learn how to describe the different injuries you may see. You will also learn about the trauma system itself- and when it is important to transport patients to a trauma center. Then we will dive into specific injuries based on what part of the body...
2. Emergency Care: Pregnancy, Infants, and Children
Welcome to the final course of lectures in your quest to master EMT basics. In this course, we will cover some of the highest-stress patient populations: pregnant patients and kids, also known as pediatrics. To wrap up your EMT knowledge we will end this course with information about hazmat situations, extricating patients from tight spots and finally how you write a note about your patient care. You will learn to ensure it communicates what your assessment of the patient was, what...
3. Basic Fire Safety Awareness
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4. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert
Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...
5. Medical Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation
In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1) assess a basic medical patient 2) describe general pharmacologic principles and the skills associated with medication administration, 3) explain airway physiology, the assessment of the airway and available interventions for airway management, 4) identify, assess and formulate a plan to stabilize a patient with a...
6. Medical Emergencies: CPR, Toxicology, and Wilderness
In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: (1) Identify the signs and symptoms associated with a patient in shock, to describe the major categories of shock, to assess a patient with signs of shock and formulate a plan for treatment to stabilize the patient for transport, (2) Identify a patient in cardiac arrest and to describe the components of high performance CPR...
7. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...
8. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY
Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...
9. Traditional herbal medicine in supportive cancer care: From alternative to integrative
Please join us for an exciting and innovative journey, examining one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of the oncology setting: Traditional Herbal Medicine in Supportive Cancer Care. This course is presented with short lectures offering a wide range of issues related to the principles and practice of herbal medicine in cancer care. The course includes interviews with leading world experts from the field of Integrative Oncology, from the U.S. and Canada, as well as Europe, the...
10. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care
This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...
11. Mantaflow Fire & Smoke Simulation Guide in Blender
Learn everything there is to know about the Fire and Smoke Simulation in Blender!...
12. Sales Fire: B2B Sales & Business Development for Startups
The Ultimate Sales Methodology for Business Development & B2B Sales to Learn Sales Strategy, Sales Skills & Deal Closing...
13. Prehospital care of acute stroke and patient selection for endovascular treatment using the RACE scale
Acute stroke is a time-dependent medical emergency. In acute ischemic stroke, the first objective is to restore brain flow using sistemic thrombolytic treatment and, in patients with large vessel occlusion, by endovascular treatment. In hemorrhagic stroke there are also specific treatments that can improve the clinical outcome. The sooner the initiation of all these therapies the higher the clinical benefit. Thus, the organization of Stroke Code systems coordinated between emergency medical...
14. Palliative Care Always Capstone Course
The Palliative Care Always Capstone course is designed to let you test your knowledge about palliative and help others understand the value of palliative care, while showing your creative side. In this course, you will impact community awareness about palliative care, promote self-care and wellness, show-off your communication skills in a virtual environment, and finish the course off by proving your thoughts on ways to offer psychosocial support to a patient and family...
15. Providing Trauma-Informed Care
Exploring psychological trauma and how to provide care and compassion to trauma survivors...
16. Fire Starter Sessions Video Workshop with Danielle LaPorte
Strengthen your voice. Prioritize what's sacred. Define success — on your own terms. For Creatives & Entrepreneurs...
17. Operations and Patient Safety for Healthcare IT Staff
Now that you've been introduced to the world of Health IT and the important role played by electronic health records (EHRs), we'll focus on other technologies that play a role in maintaining ongoing operations in healthcare. Telemedicine, patient portals, barcode scanners, printers, and medical devices are just some of the technologies that impact providers and patients. As an IT support specialist, you’ll be asked to troubleshoot issues with a wide variety of tools. You'll see a scenario with...
18. Prepare for the EMT Certification Test
Welcome to your final course in Become and EMT! Prepare for the National Registry exam. The title for this course is a little bit misleading. We do hope that at the completion of this course that you feel more prepared to take the skills portion as well as the written portion of the national registry exam. More than anything else, however, our greatest hope is that we have given you the knowledge and tools to provide high quality patient care once you are certified as an EMT or once you achieve...
19. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes
COURSE 3 of 7. This course is designed to introduce you to critical office-based processes that a value-based practice must manage in the drive towards improved patient outcomes. In Module 2, we’ll focus on office-based and clinical patient-based supporting functions. At every level in healthcare, guidelines, processes, and functions exist to improve outcomes, and following a consistent process will return the best effect. Refine your understanding of value and learn strategies to provide real...
20. Health for All Through Primary Health Care
This course explores why primary health care is central for achieving Health for All. It provides examples of how primary health care has been instrumental in approaching this goal in selected populations and how the principles of primary health care can guide future policies and actions. Two of the most inspiring, least understood, and most often derided terms in global health discourse are “Health for All” and “Primary Health Care.” In this course, we will explore these terms in the context...