National EMT Registry Extends Recertification Deadline

March 16, 2020
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians moved its March recertification deadline to June because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Editor's note: Find Firehouse.com's complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic here.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians has extended the recertification deadline.

The registry's board of directors approved moving the deadline from March 31 to June 30, the organization announced Friday. The board also waived Distributive Education limitations for those due to recertify March 31.

“Given the dynamic nature of this global pandemic, the focus of our nation's EMS personnel should remain on personal well-being, patient safety and supporting their communities in need,” Bill Seifarth, the National Registry's executive director, said in a statement.

Late fees will be dropped for any submissions after March 31. Those waiving the Distributive Education limitations for the remainder of the recertification cycle should be aware that it will take time for the registry's software to be modified.

“We know that there are still many unanswered questions as to how these changes will be implemented and how the closures of schools and universities will impact the pipeline of EMS personnel seeking to test,” Seifarth added. “The Registry will take the necessary time to work with the State EMS Offices, Program Directors, and other stakeholders to properly address these issues and will share updates as information becomes available.”

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