How to Become an EMT in Indiana

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must complete the Indiana basic EMT training course approved by the EMS Commission and given by a certified training institution.
• You must pass the EMT written (cognitive) and practical skills exams approved by the Commission.
• You must submit to a national criminal history background check at your own cost.
• You need an Indiana Public Safety Identification (PSID) number and an Acadis portal account to apply.

Step by step

1. Get a PSID number and set up your Acadis portal account.
2. Complete an Indiana-approved EMT course at a certified training institution (at least 160 hours).
3. Pass the Indiana EMT psychomotor (practical) exam. Find exam dates through a primary instructor or by searching "EMS Practical Examination" in Acadis.
4. Pass the NREMT EMT cognitive exam.
5. Complete the national criminal history background check.
6. In the Acadis portal, open Academy Resources, then WebForms, and submit the Initial EMT Application.
7. Wait until your certification posts to your Acadis record before working as an EMT in Indiana.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: The Indiana EMT course must be approved by the EMS Commission and run by a certified training institution. IDHS sets a minimum of 160 course hours: 138 hours of National EMS Education Standards core content plus Indiana-specific hours, including an 8-hour ambulance field internship and an 8-hour hospital clinical internship.

Exam: Indiana uses two exams. The cognitive (written) exam is the NREMT EMT cognitive exam. The psychomotor (practical) exam is an Indiana practical exam, scheduled through a primary instructor or the Acadis portal.

What it costs in Indiana

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: EMT certification lasts two years. Every two years you report 40 hours of CE: at least 34 hours reviewing the Indiana EMT curriculum, 6 hours of audit and review, any update course the Commission requires, and a skills proficiency evaluation. Required Acadis online courses (psychological health modules and a 4-hour Traffic Incident Management course) count toward the hours. A current NREMT card can cover the 34-hour part, but not the state audit-and-review, update and skills parts. Submit at least 30 days before expiration. You do not have to keep NREMT certification.

Good to know in Indiana

NREMT card alone is not enough: IDHS says you cannot work in Indiana with only a National Registry card. You can function only after your Indiana certification posts to your Acadis record.

Out-of-state and EMS Compact: EMTs certified in another state or by NREMT can apply for reciprocity with State Form 67, a copy of their certification, and a Verification of EMS Status (State Form 19634) sent by their state. EMTs from EMS Compact states can instead register to work under their Privilege to Practice, with an Indiana-certified EMS agency affiliation, the medical director's approval and a PSID.

Late renewal: If you miss the CE deadline you must stop working as an EMT on the expiration date. Within 120 days after expiration you can renew with your CE documents and a $50 reapplication fee. After 120 days you must apply again through Acadis WebForms.

Criminal charges: The renewal form asks whether you have been charged with or convicted of anything other than a minor traffic violation, and whether you reported it to the IDHS Compliance Officer.

Social Security number: IDHS now collects Social Security numbers from all new applicants and current license holders in Acadis, as required for EMS Compact compliance.

Sources

• IDHS - Individual EMS Certification/Licensure
• 836 IAC 4-4-1 - EMT original certification requirements (Cornell LII)
• IDHS - EMT Renewal Application/Continuing Education Report (State Form 52319)
• IDHS - EMT Minimum Course Hours
• IDHS - Training Institutions and Primary Instructors
• IDHS - EMS Reciprocity Application (State Form 67)