How to Become an EMT in Wyoming

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 to be licensed as an EMT.
• You must complete an EMT course based on the national (NHTSA) EMS Education Standards.
• You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) EMT exam.
• You must not have a felony conviction or pending felony charge, or a misdemeanor that affects public trust or your ability to practice. You may ask for a waiver with your application.
• You must not have had your right to practice a health care profession limited, suspended or surrendered anywhere.
• You must pass a state and federal fingerprint background check through Wyoming DCI and pay its cost.

Step by step

1. Complete a Wyoming-authorized EMT course.
2. Pass the NREMT EMT cognitive exam.
3. Create an account in the Online Wyoming Licensing System (OWLS) and submit the Initial/Upgrade License Application, marked Initial License.
4. Upload your driver's license or state ID (front and back), your BLS CPR card, and your NREMT card showing its expiration date.
5. Print the Wyoming DCI fingerprint instructions and complete the fingerprint background check through Wyoming DCI. Checks done by any other agency are not accepted.
6. If only the fingerprint results are pending, you may file a Conditional License Affidavit for a 90-day conditional license.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Wyoming rules (Chapter 16, Section 5) require an EMT course based on the NHTSA National EMS Education Standards. The course coordinator certifies to OEMS that you completed it. No separate state hour minimum is set in the rule.

Exam: Chapter 16, Section 6 of the Wyoming EMS rules requires EMT applicants to pass the NREMT exam. OEMS lists both a psychomotor (practical skills) test and the NREMT cognitive (written) test for EMT applicants. NREMT charges $104 per EMT exam attempt. Out-of-state EMTs may be asked to pass the Wyoming certification exam.

What it costs in Wyoming

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

How long it takes

After your application is complete (including background check results), OEMS may take up to 45 days to issue or deny the license.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Wyoming EMS licenses are valid for two years and expire December 31. Renewal applications open October 1 through December 31 in OWLS. You need a current BLS CPR card and either current NREMT EMT certification or 42 hours of OEMS-accredited CME: 6 airway, 6 pediatric, 10 trauma, 10 medical and 10 elective. No more than half the hours may be online (distributed) CME. Upload CME proof to OWLS.

Good to know in Wyoming

NREMT alone is not a license: OEMS says NREMT is not a licensing authority. Holding NREMT certification does not let you provide care in Wyoming until OEMS licenses you.

Moving from another state: Apply in OWLS, upload proof of an EMT course substantially equal to Wyoming's, complete the Wyoming DCI/FBI fingerprint check, and pass the Wyoming certification exam if OEMS requires it.

Working on an ambulance: To act as an attendant you must hold a Wyoming license and be affiliated with an ambulance service licensed in Wyoming.

Criminal record waiver: If you have a felony or a misdemeanor that affects public trust, you may request a waiver at the same time you apply. OEMS weighs the crime, time passed and later conduct.

Renewal timing and first license term: EMS Rule Chapter 16, Section 10(b) says renewal applications must reach OEMS 30 to 90 days before your license expires, which is earlier than the October 1 to December 31 window on the OEMS renewal page, so file early. Your first license may run two to three years (Section 8(a)).

Sources

• Wyoming OEMS - Licensing
• Wyoming OEMS - Renewal Process
• Wyoming OEMS - Frequently Asked Questions
• Wyoming EMS Rules and Regulations (combined, 2023)
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process