EMS Certifications & Recertifications
In the field of emergency medical services (EMS), there are three levels of certifications for providers of care: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced EMT’s and Paramedics.
Both EMT levels and paramedics have the knowledge and skills to transport patients and provide them with emergency care. The biggest difference between them is the amount of education they receive and the level of care they are qualified to provide.
EMTs
EMTs are educated in many skills including CPR, administering oxygen, administering oral glucose for diabetics and helping with treatments of patients who are having asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
Advanced EMTs provide basic and limited advanced emergency medical care to those patients who are in need of more care than can be offered by the EMT Basic. Advanced EMTs have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to not only provide patient care but also function as part of a holistic EMS response and operate under medical oversight. They perform interventions with the EMT Basic and some advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance.
Contact Us
For more information on EMT classes, please contact the EMS Coordinator, at (859) 301-7790 or ems.coordinator@stelizabeth.com.
For more information on Paramedic classes, please visit Gateway Community & Technical College’ EMS program website.
Paramedics
Paramedics are advanced providers of emergency medical care and are highly educated in topics such as anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medications and medical procedures. They build on their EMT education and learn more skills such as administering medications, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management for patients and learning to resuscitate and support patients with significant problems such as heart attacks and traumas.
EMTs are required to complete a course that is about 120-150 hours in length while Paramedics are required to complete a course that is between 1,200 to 1,800 hours in length. Both courses of study consist of lectures, hands-on skills training and clinical and/or field internships. At the end of the course all students are required to take the National Registry Exam.
We want to thank you for your interest in our program and for your interest in public service.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these pre-hospital professionals. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
At the completion of this five-month course, you will be credentialed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) as a National Registry EMT-B. Multiple topics will be covered during the course including: Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Trauma, Cardiology, OBGYN, Pediatrics and Ambulance Operations.
When: August 11, 2025 – December 13, 2025
Monday and Wednesday evenings 6-10 p.m.
Location: St. Elizabeth Training and Education Center (SETEC) 3861 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger, KY 41018
Lead Instructor: Ben Riley EMT #1047843
Copies of valid driver’s license, high school diploma/GED, Hepatitis B vaccinations, and TB skin test results from current year via email to ems.coordinator@stelizabeth.com.
Guidelines
Cancellation/Rescheduling/Substitutions
Applicants must cancel prior to one week before the start of class or their fee is forfeited.
Course Fees
Course fees include books, pocket mask and CPR certification. Price does not include final testing or National Registry written testing.
EMT-B Class and Books …………………………….. $950
– Due at registration.
Student Liability Insurance ……………………….$35*
– Due by midterm. * Approximate cost.
Background Check ………………………………… $41.20*
– Due by Exam III. * Approximate cost.
National Registry testing
KBEMS ……………………………………………………………….. $40
– To be paid upon completion of class.
Written ………………………………………………………………… $104
– To be paid upon completion of final exam.
EMCE App ………………………………………………………………… $30
– To be purchased independently for skills tracking purposes.
Checks can be made out to St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Testing fees are subject to change. Includes shirt and EMT Prep Subscription.
For more information on EMT classes, please contact Chris Vogelpohl, EMS Coordinator, at (859) 301-7790 or ems.coordinator@stelizabeth.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED by the end of the course.
Medical experience or specific educational background: No prior medical experience is required. Kentucky mandates a minimum of 153 hours of training, which our course meets and exceeds.
Course duration: Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 hours each night, for 19 weeks.
Course tuition: The course costs $950, due by the first day of class. This includes books, EMT PREP Online, uniform, and CPR mask. Classes are held twice a year, starting in January and running through May, then again in August and running through December.
EMT certification: After completing your Kentucky-approved EMT course, you’ll take the National Registry of EMT (NREMT) exam, which is a computer-based test. You must graduate from a Kentucky-approved EMT course based on the D.O.T. curriculum and pass the NREMT written exam.
Continuing education: EMTs in Kentucky must complete 24 continuing education hours for license renewal.
Certification validity: Certification is valid for two years before renewal. Saint Elizabeth’s TEI number is 154. More information.
Hands-on training: Your training will include hands-on clinical experience and hospital rotations.
Hospital clinical rotations: Hospital clinical rotations are required and will be scheduled as part of the program.
Ambulance ride-along: Students will ride along with ambulance crews as part of their training.
Patient contact requirements: The program includes Emergency Room time and ambulance ride-along to meet patient contact requirements.
Certification eligibility: You must meet the minimum number of patient contacts for certification eligibility.
Additional requirements: You’ll need a driver’s license, diploma, Hepatitis B vaccinations, a recent TB skin test, and a completed background check as required by the Kentucky Board of EMS.
Job opportunities: Job opportunities are available with ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments, and private medical transport companies throughout Kentucky.
Hospital employment: The hospital offers employment opportunities for graduates.
Salary range: EMT salaries in Kentucky average around $36,150 to $38,500 per year, with hourly wages typically ranging from $14.81 to $19.62 per hour.
Career advancement: This certification can serve as a steppingstone to paramedic training, which can be completed in 4.5 months, or other healthcare careers.
Class meeting times: Classes meet on specific days of the week, which will be provided in the course schedule.
Flexibility for full-time workers: There is limited flexibility for students who work full-time.
Attendance policy: You cannot miss more than 12 hours of class time; tardiness counts toward this time.
Makeup options: Makeup options for missed classes will be provided as needed.
Evening or weekend options: Evening or weekend course options may be available.
Course GPA requirement: The minimum course GPA is 75%.
Final exam requirement: You must pass the final exam with at least a 70%
Textbooks and supplies: Students will receive textbooks and online skills tracking, tests, quizzes, and study help. Basic equipment like a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff must be purchased as they are required for the class.
Uniforms: Uniform shirts for clinical rotations are provided; other items may be provided as well.
Training equipment: The hospital provides some training equipment, but students need to purchase their own stethoscope and other tools.
Testing fees: National Registry and KBEMS testing fees are not included in the course price.
Physical abilities: You must have an active driver’s license and be able to perform physical tasks, including lifting patients (up to 125+ pounds with assistance), CPR, and working in various weather conditions.
Lifting requirements: Specific lifting requirements include the ability to lift patients up to 125+ pounds with assistance.
Medical procedures: Multiple procedures and other EMS skills are part of the curriculum.
Memorization: The coursework involves significant memorization of protocols, anatomy, and medication information.
Tutoring: Saint Elizabeth does not offer direct tutoring, but study help is available.
Job placement resources: The hospital provides resources for job placement after graduation.
Study groups: There are study groups and online study assistance available.
Additional practice sessions: Additional practice sessions are offered.
IEP support: We can work with an IEP plan from school.
Test-taking accommodations: Separate space and/or additional time for test-taking is granted.
Contact information: Contact the program coordinator for specific support services and other questions at Christopher.Vogelpohl@stelizabeth.com.
Learn More about Certifications
Contact Us
For more information regarding courses being offered through St. Elizabeth Healthcare, please e-mail ems.coordinator@stelizabeth.com.
Certifications in KY
For more information regarding certification and licensure for the state of Kentucky, visit https://kbems.ky.gov/Certification-And-Licensure/Pages/default.aspx.
