Ohio EMT, AEMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements
Ohio EMS certifications are regulated by the Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services, under the Department of Public Safety. Ohio follows the NCCP model and has specific mandatory topic requirements including pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiac, and trauma.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Ohio Dept. of Public Safety, Division of EMS |
| EMT/First Responder Renewal Cycle | Every 3 years |
| AEMT/Paramedic Renewal Cycle | Every 3 years |
| EMT Expiration | Birthday in third year (may align with firefighter certificate) |
| NREMT Accepted | Yes — as alternative renewal pathway |
| Online System | Ohio EMS website |
Continuing Education Requirements
| Level | Total CE Hours (full 3-year cycle) | Mandatory Topics |
|---|---|---|
| First Responder/EMR | 15 hours | Trauma (incl. Ohio Trauma Triage) |
| EMT | 40 hours | 8 hrs pediatrics, 4 hrs geriatric, 8 hrs trauma (incl. Ohio Trauma Triage), 1 hr dementia |
| AEMT | 60 hours | 8 hrs pediatrics, 4 hrs geriatric, 8 hrs trauma (incl. Ohio Trauma Triage), 1 hr dementia |
| Paramedic | 75 hours | 12 hrs pediatrics, 4 hrs geriatric, 6 hrs cardiac, 8 hrs trauma (incl. Ohio Trauma Triage), 1 hr dementia |
Note: CE hours may be prorated based on how long the certificate was active during the cycle.
Paramedic Cardiac Requirement
The 6-hour cardiac requirement may be satisfied by completing an AHA or ASHI ACLS course.
Multiple Renewal Pathways
EMT
- Complete CE hours as above, OR
- Complete an Ohio EMT refresher course, OR
- Hold current NREMT at EMT level + complete Ohio Trauma Triage course, OR
- Pass a Board-approved exam (within last 6 months of certification)
AEMT
- Complete CE hours + Ohio AEMT refresher course (satisfies 40 of 60 hours) + 20 additional hours, OR
- Hold current NREMT at AEMT level + complete Ohio Trauma Triage course, OR
- Pass a Board-approved exam
Paramedic
- Complete CE hours + Ohio Paramedic refresher course (satisfies 48 of required hours) + remaining hours, OR
- Hold current NREMT at Paramedic level + complete Ohio Trauma Triage course, OR
- Pass a Board-approved exam
Ohio-Specific Notes
- Ohio Trauma Triage course is mandatory for all levels and all renewal pathways.
- 1-hour dementia training required (distributive course provided by Ohio OEMS).
- Mandatory topic areas (pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiac, trauma) make Ohio more prescriptive than many states.
- NREMT + Ohio Trauma Triage is a streamlined renewal pathway for those maintaining NREMT.
- Birthday-based expiration for EMT/First Responder (in third year). May align with firefighter certificate expiration.
- Renewal notices sent 60 days prior to expiration.
- CE hours prorated based on active months in the certification cycle.
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted.
How to Renew
- Complete required CE hours including all mandatory topics
- Complete the Ohio Trauma Triage course
- Complete 1-hour dementia training
- Submit renewal application online
- Pay the renewal fee
Contact Information
Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services
- Website: ems.state.oh.us
- Renewals: ems.state.oh.us/certifications-renewal
- CE Requirements: ems.ohio.gov
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Ohio Division of EMS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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