• (1)Completes an application for an EMS Instructors certification on a form or through an electronic application process, as prescribed by the department ( The Instructor candidate MUST be in contact with the regional council to start this process AFTER completion of an EMS Instructor course)
• (2) Is at least 18 years of age
• (3)Has successfully completed an EMS Instructors course approved by the department or possesses a bachelor’s degree in education, a teacher’s certification in education or a doctorate or master’s degree.
• (4) Is certified and currently registered as an EMT or higher-level EMS provider (currently registered will be defined as in good standing: no disciplinary actions (old or pending), current CPR ON FILE with the regional council, all continuing education requirements met for the current certification period)
• (5) Possesses current certification in a CPR course acceptable to the department or current certification as a CPR Instructor
• (6) Has at least one (1) years’ experience working as an EMT or higher-level EMS provider
• (7) Has provided at least 20 hours of monitored instruction time in an EMS providers certification program ( monitored Instruction must be by a current PA DOH EMS Instructor, Education Institute Administrator or Regional Council representative)

• No evidence of suspension, revocation or denial of certification from the Department or its designee; (per RC memo 2008-001)

Successful EMS Instructor Course Completion

Triennial registration.--

• An EMS instructor's certification is deemed registered for three years after issuance. An EMS instructor shall register the EMS instructor's certification at three year intervals by completing an application for triennial registration on a form or through an electronic process, as
prescribed by the department.  (There is no “automatic” renewal for Instructors that are actively teaching, The EMS Instructor must contact the regional council before the triennial registration expires) An EMS instructor may not teach in an accredited EMS Educational institute, pursuant to an EMS instructor's certification, unless the certification is currently registered.

The department shall issue a triennial registration of an EMS instructor's certification to an EMS instructor who:
• Has completed an application for triennial registration on a form or through an electronic
application process, as prescribed by the department.
• (ii) Has a current registration and applies for a new registration no later than 30 days before the current registration is to expire or within a lesser time as the department may establish by regulation.
• (iii) Has taught at least 60 hours of EMS provider's certification or rescue courses approved by the department during the previous three years. (Verification or hours will be by submission of a continuing education status report or a detailed letter from the Education Institute that will include the EMS Instructors name and certification number and outline the dates/ times/ hours taught/ subjects/ location of the course and either con-ed course number(s) of certification course number to verify hours. “Blanket” form letters from continuing education sponsors and Education Institutes stating that an EMS Instructor “taught 60 hours in 3 three years” will no longer be accepted.)
• (iv) Is certified and currently registered as an EMT or higher-level EMS provider. (currently registered will be defined as in good standing: no disciplinary actions (old or pending), current CPR ON FILE with the regional council, all continuing education requirements met for the current certification period)

• (v) Possesses current certification in a CPR course acceptable to the department or current certification as a CPR instructor.
• Has demonstrated competence in teaching the didactic and practical skills portion of the curriculum; (per RC 2008-001)

(2) An EMS instructor whose registration as an EMS instructor's certification has expired shall qualify for a triennial registration of the certification as prescribed by regulation of the department
• Effective October 14, 2003, has completed an EMS Instructor Update Program within 3 years prior to applying for renewal of certification, as accepted by the Department (This is The Instructor Professional Development Modules 1,2,3) (per RC memo 2008-001)

If you meet these requirements
Click Here to request an EMS Instructor  packet be sent to you.

Information for current and prospective instructors regarding initial and renewal instructor certifications can be obtained by contacting the Rich Kaufman at (412) 494-5574 or emailing him at rkaufman@emsi.org

EMS Instructor certification is linked with your Practitioner certification.  This means that your Instructor certification expires on the date that your Provider certification expires.  Because ALS Providers do not have an expiration date, their Instructor certifications expire every 36 months.  

Unlike your Provider certifiction, your Instructor certification does not automatically renew.  Three months prior to your instructor certification expiration date, contact EMSI to request an Instructor Renewal Packet. 

It is the responsibility of each instructor to verify that they have met the requirements for renewal. Your Training Institute, employer and Regional Council are NOT responsible for ensuring that materials are sent in the appropriate amount of time.

The PA Department of Health Bureau of EMS;  in an effort to enhance the EMS educational system has determined it to be necessary that  all certified EMS instructors including those that are teaching Continuing Education be required to take Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 to continue as educators.

Module 1 is currently available online on the LMS website.

Modules 2 and 3 must be conducted by the EMS Council. 

Modules 1, 2, and 3 must be completed.

Module 4 is an evaluation of a class you are teaching.

All modules must be taken in consecutive order. Additionally, please fax or mail a copy of your completed Modules to Rich Kaufman at the EMS Council. Any question on this requirement may be directed to Rich Kaufman@emsi.org at  412-412-494-5574  
EMS Instructor Evaluation Checklist, click here.