Emergency Medical Services Instructor (EMS-I) Course

The EMS Instructor course is a 40-hour course that follows the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Iowa Bureau of Emergency and Trauma Services (BETS) for EMS Instructor training. Completion of this course enables the successful participant to meet one of the requirements for EMS instruction and course coordination for Iowa EMS training entities.

Students who are planning to use this course towards instructor certification in another state should check with the EMS office in that state to determine transferability of the coursework. This is a non-credit, continuing education course that is offered entirely online.

Program Overview

This is a 100% online, asynchronous course meaning that the students and instructors may not be online at the same time. The program is divided into ten modules with each module lasting one week. Each week will start at 12:00 a.m. on Monday and end at 11:59 p.m. on the following Sunday Central Standard Time. Students should expect to spend at least four to six hours-per-week on the required readings, research, and course assignments.

This course does not cover any clinical content related to the practice of EMS professionals. Each applicant to the EMS Instructor program must be currently licensed or certified as an EMS provider (EMT, AEMT, Paramedic), RN, PA, or physician. A minimum of two years of experience in prehospital or emergency medicine is recommended.

Course Schedule

Begins: June 4, 2023
Ends: Aug. 13, 2023
Registration Opens: Jan. 27, 2023
Registration Closes: May 21, 2023

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Admission Requirements

All applicants must:

  • Be currently certified as an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic and/or
  • Be a currently licensed physician, registered nurse, or physician assistant
  • Submit a completed online application and pay the $75 non-refundable registration fee
  • Be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing the English language
  • Have a computer and internet access

Projected Expenses

The tuition for the EMS Instructor program is $425 which includes the course text and access to the learning management system. All tuition must be paid in full two weeks prior to the first day of class.

Testing/Certification

The program will culminate with a peer-reviewed capstone project presentation and a final written examination. Students will be required to complete a monitored and evaluated student teaching assignment arranged through a state-approved initial training program of their choice.

Sponsorship by an Iowa EMS training program and completion of an IDPH BETS state-conducted instructor workshop will be required to gain state endorsement as an EMS Instructor. Enrollment in the EMS Instructor program does not imply that the EMSLRC will provide sponsorship for IDPH endorsement.

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