Does Your State Require Live Education for Recertification?

If you’re an EMS professional preparing for recertification, one of the first questions you might be asking is, “Does my state require live education hours?” The answer varies depending on where you practice, but regardless of the rules in your area, DistanceCME has you covered. Whether your state requires live instructor-led training or allows self-paced education, we offer flexible options to meet your continuing education needs.

At DistanceCME, we understand that staying certified isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about staying ready, sharp, and compliant. That’s why we’ve built our platform to support both F5 (live, virtual instructor-led training) and F3 (distributive/self-paced) education, so you can choose the format that meets your state’s requirements and fits into your schedule.

What Is Live EMS Education?

When we talk about “live education” in EMS, we’re referring to F5 Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT). These are real-time, scheduled online classes led by certified instructors. You log in at a set time, attend the session with other EMS providers, and interact with the instructor just like you would in a physical classroom but without the commute.

Some states require a portion of your continuing education hours to be completed in this live format to ensure real-time interaction and direct instructor access. While not every state mandates this, many do. And for National Registry (NREMT) recertification, live training hours can help you meet the National Component of the NCCP (National Continued Competency Program).

DistanceCME: Meeting You Where You Are

If your state or agency requires live education for recertification, DistanceCME is your best option. We offer more live EMS continuing education courses than any other provider in the country. With sessions scheduled throughout the day; mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and even holidays, you’ll always find a course time that works for you.

Don’t want to leave the house? You don’t have to. You can take our live classes from the comfort of your home, your station, or anywhere you have internet access. Our platform works on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. No travel. No hotel. No time off work. Just high-quality, CAPCE-accredited EMS CE delivered straight to you.

What If My State Doesn’t Require Live Training?

Even if your state doesn’t require live training, DistanceCME is still your go-to solution. We offer self-paced, on-demand courses (F3 Distributive Education) that allow you to complete your hours 24/7, on your own time. These courses are ideal for filling in the hours you need or brushing up on specific topics, whether it’s airway management, cardiology, OB/Peds, trauma, or EMS operations.

If your recert deadline is approaching and you’re unsure of how many hours you still need or which type of course you’re allowed to take, our customer service team can help guide you. We’ve helped thousands of EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics complete their recertification requirements efficiently and without unnecessary stress.

CAPCE-Accredited and Trusted Nationwide

DistanceCME’s courses are all CAPCE-accredited, meeting the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education. That means our training is accepted by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) and most state EMS offices across the country.

If your state mandates live training, you’re covered. If your state allows self-paced learning, you’re also covered. If you’re not sure what your state requires, we’ll help you figure it out.

Learn from the Best. Live or On Demand

Whether you’re attending a live course or taking a self-paced module, you’ll learn from instructors who have years of hands-on EMS field experience. They’re not just teachers, they’ve been there, done that, and are committed to helping you succeed. In our live courses, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, join discussions, and learn in a collaborative, supportive environment. And even in our on-demand classes, the content is crafted by the same expert educators, ensuring you receive the highest quality education.

So, Does Your State Require Live Education?

If the answer is yes, no problem. DistanceCME offers more live online EMS CE than anyone else. If the answer is no, great; you can still take advantage of our massive library of recorded, self-paced courses. Either way, DistanceCME gives you flexibility, credibility, and convenience.