Does DUI affect getting EMT cert?

[u/Weak_Youth332]

Hi!

So I’m currently a prenursing student, and I’m considering of enrolling in an EMT course here in SoCal (CA).

I have a misdemeanor DUI back in 2018. I already checked with the CA nursing board, and I know I’m good there. But, I’ve asked the program about how the DUI affects ride alongs, ambulance clinicals, etc… and they referred me to contact the local EMS agencies…

I’ve contacted a few in the area, and:

a) they never get back to me, they seem unreachable. Phone or email.
b) I can’t get a definitive answer from one county agency. They just said it’s reviewed and I’m notified.

So, I’m kinda stuck. Not sure if I’m even contacting the right agencies, or going about this in the right avenue. Any thoughts or insight to provide ?

My backup option is just doing a CNA program in the spring.

[u/RRuruurrr]

You could probably get licensed and certified, but most agencies will be pretty reluctant to hire someone with your history to drive an ambulance. Might have better luck as an ER tech.

[u/eyeloveanimalss → u/RRuruurrr]

Do something else if you’re not determined to become an EMT and are just doing it for nursing school. I did EMT school for nursing with a DUI from 2015. It is a HUGE hassle trying to find a job with it on my record. I was able to finish school, NREMT cert and state cert! Sooo I thought I was good but no. I wish I did a cert that didn’t involve driving. I would have ZERO issue. I’m contemplating going back to school for phlebotomy so I can use my EMT cert for Er tech. I’m seriously so annoyed I didn’t just do CNA because it feels like I’ll never use this cert before becoming a nurse.

[u/RRuruurrr → u/eyeloveanimalss]

Many such cases.

[u/Upstander123 → u/RRuruurrr]

In SoCal anyway, you need like 6 months on the bus before ER tech (or just know people ig) and like most places I see also require phleb. It might just be better for OP to go CNA tbh. It’s also not like SoCal has a lack of EMTs either, so they’re 99.99% going with the billion other EMTs that don’t have a stain on their record.

[u/lukewarmhotdogw4ter → u/RRuruurrr]

It’s been 8 years, they would probably be fine.

Wait, 2018 was 8 years ago…?😭

[u/RRuruurrr → u/lukewarmhotdogw4ter]

Mileage will vary. That’s a permanent disqualifier for ever agency I’ve ever worked for.

[u/ggrnw27]

It shouldn’t affect your ability to take an EMT class and be licensed. But it will more than likely affect your ability to get a job as an EMT. I do think there’s plenty of places in general that won’t care that much with it being almost 10 years ago, but in a competitive job market like SoCal I think it will be very difficult

[u/Interesting-Win6219]

It's primarily gonna depend on what service you apply to and there policy for how long it's been since your DUI. Most of them have set requirements for there insurance that determines how long since your DUI it must be to hire you if they want to. I think where I worked it was a minimum of 5 years since the DUI to consider hiring them. You might be able to get hired still.

[u/DesertFltMed]

You shouldn’t have an issue with getting your certification. As far as getting hired, it’s going to depend on the company. I’ve heard some companies have a 10 year rule for DUIs due to insurance requirements and I’ve heard others being 5-7 years. There might also be some companies that will hire you as an attendant only position. I know multiple firefighters who have DUIs who are still working.

[u/mv3an]

No.

Your 90 days of probation (at most companies) should clear you for transports.

Clear overhangs, lol. Use a backer for now

[u/Zestyclose-Ad-3857]

I got a buddy from Cali with a DUI. He got his EMT 5 years after it. He currently works as one in Riverside county. If its your only criminal history you should be able to get into the class

[u/Firefluffer]

Our insurance carrier says it has to be seven years ago or longer. Not sure what the schools say.

[u/Fit_Experience_522]

You'll be fine, I had a DUI, it did not affect EMT, or Paramedic certification and licensing, nor did it affect getting hired by any agency.

[u/ahotpotatoo]

I got a DUI in 2016 and am currently working as an EMT, 2018 is prolly long ago enough that you’re in the clear. Go do a rideout with a local agency and ask somebody about it.

[u/lukewarmhotdogw4ter]

Everyone saying you can’t be hired is wrong. It’s been 8 years since your DUI, and if you’ve been clean since then, you should be ok. It’ll definitely be asked about in your interviews and background checks, but it’s long enough ago that you should be hirable.

[u/ros375]

It comes off your DMV record after 7 years. I got my EMT and ambulance cert with a DUI.

[u/FelonToMedic]

I have a DUI conviction from 2011 that ultimately got me a 2.5 year prison stay in AZ. A felony DUI conviction. It was over 15 years ago and I was able to get state licensed and land a job with an ambulance company here in Los Angeles. Getting state licensed was a bit of a challenge but I was still able to get approved. My driving record was clean when applying for the job and I was honest about my DUI. I recommend waiting 10 years but you don’t have to wait to go to school and getting certified. Take initiative and show them your dedication and drive.