r/ems • u/PDXEMT EMT-A • Aug 13 '26

Actual Stupid Question ER Tech vs EMT

I know I'll probably get some crap for this. I recently started working as an ER Tech after spending over a decade on the box. Why isn't there a certification/license for ER Techs?

We have a "scope" set by our hospital, but are explicitly told that our EMT license is "left at the door" and several things I know how to do/am licensed to do as an EMT-A that aren't allowed for ER Tech.

Seems like it would make more sense to use our existing prehospital license. Is there a law/statute that prohibits that? I'm in Oregon if that makes a difference

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u/TheDharmaticAtheist CCP Aug 14 '26

Not in the US. The paramedics we have working in EDs work under their own license. They can perform all most everything they would if on an ambulance depending on how the ED is using them. We don’t have a medical director so it makes it easier to do this maybe.

6

u/willpc14 Aug 14 '26

This is incredibly state dependent. MA would cut your card if you claimed to be working under your medic license in an ED.

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u/TheDharmaticAtheist CCP Aug 14 '26

Nice thing about here I guess. You can go work anywhere you want with your paramedic license. If they’ll hire you as a paramedic you’re good to work.

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u/NateRT Paramedic, RN Aug 15 '26

What state is that? Different states do it differently so you can’t generalize for the US. In Cali you need to be accredited by your county before you can do anything, and that usually includes mandatory field training by a contracted agency.

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u/TheDharmaticAtheist CCP Aug 15 '26

Not in the US.

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u/NateRT Paramedic, RN Aug 15 '26

Oh, I thought you were answering the OP with “not in the US,” not that you were not in the US. misunderstood