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Oregon EMT Paramedic Provisional Certification

Oregon requires EMT-Paramedics first certified after July 1, 1999 to have an associate degree in applied science or higher.  If you first became certified after July 1, 1999 and do not have an associates degree or higher, then you may apply for a provisional certification to work as a paramedic while obtaining your degree.

A provisional is an agreement between the EMT and the Department of Human Services, Emergency Medical Services & Trauma Systems which allows the EMT to work in Oregon as a Paramedic while they complete a degree.  The degree must be an associates of applied science or higher.

To apply for a provisional, you would need to submit the following items:

1. A letter from a school stating that a transcript review was completed and one that provides a listing of the courses needed to obtain a degree.
2. Proof that you have enrolled in classes with a college.
3. A letter of intent to hire from a potential employer.
4. A letter from the medical director showing that he/she is aware of your provisional status.
5. A letter from you most recent medical director stating that you are in good standing with him/her.
6. A completed paramedic reciprocity packet. Click here to request a packet

Once all of your paperwork has been submitted and a fingerprint background check has been completed and cleared, the EMS office would then write a provisional agreement.  This agreement will be for the length of time agreed upon based on how much schooling will be required and then it will be signed by both the EMT and the EMS office.  This agreement is a contract and certification can be revoked if the EMT is not compliant with the agreement.

Continuing education hours for recertification starts with the date you are issued a provisional paramedic certification and you will need to recertify during recertification period regardless of status of provisional. Continuing education hours are prorated based on issue date of initial certification.

When a Paramedic certificate holder obtains an initial certificate and there is:

(a) Less than six months until recertification, no continuing education credits are required to obtain recertification;

(b) More than six months but less than one year until recertification, the certificate holder must complete 50 percent of the continuing education credits in each category; or

(c) More than one year until recertification, the certificate holder must complete all continuing education credits.

For further questions please contact Shelley Shute at michelle.k.shute@state.or.us or call (971)673-0520