EMS Providers in Iowa usually need a Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification at the Healthcare Provider level. Required skills include; Adult, child and infant CPR, AED, and use of a bag-valve-mask. Some EMS may also need a First Aid course as well, but this is determined by the employer.
EMS Providers in Iowa are required to do the Basic Life Support level of CPR certification for Healthcare Providers that includes a practical skills evaluation through a classroom or blended training process. 100% online CPR will only be an option upon the discretion of the employer or institution and is not accepted by the state licensing department or for continuing education credits for Emergency Medical Services.
Some employers may require a specific type of training or may leave it up to the State’s requirement. If you are not certain of your employer's requirement, make sure to check with them about both the training type and the required course content.
CAPCE (previously called CECBEMS) requires maintaining CPR for Healthcare Providers that includes practical skills evaluation component. As a CAPCE-accredited organization, we have multiple courses available for CE hours listed, covering ACLS, PALS, Ergonomics, Bloodborne Pathogens and others. Go to our courses page and click on sign up for CEs.
CAPCE (previously CECBEMS) recognizes that EMS providers are required to maintain certification in a number of disciplines, including:
EMS providers frequently maintain these certifications simultaneously through distributive learning. There are a number of CAPCE-accredited organizations that offer these certification courses. Basic Life Support (BLS) must always include a hands-on component.
The Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Emergency and Trauma Services requires Healthcare Provider level CPR certification with practical skills component that is accepted by the board or CAPCE approved.
Renewal Requirements
Providers must also have a current course completion card for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that includes CPR, automated external defibrillation (AED) and obstructed airway procedures for all age groups.
Continuing Education Approval
Formal hours taken within the state of Iowa must be approved by an EMS Training Program, the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for EMS (CECBEMS - now called CAPCE) or the Bureau. Courses approved by an EMS Training Program or the Bureau will have a formal sponsor number assigned by an authorized EMS training program, followed by an ‘FE’ designation at the end of the sponsor number. Courses approved by CECBEMS need to meet the requirements for formal education as described above. Internet-delivered courses which are CECBEMS approved, and are based on the topic areas described in Formal Education above, may be used for formal hours.
Progress through your CPR and first aid certification online from any device! Easily complete your training online so you can finish your certification anytime, anywhere.
In addition to your online first aid and CPR certification, practice hands-on with a CPR manikin in a blended program.
Our online CPR and first aid certification resources can be used to facilitate classroom training, skills practice, and continuing education.