The EMS and Trauma System section establishes and maintains the integrity of EMS education. We make sure education is up to standard to ensure that Washington's citizens have reliable, trustworthy emergency care.
The senior EMS instructors' qualification process aims to enhance EMS instruction and to encourage continuing quality improvement.
Senior EMS Instructors – WAC 246-976-031 and 032 – these rules provide the requirements necessary to become recognized or to renew recognition as a senior EMS instructor (SEI) in Washington State.
If you have any questions about the senior EMS instructor qualification process, call 360-236-2842 or contact us.
- Application
- Senior EMS Instructor Candidate (SEIC) Prerequisites
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- Current Washington state EMS certification;
- Hold a current Washington State EMS Certification with minimum of three years’ experience in direct patient care at or above the level of certification being instructed;
- Approval as an EMS evaluator as identified in WAC 246-976-031;
- Current recognition as a health care provider level CPR instructor from a nationally recognized training program for CPR, foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), and defibrillation;
- Successful completion of an instructor training course by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an instructor training course from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent instructor course approved by the department;
- Successful completion of a one-hour Washington State EMS instructor orientation provided by the department;
- Provide proof of affiliation with a department-approved EMS training program that meets the standards in WAC 246-976-022;
- Pass an examination developed and administered by the department on current EMS training and certification statutes, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) and course administration.
Note: Candidates will need to work with a currently approved SEI to complete the SEIC process. SEI teach courses under Washington state approved EMS Training Programs. If you have questions, contact us.
- SEI Candidate Process
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Complete SEIC prerequisites.
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Submit SEI application and all documents to the department at the address listed on the SEI application requesting SEI-candidate status. Note: SEIC application requires MPD signature.
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If approved as an SEI-candidate an initial recognition application procedure (IRAP) handbook will be issued.
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SEIC works with current SEI to complete IRAP.
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Submit completed IRAP and new application requesting initial SEI status to the department at the address listed on the SEI application.
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If approved, an SEI credential will be issued along with a renewal application procedure (RAP) handbook for completion during the certification cycle.
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SEI needs association with a state-approved EMS training program to conduct EMS courses..
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- Instructor Training Course
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2002 National Guidelines for Educating EMS Instructors is the adopted minimum state standard for initial instructor courses.
The list of currently approved recognized courses that meet the minimum standard includes:
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A teaching certificate issued by a state board of education, or completion of an accredited post-secondary school of instruction, or
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Centers for Domestic Preparedness (CDC) Instructor Training Course (40 hour) plus additional GAP material, to be covered by SEI, or
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Central Washington University (CWU) EMS 465 Educational Methodologies course, or
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Department of Defense Instructor Courses, i.e., U.S. Army Basic Instructor Course (ABIC) [previously Total Army Instructor Training Course (TAITC)], or similar, or
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EMSSuccess online EMS Instructor 40-hour course, or
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National Association of EMS educators (NAEMSE) Instructor Course, part 1, or
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NFPA 1041: Fire Service Instructor I and II,
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Washington State EMS Instructor Methodology Course, or
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The Professional Education and Resource Company (PERCOM) online EMS instructor course.
The department does not endorse a specific course, only identifies courses that meet the minimum standard. Students need to consult directly with programs regarding course process.
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- Washington State EMS Instructor Orientation Dates and Times
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Washington State EMS instructor orientation dates and times
To sign up for a course, email us (hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov).
Meeting Date Type Contact Information November 12, 2024
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.Online hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov November 20, 2024
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.Online hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov December 3, 2024
Noon to 1 p.m.Online hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov December 16, 2024
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.Online hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov January 7, 2025
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.Online hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov - Examination
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This "open-book" examination is one of the prerequisites that must be successfully completed to begin the initial or renewal SEI recognition process. The required passing score is 100 percent. On this Web version, reference documents are provided that contain information necessary to successfully answer the question. The purpose of this examination is to educate the SEI initial or renewal candidate and demonstrate their knowledge in statutes and rules pertinent to Washington State EMS.
- SEI Renewal Prerequisites
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- Current or previous recognition as a Washington state SEI
- Current Washington state certification at the EMT or higher EMS certification level;
- At least three years prehospital EMS experience at the EMT or higher EMS certification level, with at least one recertification;
- Current recognition as a health care provider level CPR instructor from a nationally recognized training program for CPR, foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), and defibrillation;
- Pass an examination developed and administered by the department on current EMS training and certification statutes, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) and course administration;
- Complete candidate objectives identified in the Renewal Application Procedures (RAP).
- SEI Renewal Process
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- Complete RAP objectives, SEI workshop, pass SEI Exam, and complete SEI application requesting SEI renewal status.
- Submit all documents to the department at the address listed on the SEI application.
- If approved a SEI credential and RAP handbook will be issued.
- SEI need association with a state-approved EMS training program to conduct EMS courses.
- Renewal Recognition Application Procedures (RAP) (PDF)
- Education Resources and Guidance Documents
- SEI workshop dates and locations
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Meeting date Location Contact Information January 14, 2025
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Online John@emsdynamics.com July 10, 2025
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Online John@emsdynamics.com
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