CPR Certification Requirements for EMTs in Ohio

Ohio is a unique and special state, and it’s one of the states that has recently seen a surge of support for online-based CPR certification in recent years.
Just like any state, it’s important to know what the acceptance is for online CPR certifications. Below we’ve prepared a list of the specific approvals of ProTrainings courses for EMTs in the state of Ohio.

Summary of CPR Certification Requirements for Ohio
- EMS professionals in Ohio are required to have a Healthcare Provider level CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
- The Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services requires Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR, AED with practical skills component.
- Most employers will require a Healthcare Provider level BLS/CPR.
- For continuing education; Emergency Medical Responders through Paramedics can claim 4 basic CE credits for BLS/CPR Certification with a practical portion.
- CAPCE requires to maintain a CPR certification for Healthcare Providers with a practical skills component.

Course Content
EMS Providers in Ohio 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.
Delivery Method
EMS Providers in Ohio 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 (Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education)
Summary of CPR Certification Requirements for Ohio:
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.
Ask our compliance teamBoard Statement:
CAPCE (previously CECBEMS) recognizes that EMS providers are required to maintain certification in a number of disciplines, including:
- BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
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.
Board Req. Board InfoDepartment of Public Safety, Division of EMS
Summary of CPR Certification Requirements for Ohio:
The Ohio Department of Public Safety requires Healthcare Provider level CPR certification with practical skills component that is accepted by the Board or CAPCE approved.
Ask our compliance teamBoard Statement:
4765-19-01 Continuing education for EMS providers.
(B) In order to count for continuing education credit, an EMS continuing education course shall meet all of the following criteria:
- Each course shall be related to EMS operations or patient care;
- Written documentation of successful completion of the course shall be issued to the student by the sponsoring agency upon successful completion of the course;
- A single session of continuing education shall be at least one-half contact hour;
- Each EMS continuing education course shall be provided or approved by one of the following entities:
- An EMS accredited institution or EMS approved institution;
- An EMS licensing agency in another state;
- A branch of the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard, the Ohio military reserve, the Ohio naval militia, or the national guard of any other state;
- A medical or nursing board of this state or another state;
- Federal, national, or state entities, as follows:
- Emergency management agency;
- Homeland security;
- American red cross;
- American heart association;
- American safety and health institute;
- Any other agency or organization as approved by the board.
f. CAPCE- or CECBEMS-approved courses.
Board Req. Board InfoChoose your CPR Training Method:

100% Online
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.
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Blended
In addition to your online first aid and CPR certification, practice hands-on with a CPR manikin in a blended program.
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Classroom
Our online CPR and first aid certification resources can be used to facilitate classroom training, skills practice, and continuing education.
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