Distributive Education

(Sometimes referred to as “online learning“) continuing education credit is limited.

Distributive Education (DE) is defined by OEMS as an instructional model that allows instructor, participants, and content to be located in different locations so that instruction and learning may occur independent of time and place; the learner, the instructor and the educational materials are not all present in the same place at the same time, and students and instructors are not able to interact in real-time. These courses are self-paced or do not have an instructor leading the course during instruction.

For EMTs with certification expiring April 1, 2017, and thereafter, only one-third (⅓) of the continuing education course hours to meet the National category may be achieved through Distributive Education, ALL required hours to meet the Individual category may be achieved through Distributive Education. NONE of the continuing education course hours to meet the Local requirements may be completed through Distributive Education.

Be sure to obtain a Course Completion Certificate or a copy of the course roster.
The certificate and the roster must contain the name of the course, your name, date, and location of the course, the instructor’s name AND the OEMS Approval Number. Your Training Officer will need this information to validate all continuing eduction you may have taken outside the agency you are affiliated with.

Courses or conferences that do not have an OEMS or CAPCE approval number can be submitted for special credit.
Mail the following to OEMS, 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752

• A brief cover letter with EMS personnel’s name, MA Certification Number, and a list of what courses the EMS personnel would like reviewed.
• Proof of attendance (Transcript, Certificate of completion, etc) for each course submitted.
• Course outline or description for each course that documents EMS related content as outlined in A/R2-212.

Special credit courses can be used towards recertification in the categories of Local and Individual. The National category must be filled by a course that meets the National Continued Competency Requirements (NCCR). It is the individual EMT’s responsibility to take classes that have been pre-approved or understand that there is a chance any special credit submission may not be awarded credit.