Categories: Certifications, Healthcare

What Is CAPCE?

The Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) maintains standards for the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) continuing education. It was chartered in 1992 to help students make informed decisions regarding the quality of educational activities.

Why Is CAPCE Important?

CAPCE describes its mission as serving “as the recognized leader for continuing education in EMS.” It’s steps to achieve this include:

  • Promoting its growth through the development of continuing education standards
  • Encouraging the development of innovative learning solutions
  • Supporting continuous learning opportunities
  • Assuring optimal learning experiences so that all EMS providers are prepared for the on-the-job challenges

What Organizations Get CAPCE Certified?

Institutions providing continuing education for EMS providers apply for CAPCE certifications. Doing so requires those institutions to:

  • Demonstrate an ongoing needs assessment for specific EMS educational activities
  • Submit a letter of recommendation or approval of its state EMS office and a current agreement with physician medical director(s) to provide direction to the EMS and the CAPCE program committee
  • Maintain a program committee that reviews and approves all activities offered by the accredited organization and by cosponsoring organizations

How Does CAPCE Benefit Students?

CAPCE exists to help develop continuing education standards such as:

  • Requirements for active medical direction
  • Sound educational design (including delivery methodology)
  • Quality infrastructure

Confirming CAPCE certification for courses and course providers is one of the best steps prospective students can take to ensure a quality learning experience.

How Can I Check On An Institution’s CAPCE Certification?

Michigan and many other states and national organizations (such as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or NREMT) recognize CAPCE-approved courses.

National Telemetry Association is a CAPCE-certified institution.