Disqualifying Factors

Pierce College EMS Program Disqualifying Convictions or Charges Statement

All students will complete a background check.  It is required for attending the clinical rotation and for state and national certification.  There is automatic disqualifying criteria per WAC 388-113-0020. Additionally, the NREMT has its own criminal conviction policy that may affect whether you can take the NREMT exam which is required in WA state.  Please refer to these two resources if you have questions about any charges or convictions as these may disqualify you from attending this course. 

Immediate disqualifiers are as follows:

• Major misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving weapons, violence, embezzlement, dishonesty, misappropriation, fraud or sex crimes.
• Any felony conviction
• More than one drunk driving or related conviction in the past three years.
• Registered sex offender
• Sex offender match

Additional potential temporary disqualifiers for EMS public safety positions (On a case by case and state by state basis):

• Serious traffic violations such as multiple speeding tickets, aggressive driving, reckless driving, DUI/DWI convictions.
• Accumulated points or license suspension
• Vehicle-related crimes such as convictions of theft or vandalism