Advanced STS Continuing Education Topics

⚠️ COMPLIANCE WARNING: INSTRUCTIONAL THEORY ONLY

This course provides the 3-hour theoretical instruction required for Continuing Education under MN Rule 8840.5910 Subpart 9.F. It is designed to update Special Transportation Service (STS) drivers and attendants on evolving industry practices and advanced theoretical concepts.

This course does NOT certify a driver’s physical competency in handling new mobility devices or executing hands-on emergency care.

Requirement: To be fully compliant with state law (Subpart 11), the employer MUST physically evaluate any applicable hands-on competencies related to these continuing education topics using the provided “Continuing Education Practical Skills Verification Form” (PDF included in Lesson 1).

This module covers standard industry equipment (including lifts and large buses) for full certification. If you are currently operating a minivan, please view this as “General Industry Knowledge” required for future vehicle types.

Course Description

The Advanced STS Continuing Education Topics course provides integrated, high-level theoretical training for experienced drivers and attendants as part of their recurring Special Transportation Service certification cycle. This course focuses on reviewing evolving best practices, ensuring that operators remain current with modern disability awareness, trauma-informed care, and updated theoretical safety protocols for complex transportation scenarios.

The program expands upon core competencies by introducing advanced cognitive concepts in defensive driving theory, risk prevention, and inclusive communication strategies. Trainees will review the theoretical principles for managing new types of mobility devices, recognizing medical and behavioral emergencies, and understanding precise incident documentation. Through a combination of safety refreshers and realistic scenario reviews, the course strengthens the operator’s cognitive judgment and ability to prioritize passenger safety during critical moments.

What You Will Learn:

• Advanced Risk Prevention: Theoretical concepts and cognitive strategies for defensive driving and situational awareness in complex transit environments.

• Modern Mobility Devices: Reviewing the safe, theoretical handling protocols and securement principles for new or complex mobility devices.

• Emergency Recognition: Cognitive strategies for identifying the early signs of medical and behavioral emergencies during transit.

• Inclusive Communication: Understanding advanced trauma-informed care and communication strategies to support passengers with varying cognitive or sensory needs.

• Incident Documentation: Reviewing the precise, theoretical steps for executing accurate incident reporting and maintaining compliance documentation.

Compliance Information

This training fulfills the three hours of continuing education related to providing special transportation service refresher requirement outlined in Minnesota Administrative Rules 8840.5910 Subpart 9.F.

• Target Audience: Existing STS and NEMT Drivers and Attendants requiring their mandatory 3-year continuing education training.

• Duration: 3 Hours (Mandatory Minimum).

• Certification: Theory Only (Requires Employer Skills Verification for any applicable physical components).