How Do I Become an EMT in Massachusetts?

The Rundown of EMT Certification in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts differs from the majority of other states in that it is not a National Registry state. Therefore EMT training is conducted by the state itself, as well as the testing certification process.  A prospective EMT must, therefore, complete training at a state-approved institute. The candidate must then submit himself for a written and practical examination. The examination will cover topics such as traumatic injury, medical emergencies, and other medical transport topics. Completion of this exam ensures that the prospect is capable and qualified to provide pre-hospital care to patients.

What are the Requirements to Get an EMT Certificate?

EMT certification is available for three levels of emergency medical technicians, i.e. EMT-Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic. Following pre-requisites should be met by all the EMT’s:

  •  EMT candidates must have attained an age of 18 years or more.
  • The candidates should be free from any type of drug usage as it may hamper their professional life.
  • The applicant must be physically and psychologically fit and fine; otherwise, it may affect his/her practice as EMT along with causing danger to the patient’s health and safety.
  • The candidate must possess his/her current Professional Rescuer BLS-CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification or as a healthcare professional.

EMT-Basic

  • The candidate is ought to undergo a state-recognized EMT-Basic training.
  • The candidate must qualify the practical exam within a year of completion of the training.
  • The candidate is also required to pass the written (cognitive) examination within a period of six months since he/she has passed the practical exam.

EMT-Intermediate

  • The candidate must currently possess the EMT-Basic certification.
  • The candidate is required to finish Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate training from a state-approved training school.
  • The candidate must pass a practical examination from a state-approved program.
  • He/she should also complete a written or cognitive exam within a period of 6 months of getting approved to sit for the written examination.

EMT-Paramedic

  • Paramedic candidate must possess an EMT-Basic certification.
  • The applicant must complete a paramedic training program, accredited by the state.
  • The aspirant must hold a current certificate as an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) from AHA (American Heart Association).
  • He/she should pass a state-approved practical exam within a period of one year after the completion of paramedic training.
  • The candidate must also complete a written paper within the duration of six months of getting approved for appearing for the examination.

What is the Process of EMT Certification?

The step-by-step process for EMT certification in Massachusetts is as follows:

Step 1

The candidate must submit an application for certification along with the necessary documents, as well as the applicable fee, to the below mentioned address:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Office of Emergency Medical Services
99 Chauncy Street, 11th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts- 02111-1703
Contact Number: (617) 753-7300

Step 2

The ‘Massachusetts Department of Public Health’ will receive the application and verify whether the candidate is eligible to appear for the examination or not.

Step 3

Even after fulfilling the requirements, if the candidate is still not eligible for the examination, the department will return his/her application back.

Step 4

After being verified by the department, the candidate is required to set a date and time of the practical examination with a state-approved training center.

Step 5

The candidate must appear in the practical examination.

Step 6

If the candidate fails in the examination, he/she gets a notification from the department.

Step 7

If the candidate passes the examination, the information will be sent electronically by the department to PSI.

Step 8

PSI will send an eligibility postcard to the candidate mentioning that he/she has passed the examination. The postcard will contain the instructions on how to schedule and register for the written exam.

Step 9

After completing the written examination, the candidate will obtain the result from PSI.

Step 10

If the candidate passes the written paper, he/she will be issued an EMT certification card by PSI on the day of the examination itself.

State Approved EMS Training Facilities:

  • Bristol Community College
    Address: 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, Massachusetts- 02720
    Contact Number: 508-678-2811
    Official Website: http://www.bristol.mass.edu/
  • Cape Cod Community College
    Address: 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, Massachusetts- 02668
    Contact Number: 508-362-2131
    Official Website: http://www.capecod.edu/
  • Greenfield Community College
    Address: One College Drive, Greenfield, Massachusetts- 01301
    Contact Number: 413-775-1801
    Fax: 413-775-1827
    Official Website: http://www.gcc.mass.edu/
  • MassBay Community College
    Address: 50 Oakland Street, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts- 02481
    Contact Number: (781) 239-3000
    Official Website: http://www.massbay.edu/
  • Northeastern University
    Address: 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts- 02115
    Contact Number: 617-373-2000
    Official Website: http://www.northeastern.edu/
  • Northern Essex Community College
    Address: 100 Elliot Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts- 01830
    Contact Number: 978-556-3000
    Official Website: http://www.necc.mass.edu/
  • Quinsigamond Community College
    Address: 670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, Massachusetts- 01606
    Contact Number: 508-853-2300
    Official Website: http://www.qcc.edu/

Massachusetts EMT Contact Information:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Office of Emergency Medical Services
99 Chauncy Street, 11th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts- 02111-1703
Contact Number: (617) 753-7300

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