EMT Certification in Massachusetts

The process of EMT certification in Massachusetts is a bit different from other states, as here; the candidate doesn’t need to appear for NREMT exams. Unlike all other states, Massachusetts has its own procedure of certifying the emergency medical technicians. After completing a state-approved EMT program, the candidate needs to appear in the written and practical exams, which are conducted by the state itself. This assures that a candidate is capable of providing pre-hospital care to patients.

Requirements to Get 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 program.
The candidate must qualify the practical exam within a year of completion of the program.
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 program from a state-approved program 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 program 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 program.
The candidate must also complete a written paper within the duration of six months of getting approved for appearing for the examination.

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 program 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.

Renewal of EMT Certificate

The requirements for all the three EMT levels of recertification in Massachusetts are provided below:

All the pre-requisites for program must be met before December 31, when the renewal of the certification is due. Also, the renewal application along with the applicable fees should be submitted before January 31 of the year, when the certification expires.