The Basic training program for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) has an overall objective to improve the quality of pre-hospital emergency care rendered to victims of accidents and sudden illness. As such, the course develops skills in symptom recognition and in all emergency care procedures and techniques currently considered to be within the responsibilities of an EMT providing emergency medical care with an ambulance service.
The course consists of 33 lessons involving 100 hours of classroom and field training, plus 10 hours of in-hospital observation and training for a total program of 110 hours. These specified training times are minimal; actual training time (including clinical experiences) is expected to range from the minimum of 110 hours to 150 hours or more depending on individual sponsor requirements and student needs. The curriculum follows the Federal Department of Transportation guidelines and is taught by a state approved EMT Instructor/Coordinator.
Once an individual passes the certification examination and becomes an EMT, a program of continuing education must be undertaken in order to be eligible for rectification at the end of the initial certification period. EMT rectification periods are two years in length, after the initial certification period.
A list of institutions that have offered the EMT course on a fairly regular basis is enclosed. You should contact these institutions to obtain current information on enrollment, tuition, and course availability.
If you are planning to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician in Massachusetts, you must be sure that the program you attend is approved by the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services. Each individual course must be approved, in writing, even if the institution has provided Basic EMT courses in the past.
Candidates are advised to explore the potential for employment (review help wanted ads, contact ambulance services about openings, etc.) before they enroll in an EMT training course. There are currently over 18,000 certified EMTs in Massachusetts.
If you are interested in obtaining some emergency medical care (first aid) training, but do not intend to become involved as a professional EMT, it may be more appropriate for you to investigate the emergency first aid courses being offered by the American Red Cross or the National Safety Council. Call your local chapter for information on first aid courses in your area.
Any questions, problems, comments or areas of concern regarding your EMT course, the training you receive, your EMT Instructor/Coordinator, or any aspect of Emergency Medical Services should be directed to:
In order to be eligible for the state EMT exam, you must
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