Paramedic is the highest level of Emergency Medical Technicianand involves a significant amount of training in advanced life support (ALS) practices. The training required students to first successfully complete emergency medical technician training(EMT). In order to become licensed as a paramedic, individualis must then complete a certified training program and pass the particular required exam.
Paramedic License Requirements
The following is a list of requirements you will need to satisfy prior to becoming a licensed EMT in the State of Massachusetts:
- 18 years of age
- high school graduate or have a GED.
- Criminal background check, criminal records may result in rejection; if you have a criminal record it’s best to contact your local EMS Agency before you invest time and money
- EMT-B certification
- EMT Intermediate training
- CPR course certificate
- Certificate in Advanced Life Support
- Pass EMT-I examinations
- Valid drivers license not a requisite for an EMT license but may be required for better job prospects
- Proof of immunization such as hepatitis B
Educational Requirements
Find a local approved training facility and register for the EMT Paramedic training. Prior to contacting the training facility you should get proof of immunization and verify with the training facility what other immunizations you will need prior to registering.
It is very important that you only register for an approved training program at a state approved facility, as non-approved courses will not be accepted for an EMT license. For a full list of approved training providers see here: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/provider/licensing/programs/emt-training-inst/public-health-oems-training-institutions.html
Training programs are usually spread over a 6 week period and cost usually ranges between $10,000 and $20,000.
CPR Certification
A lot of approved training facilities also offer CPR and Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification. It would make sense for an applicant to choose a training facility that does indeed offer both the EMT, ALS and CPR training courses. Upon completion you will receive a certificate that is needed for the state EMT license application.
Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check has to be completed in order to successfully apply for an EMT license. Details of how to initiate the background check will be supplied by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and also by your training provider.
Examination Requirement
At the start of the training program you will receive the EMT certification application form which must be filled out and returned to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Once your application has been accepted you will be able to register for the practical examination with your training provider, and you will have to pass the exam within 12 months of taking the course. When the practical examination has been passed you will then have to register for the written examination. Note that you have to pass the written exam within 6 months of passing the practical exam.
After successfully completing the required paramedic training course, you will need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Exam(NREMT). Both exams are following-
Cognitive Examination
The cognitive exam covers the entire spectrum of EMS care. This includes ventilation, airways, oxygenation, Trauma, Cardiology, Medical and EMS Operation. The maximum amount of time you will be given to pass this portion of the exam is 2 and half hours.
Psychomotor Examination
The psychomotor examination consists of 12 separate skills laid out in scenario format to approximate the ability of the EMT-P to function in an out-of-hospital setting. The psychomotor exam portion of the paramedic NREMT exam will test your knowledge and competency in each of the following skills: Patient Assessment-Trauma, Cardiac Management Skills, Ventilatory Management, IV and Medication Skills, Pediatric Skills, Oral Station, and Random Basic Skills.
Examination fees are $150 for the practical exam and $40 for the written one, plus a registration fee of $55.
Once all the examinations and certifications have been completed you will be issued an EMT-P license by the Massachusetts EMS Agency.
Knowing all these steps in advance will greatly help in planning your training and ensuring a quick and efficient process as possible.
Paramedic Training Schools in Massachusetts
- National Medical Education and Training Center/Medtech College Consortia – West Bridgewater, MA
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Program
22 Pleasant Street, Unit 3
West Bridgewater , MA – 02379
- Pro EMS Center for Medics – Cambridge, MA
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Program
31 Smith Place
Cambridge, MA 02138
FAQs
- Do I need EMT experience to apply to a paramedic training program?
Typically, EMT experience is not required, but this varies greatly from program to program.
- How long will it take me to become a paramedic?
This really depends on the college and training program you select. Typically, a paramedic program can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete.
- Where can I find an accredited paramedic training program in Massachusetts?
In general, make sure you visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) to find an accredited paramedic training program.
