Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] Basic Certificate

Contact

Community Education Information
communityedINFO@massasoit.mass.edu

Standout Student

I have always felt my personal life’s mission was to serve others. While attending Providence College, studying biology, I worked part-time at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Rhode Island. Working in the medical field exposed me to the EMS profession and a physician I worked with suggested I pursue a career as an EMT as it would be an invaluable experience toward my goal to become a Physician Assistant.

Exposure to the field would provide real-world medical scenarios, providing insight into patient care in high-pressure situations. This would build the foundation for understanding the patient’s perspective. I wanted to diversify my clinical experience, and EMS provided critical hands-on exposure with a wide range of medical situations and emergencies that I know will benefit my continued learning.

Financially, the course cost would be difficult to manage, so I called the Community Education department to seek out my options. Knowing my financial dilemma, the staff let me know about a grant-covered program that had opened up with available seats. I couldn’t believe it! The grant covered the tuition, plus provided a stipend, which allowed me to take the class and helped me to save money to buy a car, the same one that I am still driving today!

As I continue my undergraduate education, I am now working as an EMT. I have met some of the most honorable people who save lives every day. Each shift is a chance to learn and make a difference. My career in EMS pushes me forward with discipline and purpose and has been a wonderful opportunity that has fulfilled my personal mission to serve others. I continue training in all aspects of emergency care, becoming more comfortable with 911 calls, and managing my own patients during lights and sirens calls, as well as driving the ambulance in those situations. You name it, I’m working on mastering it!

The EMS profession demands the utmost respect. You need a strong balance of mental and physical endurance to handle the challenges you face. Once you adopt that mindset, everything else falls into place! The Basic EMT course at Massasoit Community College has not only provided me with the steppingstones I need to continue toward my educational goals to become a Physician Assistant, but it provided me with an instructor who actively worked in the field, bringing real-world experiences to our classroom. The instructor had a major impact on me and was always available for the class.

When asked what he would say to students who are thinking about taking this program, Donald responded: “I want to say to you, take it! It is an opportunity to discover what you are capable of and of possibility. This field teaches you resilience, and you won’t regret where it takes you!”

Donald Simpreus

Student

About Our Program

VA Approved Program

This 172-hour MA accredited certificate program is designed to prepare students to function in the field as pre-hospital care providers. The curriculum follows National Standard Curriculum and meets and/or exceeds the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) requirements. Through classroom and hands-on training, students learn how to manage emergencies in the pre-hospital environment including but not limited to: medical, traumatic, obstetric, psychiatric, pediatric, geriatric, and environmental emergencies. Successful completion allows the student to sit for State of Massachusetts and National Registry of EMTs Emergency Medical Technician certification exams. Basic Life Support CPR for Healthcare provider training will be obtained during the course hours.
This is an entry-level program for those who wish a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) up to the Paramedic level.

Additional fees for: textbooks, uniforms, national testing, and MA state certification. Students are required to acquire and/or maintain a certification for Basic Life Support in order to successful complete the program.

Register Today!

New Student

Need Help? (PDF)

Active Student
[Within 2 years active]

Middleborough | L127 | 11220 | $1,048 plus textbook, workbook
Monday through Thursday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
9/08/2025 – 11/15/2025
Instructor: Billy Lieb

Note: This course is offered online using (Canvas) and video conference program (Zoom) on Tuesday and Thursdays and in-person on Saturdays at the Middleborough Campus, Room 127. Internet and webcam required.

Canton | C208 |11218 | $1,048 plus textbook, workbook
Saturday/Sunday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
9/13/2025 – 11/22/2025
Instructor: Kenneth Marcotrigiano

In order to be eligible to take the State/National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (written & skills based), exam students must meet the following requirements set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. No prior experience or training is required of the course applicant. The applicant, in order to be eligible for the state EMT certification examination must:

Be able to read, understand and communicate in English;
Be 18 years of age;
Abstain from the abuse of drugs which impair professional judgment and/or practice;
Be able to lift and carry 125 pounds; and
Be free of any physical or mental impairment or disease which could reasonably be expected to impair the ability to be an EMT, or which could reasonably be expected to jeopardize the health and safety of the patient;
The student must also successfully complete the EMT course including 100% attendance.
Internet access is required in order to research and complete course assignments and participate in an EMT online testing component. (Computer labs with WiFi access are available at the college).

Certificate of Completion

A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion this program. Students who successfully complete the program are NOT required to take the Massachusetts/National Registry EMT Exam, but are strongly encouraged to do so. One must pass the State exam in order to be a certified EMT at the Basic Level.

Students who pass the State exam may bring their State certification to the Registrar’s Office to receive up to three credits for having earned this certification. The credits can be applied only to the Fire Science Program.

Not Financial Aid Eligible

Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] Basic Certificate – Non-Credit