What is an EMT?
An Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, or EMT-B, is a trained individual who provides emergency care in the pre-hospital setting. This training includes basic emergency care skills, automated defibrillation, use of definitive airway adjuncts, and assisting patients with certain medications. In New Jersey most EMT-Bs are part of local Volunteer First Aid Squads or Volunteer Fire Departments.
What type of training do I need to be an EMT?
You must be a minimum 16 years of age to start class. Each student must have CPR Certification at the Healthcare Provider Level prior to starting the class. The 120 hour program prepares the student for the NJ Dept. of Health Written EMT-B Certification Exam. This course includes classroom lectures, skill lab sessions, and a 10 hour scheduled hospital observation or Paramedic ride along. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be eligible to sit for the N.J. Department of Health EMT-B Exam. Successful completion will award you a 3 year NJ EMT-B Certification.
What will I learn in the EMT Basic class?
The EMT-B Basic course follows the US Dept. of Transportation National Curriculum. Topics include:
What do I have to do to maintain my EMT certification?
EMTs are required to complete a minimum of 48 CEUs every 3 years to maintain their New Jersey EMT-B Certification. These CEUs must consist of 24 Elective CEUs as well as 24 Core CEUs (Refresher class). The NJ Department of Health Office of EMS must approve these classes.
EMT-B certification expired. What do I have to do to get it back?
If your EMT-B certification is expired for less than 2 years:
You can become eligible to sit for NJ EMT-B certification after completing an approved 24 hour EMT-B Refresher course (also known as Core 13). You do not have to attend the EMT Basic class. You may register for the certification exam after completing the Refresher Program. You must successfully complete the certification exam within this 2 year window.
If your EMT-B certification is expired for more than 2 years:
You are required to complete the entire 120 hour EMT Basic program to regain your New Jersey EMT-B Certification. There is no credit given for any prior EMT certification.
You must also present a current CPR card to be eligible to sit for NJ EMT-B certification. You must have the original card. The state representative sent to give the exam is not able to accept copies or letters in place of the original card.
Who will pay for the cost of my EMT Training if I am a volunteer?
If you are a member of a local volunteer First Aid Squad then there is no cost to you for EMT Basic training and all subsequent CEU Programs. Check with the officers of your First Aid Squad to see if your organization is eligible.
How do I know how many CEUs I have?
OEMS tracks the number of CEUs that you have earned. It will take 30 to 60 days after a course is held for it to appear on your CEU Status record.
I am an RN. Is there a bridge program available?
RNs may become eligible to sit for NJ EMT-B certification after completing an approved 24 hour EMT-B Refresher course (also known as Core 13). You do not have to attend the EMT Basic class.
RNs are required to complete a minimum of 48 CEUs every 3 years to maintain their New Jersey EMT-B Certification. These CEUs must consist of 24 Elective CEUs as well as 24 Core CEUs (Refresher class). The NJ Department of Health Office of EMS must approve these classes. There is no credit given for your RN.
What if I am currently certified as an EMT in another state?
This is called RECIPROCITY.
You must contact the New Jersey Department of Health Office of EMS. OEMS will advise you of the requirements for your specific situation. The requirements for NJ reciprocity will differ from state to state.