How to become an EMT or an EMS Provider in New York

There are four main requirements to becoming an EMT at the basic level:

  1. In NYS, be at least 18 years old or older
  2. Join an EMS agency (many agencies will help pay the tuition for EMT course work)
  3. Locate an EMT Basic Course and enroll (the cost of the course is at least $700, prices vary depending on the institution administering the program)
  4. Upon completion of the course meet your local departments requirements to practice at the EMT-B level

The initial step to becoming an EMT is to take an approved training class that generally takes about one semester at a college or university. You must prepare to pass your certification exam with a 100% on the practical or hands-on portion and a 70% on the written. National Registry (www.nremt.org) certification is a good idea since many states grant reciprocity for this certification. In otherwords, they recognize it as an equal to their state's qualifications for certification.

Once you successfully complete your certification, you may be qualified to work as a new graduate. Job prerequisites like minimum age, criminal history, driving record, certification(s), etc., do vary somewhat dependent again upon the department or agency and/or area you wish to work.

There are several levels of Emergency Medical Technicians ranging from First Responder to Paramedic. All EMTs must have state certification, which requires completion of a 109-hour state approved training course in emergency medical technology and emergency vehicle operation. After one year of experience on an approved emergency medical unit, a basic EMT with a valid certificate may begin training to be a paramedic. This requires a minimum of 788 hours of lab, clinical and internship training. Documentation of satisfactory completion of an approved internship is also required. To become a licensed EMT and paramedic in New York State, individuals must meet New York State licensing requirements. Detailed information for New York State licensing requirements can be found online at:

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workforceindustrydata/olcny/emergenc.asp

Advancement

To advance beyond the basic level, the steps are generally as follows:

  1. Ensure you have a valid EMT-B card
  2. Choose the course for the next level you would like to achieve: AEMT-I, AEMT-CC, AEMT-P
  3. Locate and enroll in the course being offered
    • Cost is dependent upon institution administering the course
    • State reimbursement for the course is a good guideline for estimating cost:
      • AEMT-I: $530
      • AEMT-CC: $1,200
      • AEMT-P: $1,500 (colleges tend to charge normal admissions price for the 2 year program)
  4. Upon completion of the course find out your department's process for obtaining medical control privileges.
  5. Once you complete the regional requirements your agency may have other requirements prior to a person practicing solo as an AEMT.

Certification

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services offers certification at the following levels:

  • Certified First Responder (CFR)
  • Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B)
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate (AEMT-I)
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Critical Care (AEMT-CC)
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (AEMT-P)

Courses at the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) through Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Critical Care (AEMT-CC) level are taught by local state approved course sponsors. A list of these course sponsors can be located at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/training.htm .

Course information can also be obtained by contacting your local Regional EMS Council or your local EMS Program Agency, including:

Other Regional EMS Councils can be viewed at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/regional.htm

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Training

Training as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (AEMT-P) can be obtained through one of the following programs:

Hudson Valley Community College Institute of Prehospital Emergency Medicine 80 Vandenburgh Avenue HRC 4th Floor West Troy, NY 12180 Contact: Greg Chapman (518) 270-4899

Faxton - St. Luke's Healthcare 1750 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13502 Contact: Jim Parker (315) 738-8351

SUNY Upstate Medical University Dept. of Emergency Medicine 750 East Adams Street Syracuse, NY Contact: Gail Weinstein (315) 464-4851

Additional training sites can be viewed at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/ems/training.htm

If you need additional information about EMT training contact the Bureau of EMS Education Unit at (518) 402-0996 Extension 14