EMT program in New Jersey helps in providing students with an in-depth classroom as well as a clinical program to become qualified for getting state licensure. A candidate, who wants to pursue his/her career in EMS in the state of New Jersey, has to follow certain procedures of program, examinations, and certification.
Becoming an EMT is a great way to get involved in an awesome job with great potential. And the first step on the road to becoming an EMT is getting the right education. After accomplishing program courses and qualifying required exams, students can acquire the state license.
EMT License Requirements
The following is a list of requirements you will need to satisfy prior to becoming a licensed EMT in the State of New Jersey:
- 18 years of age (16 years with parental consent and restrictions)
- 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
- 120 hours EMT Basic training
- CPR course certificate
- NREMT certification
- High School diploma not needed for EMT Basic, but is needed for higher levels of EMT
- Valid drivers license not a requisite for an EMT license but may be required for better job prospects
- submit proof of high school diploma or GED.
- The candidates also need to submit proof of placement results.
- All the candidates applying for enrolment, have to have undergone various vaccinations, such as Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B etc.
- the candidate must be psychologically and physically fit to handle the emergency responsibilities.
Education Requirements
Find a local approved training facility and register for the 120 hour EMT Basic training. Note that many training providers exceed the minimum 120 hours. 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. It is also recommended that you check that your training completion date does not fall after an approval expiry date of the training facility. In the below link for approved training facilities the expiry date of each provider is indicated in the table.
Training programs are usually spread over a 6 week period and cost usually ranges between $1,000 and $1,600.
CPR Certification
A lot of approved training facilities also offer CPR certification courses. It would make sense for an applicant to choose a training facility that does indeed offer both the EMT and CPR training courses. Applicants should also talk to the training provider about the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) psychomotor examination and whether they will be able to provide such a certificate (see next step).
Upon completion you will receive a certificate that is needed for the state EMT license application.
Examination Requirements
EMT license applicants must pass the NREMT exams, which are made up of two parts, a written cognitive exam and a psychomotor exam. For the written exam an applicant will need to register with the NREMT (http://www.nremt.org) and pay the $70 application fee. When You are ready to take the exam you will need to get in touch with Pearson Vue (http://www.vue.com) who provides the computer based testing for the NREMT exam.
- Cognitive exam. You will take the National Registry Medical Technician (EMT) cognitive exam on a computer at an authorized testing center. Your exam will consist of between 70 and 120 questions. 10 of those questions will not affect your score. The maximum time to complete the exam is 2 hours.
- Psychomotor exam. For the psychomotor examination you should check with your EMT training provider whether they are able to provide such certification in conjunction with the EMT course. Note that fees for this certificate may apply.
Once the applicant has received certification for both exams they will be issued with an NREMT certificate which is valid for 2 years; this certificate is needed for the state EMT license application.
For some tips and recommendations on preparing for these exams take a look at our Preparing For NREMT Exams page.
Criminal Background Check
EMT Applicants must submit fingerprints electronically for a criminal background check. The first thing to do is fill out the form provided by the NJ Department of Health (http://www.nj.gov/health/ems/documents/fingerprint_background_form.pdf). This form also provides details of how to get an appointment for fingerprints to be taken. The fee for this process is $11.
Application Process
In order to submit an application an applicant must do the following:
- Complete the NJ Department of Health EMS Agency’s EMT application form. Forms have to be requested directly from the NJ Office of Emergency Services (http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/index.shtml)
- You need to submit EMT Reciprocity Application and Certification/License Verification form(s) in a sealed envelope(s), from every state EMS agency and/or the NREMT that has ever certified/licensed you as an EMT.
- A copy of your valid CPR card.
- A copy of your current EMT card(s).
- Mail EMT Reciprocity Applications New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
- Once your application package has been received and approved by NJ OEMS, you will be notified by NJ OEMS that you are eligible to register for an approved Refresher Course.
Knowing all these steps in advance will greatly help in planning your training and ensuring a quick and efficient process as possible.
EMT Training Schools
- Bergen Community College – Lyndhurst, NJ
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
1280 Wall Street West
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
- Jersey City Medical Center EMS – Jersey City, NJ
415 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, NJ – 07302
MONOC/Ocean County College – Neptune, NJ
- Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
4806 Megill Rd
Neptune, NJ 07753
Union County College – Elizabeth, NJ
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
40 West Jersey St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
- Virtua West Jersey Health System, Inc – Mt Holly, NJ
Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program
53 Academy Drive
PO Box 6000
Mt Holly, NJ 08060
What you will Learn
- EMT-Basic Pharmacology
- Respiratory and Cardiac Emergencies
- Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues in EMS
- Emergency Childbirth/Pediatric Emergencies
- Bleeding and Shock Management
- Trauma Patient Assessment
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector
- Airway Management
- Obstetrics and Gynecological Emergencies
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Head, Neck and Spine Injuries
- Vital Signs
- Lifting and Moving Patients
FAQs
- How much do classes typically cost?
Standard pricing across New Jersey for EMT Classes is around $1,500. You will typically need to submit a non-refundable $300 payment up front, plus the remaining $1,200 during the course of the class.
- How long does the class take to complete?
That depends on which type of EMT class you choose. There are two types. One is the hybrid class which is a summer course that you can do in two months. The second is a traditional in-person course that takes up to six months.
- How many EMTs do you personally know in New Jersey?
Probably, around 300