Overview of EMT Training in NJ

In the state of New Jersey, the designation of EMT- Basic (B) is reserved for students and volunteers who complete the United States Department of Transportation approved Emergency Medical Technician-Basic training program and certified with the EMT-B certification by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services in accordance to the New Jersey law.

EMT Training in NJ is 120 hours long and approved by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services EMT-Basic certification program. The training program is based on the National EMS Education Standards curricula and National EMS Scope of Practice. Currently, there are 53 approved training schools, community colleges, universities, hospitals, private and public agencies, and medical centres for EMT-B training programs in the state.

Although, New Jersey EMT training programs adopts National EMS Education Standards curriculum, the training providers can develop their own training courses based on the National EMS Education Standards and local requirements. In addition, private organizations and agencies that are certified by the commissioner for EMT-B training programs and certification or recertification are also eligible for reimbursement from the state’s “Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund” or “EMT Training Fund.

EMT-Basic Program Curriculum

The Department approved EMT-Basic Program Curriculum has 7 training modules. The students are required to complete each curriculum model and pass the exam for that model to move to the next module. The students who fail in a module exam can retest two times, but if they fail to pass even after two attempts, their training programs become null and void, and they are disqualified from the certification exam. However, they can get eligibility for the exam again by reapplying, enrolling, and completing entirely new EMT-Basic training program.

The training program features didactic instructions, clinical training, and field experiences. The students will have to complete a 10-hour clinical experience in the acute care emergency department, or the Department approved pre-hospital care areas under the direct supervision of a Field Preceptor. During clinical or field training, the students are made to observe clinical procedures, application of skills, and patients.

The National Education Standard Curriculum based New Jersey EMT Training courses include EMS Systems, Workforce Safety and Wellness, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical/Legal and Ethics, Pathophysiology, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Airway Management, Artificial Ventilation, Respirations, Assessment, Trauma, Neonatal care, Paediatric, Geriatric and other medical and non medical subjects.

The students, who successfully complete EMT-Basic training and clinical experience, and pass the skills verification examination administered by the program coordinator are eligible for the NREMT-Basic Certification Examination because New Jersey only approves and recognizes the NREMT-Basic Examination for EMT-Basic certification in the state.