Loading...
Loading...
How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Massachusetts. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $150 (state certification). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. 4 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$1,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $150 (state certification)
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
60 hours
Scope of Practice
Basic emergency care including bleeding control, CPR, AED use, oxygen administration, and basic patient assessment
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, vital signs, oxygen administration, BVM ventilation, CPR/AED, splinting, bleeding control, assisted medication administration (epinephrine auto-injector, nitroglycerin, albuterol), emergency childbirth, and spinal motion restriction
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
All EMT-Basic skills plus IV/IO access, fluid administration, supraglottic airway devices, blood glucose monitoring, CPAP, and limited medication administration per protocol
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
All AEMT skills plus endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/12-lead ECG, manual defibrillation/cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, needle chest decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, comprehensive medication administration, and RSI where authorized
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Massachusetts requires training at MDPH-accredited institutions only (160-180 hours for EMT). The state does not accept training from non-MDPH-accredited programs. This is a strict requirement unique to Massachusetts.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Massachusetts requires NREMT cognitive exam for initial certification plus a separate state psychomotor exam. Both NREMT recertification and MA eLicensing renewal are required for recertification. NREMT cognitive exam is CAT format, 70-120 questions for EMT, 2-hour time limit, $104/attempt, scaled score of 950/1500 to pass, up to 6 attempts with 15-day wait between attempts. State psychomotor exam is separate from NREMT psychomotor.
State Exam Details
Massachusetts requires a separate state psychomotor exam in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam. The state psychomotor exam is administered by MDPH-approved testing sites.
Passing Score
NREMT uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level, 2-hour time limit. Scaled passing score is 950/1500. State psychomotor exam has separate passing criteria.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows up to 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. After 3 failed attempts, 24 hours of remedial training required. $80 per attempt.
What Each Level Can Do
VerifiedOnline Medical Direction (Real-Time)
Real-time physician contact via radio or phone for consultation on patient care decisions beyond standing orders
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols developed by the EMS medical director that authorize specific treatments without real-time physician contact
Protocol Requirements
All EMS providers in Massachusetts must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS service must have approved statewide treatment protocols issued by OEMS/DPH.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
EMT Course Cost Varies by MDPH-accredited program | $1,000-$2,500 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program; must be MDPH-accredited | $8,000-$16,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee Initial certification fee | $26 |
State License Fee Included in application fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee Per 2-year renewal cycle | $150 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate minimum; does not include textbooks or equipment | $1,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $150 (state certification) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate minimum; does not include textbooks or equipment | $8,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $150 (state certification) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$26
Per 2-year renewal cycle
Regulatory Board
EMS certifications must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering patient assessment, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and applicable protocol updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NREMT-based; NOT an EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Massachusetts accepts out-of-state EMTs but requires verification from EVERY state the applicant has ever been certified in. Must hold current NREMT certification and apply through MA eLicensing portal. MDPH-accredited training is strongly preferred.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
EMT/Paramedic reciprocity is often facilitated through NREMT certification. States that require NREMT typically allow easier transfer for certified providers. Always verify current reciprocity policies with your state EMS office.
Massachusetts requires MDPH-accredited training institutions only and has a separate state psychomotor exam in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam. Reciprocity applicants must get verification from every state they have ever been certified in. Both NREMT recertification and MA eLicensing renewal are required for recertification. CORI/SORI background check (not fingerprint-based).
Massachusetts requires training ONLY at MDPH-accredited institutions; non-accredited programs are not accepted.
A separate state psychomotor exam is required in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam.
Both NREMT recertification AND MA eLicensing renewal are required for recertification.
Reciprocity applicants must obtain verification from EVERY state they have ever been certified in.
Background check uses CORI/SORI system, not fingerprint-based.
Initial and renewal fees are $150 each.
Massachusetts is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Emergency Medical Technicians (SOC 29-2042)
Entry Level
$39,520
25th percentile
Median
$45,970
+11% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$51,810
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,270 employed in this state
Note: BLS EMT category includes EMT-Basic level. Paramedics (EMT-P) are classified separately under SOC 29-2043 with higher wages.
Source: BLS OEWS – Emergency Medical Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+12,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
19,600
per year (avg.)
147,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Emergency Medicine Career Ladder+200% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$45,970
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$45,970
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$64,010
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$138,090
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NREMT certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training programs, NREMT exam prep, state-by-state requirements, reciprocity details, and career advancement pathways — delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Massachusetts requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.