EMS Training Institution Accreditation
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Office of Emergency Medical Services
2 Boylston Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
Website: http://www.mass.gov/dph/oems
Why Accredit?
• For prospective EMT students: provides assurance that the training institution
has been evaluated and has met accepted standards.
• For ambulance services: ensures compliance with standards for EMS
education established nationally, and by the Commonwealth for today's EMT
jobs.
• For the profession: raises standards of practice and promotes rigorous
preparation.
Why Accredit?
• For faculty and administrators: promotes ongoing self-evaluation and
continuous improvement, and provides an effective system for accountability.
• For the training institution: enhances reputation and represents official
recognition. Also provides a basis for inter- and intra-institutional cooperative
practices, including admissions and transfer of credit.
MA Accreditation: Practical Benefits
Only one application submission to OEMS in a three-year period for all
EMS courses provided.
As of July 1, 2005, only accredited institutions can offer initial EMT
training.
Reduced administrative burden: One combined application for ALS &
BLS initial training programs. No submission to OEMS of skill
competency forms.
Administer the practical examination for state certification of EMTs.
Eligibility for Accreditation
• Organization capable of providing:
– QA/QI procedures for assessing performance of institution, instructors and
students
– Clear accountability for instructors
– Student access to library and other
research tools
– Classroom space and skills training areas
– Student access to computers and A/V aids
– Administrative support
• Can provide this directly or by contracting with an OEMS-accredited
training institution or post-secondary educational institution.
Accreditation Process: Step-by-Step
• Obtain application packet by either downloading one from the OEMS website,
www.mass.gov/dph/oems/emt/accreditation.htm, or contacting OEMS directly
at (617) 753-7300.
2. Complete application in full, and submit with $500 accreditation fee. (Fee is
annual upon accreditation.)
3. OEMS reviews application and schedules a training institution site visit.
4. OEMS conducts in- depth program site visit, and meets with all critical program
staff.
Accreditation Process: Step-by-Step
5. OEMS completes program review and makes one of four
determinations:
• List of issues to be corrected is given
• Provisional accreditation is awarded
• Substantially equivalent accreditation is awarded
• Department accreditation is awarded
Non-Accredited EMS Training Programs
• As of July 1, 2005, may not offer initial training programs.
• Each course offered must be individually approved by OEMS.
• Will need to send their students to accredited institutions to take practical
exam for state certification.
• OEMS will evaluate each course by standards pertaining to curriculum,
integration of Statewide Treatment Protocols, and an effective QA/QI
program.
Chief Examiners and Examiners
• Chief Examiners must be OEMS approved, and represent OEMS at the
practical skills exam. They ensure exam administration meets Department
standards and monitor and evaluate examiners.
• Examiners must be OEMS approved, but are hired by the accredited
institutions hosting the practical skills exams. Examiners work at the
direction of the Chief Examiner on site.
• Both must meet OEMS conflict of interest standards.