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.