EMS continuing education

In order to maintain your certification, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in Massachusetts must complete continuing education requirements.

Continuing education requirements

In accordance with AR 2-212 EMT Continuing Education Standards required continuing education (Con-Ed) used for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) recertification must meet specific requirements:

  • Courses must hold an Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) approval/registration number, issued by a Regional EMS Office or OEMS.
  • Courses may also be approved by Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). CAPCE is a private, nonprofit national accrediting body for EMS continuing education courses and course providers.
  • All Continuing Education may be completed using Distributive Education.  Distributive Education (DE) courses are online, self-paced courses without a live instructor.  DE courses will have either a T3 (OEMS) or F3 (CAPCE) approval number.

Where can I take continuing education courses?

Courses may be taken at a DPH-accredited EMT training institution, an ambulance service or municipal first responder agency, a hospital or with an instructor who has obtained a DPH OEMS approval number. Complete lists of approved continuing education courses may be obtained by contacting one of Massachusetts’ five Regional EMS Council offices.

EMTs are reminded to retain documentation of completion for every course they take. This could be a course completion certificate, copy of completed sign-in sheet (roster), or other documentation.

Information for course sponsors and instructors

Special Credit for non-approved courses

  • EMS Personnel may receive Continuing Education credit for non-approved courses under special circumstance.
  • Applicants are required to complete the Special Credit Request Form. Please read the eligibility criteria and requirements carefully.

Please note that no course is guaranteed special credit approval. All such courses must meet the standards of Administrative Requirement 2-212.

Additional Resources

Contact   for EMS continuing education

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