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 website :

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 1.Obtain application packet by either downloading one from the OEMS website, or contacting OEMS directly at (617) 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.