EMS Instructor/Coordinator Training

The EMS Instructor/Coordinator Training program is offered to prepare the interested EMS provider to become an effective EMS educator.

The course is divided into approximately 45 hours of textbook/online learning and 15 hours of class meetings (depending on class size). The online segment includes reading the text Foundations of Education, an EMS Approach, third edition and doing online work in a timely manner.

The classroom time will be spent discussing and developing the skills of teaching. Each participant will develop skills in presentation, learn to utilize multimedia in the classroom, evaluate EMT-Basic texts, and become familiar with OEMS regulations that govern EMS education in Massachusetts.

About the Program

EMS Instructor/Coordinator is offered to prepare the interested EMS provider to become an effective EMS educator. The candidate will become familiar with theories of learning, application of theories to teaching the adult learner, preparation of educational materials, methods of teaching and evaluation, utilizing technology in and outside of the classroom, textbook and materials selection, presentation of material, State accreditation and administrative issues relating to teaching EMS.

Prerequisites

• The I/C applicant would need to meet the regulations within 105 CMR 170.977 (B).  Pertaining to the prehospital experience in particular, 105 CMR 170.977 (B)(3), "a minimum of three years’ experience within the last ten years, working for an ambulance service as an EMT providing EMS care, at or above the level EMT training to be taught".  

• The fire department must hold/operate an ambulance service (or EFR) license, and the department representative must attest that the applicant is operating as an EMT.

• As applicants have varying EMS backgrounds/situations, in order to better provide the most accurate response, recommendation is to have the applicant/EMT contact Cheryl Camara at cheryl.k.camara@mass.gov

• Comfort and basic skills utilizing a computer (Apple or Windows), accessing and navigating the internet, utilizing presentation/word processing programs

Postrequisites

• Certification as a CPR Instructor

• Complete a 52-hour internship teaching with an initial EMT-Basic course

Required Text/Materials

• Foundations of Education, An EMS Approach, 3rd Edition (ISBN-13: 978-1284145168).

• Computer with high-speed internet connectivity and presentation/word processing capabilities

• Personal Gmail account (accounts linked to educational institutions, municipalities or businesses will not be able to connect)

Course Administration


Emergency Medical Services Instructor/Coordinator is taught as a hybrid online course. One week of reading and online assignments start the course and are followed by a virtual remote meeting. Following the first remote meeting, there are two further weeks of offline work before a second day of virtual meeting. 

Attendance at all meeting dates is mandatory for successful course completion.

Upcoming Classes

Schedule

Online portion beings Sept 10, 2025

First Virtual Class Meeting: Wednesday, Sept 17, 6-10 pm

Second Virtual Class Meeting: Wednesday, Sept 24, 6-10 pm

Third Virtual Class Meeting: Wednesday, Oct 1, 6-11 pm

Course size is limited- register early. Registrations must be received by Sept 8.

Instructor/Coordinator Info

Applying for your I/C Certification

• Applications are submitted via the eLicensing system at https://healthprofessionlicensing.mass.gov/login-register

• The I/C Course does not provide credits toward recertification/continuing education.

• Use your existing EMT eLicensing accounts (linked to their EMT/AEMT Paramedic certifications)-  do not create a new account.

• I/C applications are valid for 1 year following submission. Once the Department has approved the I/C internship, the applicant must successfully complete it within 1 year from internship approval. If not, a new application will be required to be submitted for approval, to complete a new internship. Internships completed more than 1 year from approval are not valid.

• Program Directors are required to sign an experience form for applicants on paper, which the applicant will upload into the application. The applicant will provide this form, or it is available at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-an-ems-instructorcoordinator. 

• Applicants must also submit documentation of experience operating as an EMT providing patient care, with a licensed ambulance service for 3 years within the last 10 years (105 CMR 170.977 (B)(3)). This form is also available at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-an-ems-instructorcoordinator. 

• Applicants must submit 3 letters of reference, including one from a Medical Director OR Training Officer, Clinical Coordinator/CQI reviewer, one from an ambulance service supervisor, and one from a peer. Personal statements are no longer required.

• Complete a 50-hour internship teaching with an initial EMT-Basic course

• More information can be found at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-an-ems-instructorcoordinator

Maintaining your I/C Certification

• Find I/C renewal requirements, at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-to-become-an-ems-instructorcoordinator.  I/C approval must be renewed each cycle. The deadline for submission of the I/C renewal application is January 31 of your provider certification expiration year, and the EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT or Paramedic certification must be renewed by March 31 of the same expiration year.