UMBC’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program prepares students to provide entry-level emergency medical care in the prehospital environment. The program follows the National EMS Education Standards and is approved by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). Successful completion of the program prepares students for both the Maryland EMT certification process and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive examination.
The EMT curriculum consists of two courses:
- EDHS 202 – Emergency Medical Technician I
- EDHS 203 – Emergency Medical Technician II
Together, these courses include online learning, classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, CPR certification, practical skill evaluations, a supervised field internship, and preparation for state and national certification.
Program Options
Students may complete the EMT sequence in several ways:
- As part of the Paramedic Concentration
- As part of the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) Minor
- As stand-alone courses for students pursuing careers in EMS, medicine, physician assistant studies, athletic training, nursing, or other healthcare professions
Registration Information
EDHS Majors
Students enrolled in the EDHS major should work directly with their academic advisor to register for EDHS 202 and EDHS 203.
Non-EDHS Majors
Students who are not EDHS majors and wish to enroll in EDHS 202 (Emergency Medical Technician I) must complete the EMT Course Interest Form before registration.
EMT Course Interest Form
https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ddpbHbFBHGus81o
The information submitted through this form allows the department to evaluate course demand, determine seat availability, and prioritize enrollment.
Registration Priority
Available seats are generally offered in the following order:
- Paramedic Majors
- EDHS Minors graduating in the spring semester
- EDHS Minors
- Pre-Athletic Training (Pre-AT) and Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) students
- Pre-Medical students
- Other pre-allied health students
- Other interested students
Students enrolled in the Paramedic Concentration and EDHS Minor receive priority registration during the academic year.
Course Schedule
The EMT program is offered twice each year.
Academic Year
- EDHS 202: Fall Semester
- EDHS 203: Spring Semester
Courses generally meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students are assigned to either the Tuesday or Thursday laboratory section.
Summer
The complete EMT sequence is also offered in an accelerated format:
- EDHS 202: First six-week summer session
- EDHS 203: Second six-week summer session
Students complete the same curriculum, practical skills, internship, and certification requirements in a condensed schedule.
Courses generally meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students are assigned to either the Wednesday or Thursday laboratory section but should plan on attending both days to complete skills.
Course Format
The EMT program uses a modified hybrid, flipped-classroom model.
Students complete interactive lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments outside of class using online learning platforms. Classroom and laboratory time is dedicated to:
- Patient assessment
- Clinical decision making
- Hands-on skills
- Scenario-based learning
- Team communication
- Practical evaluations
This approach allows students to maximize hands-on learning while developing the knowledge required for certification and entry-level EMS practice.
Time Commitment
Students should expect a significant commitment outside of scheduled class meetings.
During the academic year, plan for approximately 6 to 9 hours each week in classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, open lab, and independent skills practice. This estimate does not include online coursework, studying, assignments, or examination preparation.
The accelerated summer program requires a substantially greater weekly time commitment.
Physical Requirements
EMT education is physically active.
Students should expect to:
- Practice patient assessments on classmates
- Lift and move equipment
- Participate in patient lifting and movement exercises
- Work from kneeling and floor positions
- Participate in realistic patient simulations
Professional behavior and respectful interaction with classmates are expected during all laboratory activities.
Internship
EDHS 203 includes a required supervised field internship.
Students complete patient assessments and patient care documentation while working with approved EMS preceptors.
Students who are not already affiliated with a volunteer or career EMS agency should begin seeking an affiliation early, as onboarding can require several weeks.
Certification
Successful completion of EDHS 202 and EDHS 203 qualifies students to pursue EMT certification through:
- Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS)
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
Certification requires successful completion of:
- Both EMT courses
- Required psychomotor skills
- Field internship
- Maryland practical examination
- National Registry cognitive examination
- All required MIEMSS and NREMT application requirements
Program Costs
In addition to university tuition, students should anticipate expenses for items such as:
- Navigate Premier course materials
- CPR certification
- Uniforms
- Equipment
- Clinical screening requirements
- Malpractice insurance
- State and National Registry certification examinations
Current program costs are available here:
EMT Course Costs
https://edhs.umbc.edu/undergraduate/paramedic-track/course-costs/
MIEMSS Program Approval
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS)
EMS Board Approved through April 2028
653 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 1-800-762-7157
Website: https://www.miemss.org/home/