This is an entry level course and is the first step in the EMS career ladder. As with most healthcare professions, a Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information Check (CORI) will be required for licensing by MA OEMS after successful completion of this course. If a student thinks there might be an issue for state licensing, the College may run and review a CORI based on individual student request.

Upon successful completion of the course and with the instructor’s recommendation, students are eligible to take the NREMT-Basic certification exam and then work for private or fire based ambulance services or volunteer-based emergency services. Please note, this is a very intensive course with a lot of required reading. Many students state that they spend at least 6 or more hours a week  outside of class just on the reading assignments.

Class meets in person in the East building of the GCC main campus on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 PM - 10 PM and some Saturdays from 9 AM - 5:30 PM. There is a 100% attendance policy and our curriculum meets the National Standard Curriculum requirements. Our EMT classes run in the Spring, Fall and Summer semesters.  We only accept 30 students per semester.

There is a separate health requirement if you choose to schedule the optional hospital emergency department observation and/or the optional ambulance ride-a-long shift. You can get the form from the instructor and submit it during the last 3 weeks of class.

Summer 2024 semester: Dates: May 22, 2024 - August 21, 2024
Our course is offered as an in person lectures and labs here in the East Building on our campus in Greenfield - Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 PM-10 PM and the scheduled Saturdays 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (6/8/2024, 6/15/2024, 6/29/2024, 8/10/2024 & 8/17/2024).

Registration will be available starting after April 1, 2023 see choices below.

There are 2 ways to take the class - both options are acceptable for future entry to the GCC Paramedic Program:

Option 1: As a 6 credit college class (EMS 101) if you are interested in obtaining college credits.  Approximate cost is $1,400 plus books (appx $150) and certification fees *. Please contact the Office of Admission at GCC for information about how to register (413) 775-1801 or visit the website at gcc.mass.edu/admission/. If you are not already a GCC college student you will need to take the English placement test (learn more at gcc.mass.edu/testing/).  If you have college level English then you will need to provide transcripts to GCC.  When you take the class for college credits you may be eligible for financial aid. If so, you will have to also submit a college application https://www.gcc.mass.edu/admission/.

Option 2: As a non-credit class (EMH 310). Cost is $1400 plus books (appx $150) and certification fees. For information about how to register visit their online course guide at gcc.mass.edu/non-credit/. You do not need to apply to be a student at GCC or take the English placement test, but financial aid is not available for this option. Most students who select this option already have a college degree, or are changing careers.

Requirement for state EMT certification: 18 years of age at time of exam

* Upon successful completion of the course there are additional certification fees/costs:

• $80 fee to be paid to GCC for the NREMT psychomotor exam (we hold the psychomotor certification exam here at GCC for our students).
• A $104 fee to be paid to the NREMT for certification and your first attempt at the computerized cognitive exam.
• Additional fee ($104), if necessary, to be paid for each  attempt at the NREMT cognitive exam (there is a max of 6 attempts to pass).
• Once you have successfully completed your NREMT computerized cognitive exam and GCC psychomotor exam and are a Nationally Certified EMT (NREMT), you will then need to contact the state Office of EMS, in any state you plan to practice in, and get that individual state’s license/certification. Here in MA you must pay $150 and go on their website to complete an application: https://www.mass.gov/guides/apply-for-an-initial-emt-advanced-emt-or-paramedic-certification

Advanced EMT

GCC is  not offering the NREMT Advanced EMT course at this time. If you are interested in furthering your EMS career we suggest looking at the paramedic level.