EMT and paramedic training, licensing, and certification in the state of Maryland are governed by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical System (MIEMSS). This Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems is an independent state agency in charge of control, coordination, and oversight of Maryland’s EMS system. MIEMSS is under the direction of the State EMS Board. It is this Board, through MIEMSS, that licenses and certifies EMS providers in the state of Maryland. All courses for EMT and paramedic certification must be approved by this Board.
The state of Maryland has five levels of training certification: EMR-Emergency Medical Responder, EMT-Emergency Medical Technician, CRT-Cardiac Rescue Technician (parallel to EMT–Intermediate/99), EMTP-Paramedic, and CCEMTP- Critical Care Paramedic.
Training, Licensing, and Certification Requirements
To become a certified EMT or paramedic in the state of MD an individual:
- must be at least 18 years of age -
Emergency Medical Responder and EMT applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian - must be at least 18 years of age before participating in any ALS (Advanced Life Support) clinical training or internship
- must pass a drug screening
- possess current immunization records
- must have a valid MD driver’s license
- must pass a physical
- must enroll in EMT-basic and pass EMT certification (for paramedic licensure)
- must possess sponsorship and/or letters of support (for paramedic licensure)
- successfully complete an approved EMS training course
- submit a Maryland Emergency Services Student Application form and fees
Various other requirements such as a criminal background check, English and science courses, high school diploma, etc. will also be required at various stages of your training.
Maryland EMS certification requirements
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) requires:
- Successful completion of an EMR course and the practical certification examination; and score at least 70% on the EMR written certification exam (administered by MIEMSS). This certification is good for 3 years in the state of Maryland.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) requires:
- Successful completion of an EMT course which is approximately 165 hours in length; successful completion of an internships (approved by MIEMSS); score at least 70% on the EMT written certification exam, and successfully complete the practical certification examination (both (administered by MIEMSS).
This certification is good for 3 years in the state of Maryland.
Cardiac Rescue Technician (CRT) requires:
- Successful completion of a course approved by the EMS Board which takes approx. 400-800 hours; successfully complete at least 12 months of “in field” work experience OR have at least 150 responses “in field” ambulance experience (which must meet requirements such as patient care & assessment); successfully complete testing for I/99/CRT with the National Registry of EMTs; successfully complete a MIEMSS approved review session; and score at least a 75% on the written CRT exam.
This certification is good for 2 years in the state of Maryland.
Paramedic Licensing requires:
- Successful completion on an EMS Board approved paramedic course program which is approx. 1,100 hours in length; OR complete a paramedic bridge course if you are a licensed nurse, physician, or CRT; successfully complete at least 12 months of “in field” work experience such as patient care as an EMT OR have at least 150 responses hours of “in field” ambulance experience (which must meet requirements such as patient care & assessment); successfully complete a MIEMSS approved review session; register as current paramedic status with the National Registry of EMTs; and score at least a 75% on the written CRT exam.
This certification is good for 2 years in the state of Maryland.
Those stats are just an overview; the courses are detailed and there are additional requirements before full certification can be awarded. For their courses, MIEMSS also has online training such as EMT and EMR Protocol Updates Courses, Helicopter Orientation, Medevac Dispatch, and several other online courses for certification and continuing education for MD EMS personnel.
The Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013 expedites licensing for U.S. Armed Forces service personnel who are seeking Maryland EMS licensure or certification.
Continuing Education/Certification and License Renewal
Updating of licensing and certification is required for each EMS level. If your MD license has been expired for a time period of less than three years, there are situations in which a person can re-certify without having to take the entire course of which you need to be re-licensed for. However, there is a reinstatement process you must complete.
Reciprocity & Recognition of Licenses & Certifications from Other States
Maryland does participate in a reciprocity process. EMR and EMT reciprocity requires an applicant to be at least 16 years of age; possess a current EMR/EMT EMS license (that is MD state equivalent) or a National Registry Card, one which is based upon the National Standard Scope of Practice.
CRT and Paramedic reciprocity require a person to be at least 18 years of age; possess a current EMT I/99 or paramedic card/license; complete the required “Student” applications; provide documentation of your current affiliation with a Maryland advanced life support institution; and complete an ALS protocol review course.
An applicant must then complete the Maryland Application for Reciprocity/Reinstatement and continue on through the application process which includes fees, CPR verification, examination testing, etc.
Additional Information
EMT training is offered by several local community colleges across the state of Maryland, as well as the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) and fire and rescue academy programs. Training courses can also be found in some of MD’s public high schools. University of Maryland-Baltimore County and College of Southern Maryland are just two education entities that offer EMS and paramedic certification courses.
Both EMTs and paramedics must complete a Maryland EMT training program that is state accredited and approved by MIEMSS Board prior to certification. MD training by itself is not sufficient. The state of MD and the MIEMSS also requires the individual who has completed EMT training to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and recognizes the exam certification if taken in other states.
Contact Information
Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical System (MIEMSS)
653 West Pratt St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Information on Licensure & Certification (800)-762-7157