How to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New Hampshire?

Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician more commonly known as EMT is for many the first step into a new career dedicated to helping others. Few other career paths enable you to make such an impact. Before learning about how to be an EMT you may be interested in learning “What is an Emergency Medical Technician EMT? and What do Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) do?. Please keep in mind this article is written by a New Hampshire licensed school and will be most applicable to students in New Hampshire looking to become a New Hampshire EMT. That being said you will become certified/registered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians or NREMT and they have an extensive reciprocity list.

  • Step 1) Making the decision

  • Step 2) Take a EMT program

  • Step 3) Get Nationally Certified

  • Step 4) Get State Certified/Licensed

  • Step 5) You’re an EMT!

Step 1) Making the decision

I know this being the first step is a bit of a cliche, but it’s important. The two articles we referenced earlier What is an Emergency Medical Technician EMT? and What do Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) do? please go and read them - it’s important. Nobody wants to waste their time in class to realize they hate it. That being said few things are more rewarding than becoming an EMT regardless of your goals. You can get it as a resume boost, to volunteer with your local fire department, get a job as a firefighter, or ski patrol, life guard, babysitter, patient contact hours to become a mid-level or physician. Getting your EMT is one of those things that’s relatively simple, not financially burdensome, and opens so many doors that it’s almost always a good idea to pursue!

Step 2) Take a EMT program

EMT programs are designed to make you succeed. If you meet the entry requirements, show up, and do the work you will become an EMT. Most EMT programs ours included meet the national standard and result in national certification. So what are those steps you may ask. It starts with meeting the requirements and applying to a program. Most programs have very few entry requirements - you don’t even need to be 18 anymore! So go find a program that matches your schedule and sign up! We also offer a program if you’re interested. Once you’re in you need to show up for class, read the book, do your homework and other assignments. If you’re taking a NH program you will also need to complete some clinical time. For example our program requires you perform ten patient assessments in a clinical setting. At the end of the program you will take a final written exam and a final practical exam. If you’ve made it this far you’re basically ready to go, but you have a few more things to accomplish.

Step 3) Get Nationally Certified

This step requires you successfully complete your EMT program. You will have to pay an application fee to the national registry. You will be required to sit for a written Cognitive Based Test CBT - this is commonly referred to as the written exam/text. You will also need to take and pass a psychomotor which is commonly called the practical. It’s okay because a good EMT program will over prepare you for both of these exams and support you through them. We do anyways. Once you’ve paid your fee, taken your written and practical you’ll become a nationally credentialed EMT!!! NREMT has a good article about this step on their website.

Step 4) Get State Certified/Licensed

Now all you have to do is take your national card to the state, and apply to get your state license. In New Hampshire this is simple. You will have to complete a background check with fingerprints, complete an application, and provide a copy of your national certification. The state has a good article on this.

Step 5) You’re an EMT!

You did it! This process takes about 4-6 months, but it’s well worth it.


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