MASS STATE of confusion!

R

Ronocologist

Forum Probie
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I have been looking all over the interwebs for an answer to this question and found nothing. But before I ask my simple question here. Please let me build my and probably many other peoples scenario for you. I was under the impression that if I passed I the NREMT written exam that I would only have to have the NREMT cert to become an EMT in MA. ( " Effective July 1, 2013 Mass is going by national standards and you only need to obtain the NREMT cert to be an EMT in Mass." ) Those are the words right out of the of the OEMS representatives mouth that was overseeing my practical exam back in may 2013. Now I have had my NREMT cert for a few months and have even started working as an EMT-B per-dam for the past month. But I have recently found some contradictions to what I was told by OEMS. Obviously I filled out a few applications I little over a month ago. As that's how I am working per-dam now. But! Just the other day I got a call from a company asking if I was still interested in working for them ( which I am.) The only thing is. I need to have a Mass EMT not just my NREMT. So in plan English. HOW DO I GET my mass state EMT-B license? My next question is. Why is this an issue if Massachusetts went national but in July?

Can anyone shine some light on this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The nremt is a testing agency. It is not a license to practice. Each state has their own rules and regulations. Once you get your nremt cert you send it into oems with an application.

Again

The nremt is just a piece of paper saying you passed a test. It on no way authorizes you to work as an EMT .
 
Ronocologist said:
I have been looking all over the interwebs for an answer to this question and found nothing. But before I ask my simple question here. Please let me build my and probably many other peoples scenario for you. I was under the impression that if I passed I the NREMT written exam that I would only have to have the NREMT cert to become an EMT in MA. ( " Effective July 1, 2013 Mass is going by national standards and you only need to obtain the NREMT cert to be an EMT in Mass." ) Those are the words right out of the of the OEMS representatives mouth that was overseeing my practical exam back in may 2013. Now I have had my NREMT cert for a few months and have even started working as an EMT-B per-dam for the past month. But I have recently found some contradictions to what I was told by OEMS. Obviously I filled out a few applications I little over a month ago. As that's how I am working per-dam now. But! Just the other day I got a call from a company asking if I was still interested in working for them ( which I am.) The only thing is. I need to have a Mass EMT not just my NREMT. So in plan English. HOW DO I GET my mass state EMT-B license? My next question is. Why is this an issue if Massachusetts went national but in July?

Can anyone shine some light on this?
Click to expand...

Take a look at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/emergency-services/forms/basic-app-nr-cert-200-05.pdf

https://www.nremt.org/nremt/about/Legal_Opinion.asp

https://www.nremt.org/nremt/about/statereciprocitymap.asp (Top line!)

See my PM
 
Last edited by a moderator:
if you are working as an EMT in MA without a MA cert you are in violation of the law and I would be careful about how you proceed. Look at the links above, and fill them out and get them in the mail tomorrow. If all you have is NREMT you are practicing illegally until you get a MA cert.

If it were me I would talk to my employer, and request light duty so I can still earn a paycheck and I would not set foot in an ambulance until I have my MA cert.
 
yeah, if I were you I'd get my ducks in a row and delete this thread.
 
How are you working per diem as an emt? I don't know any company who would hire someone without having a copy of their OEMS card.
 
There is and has obviously been much confusion surrounding EMT's in MA since the adoption of the National standards and I am certainly going to get to the bottom of things and get my MASS license ASAP. (If I still can.) I asked my instructor months ago what the adoption of the national standards meant for me since it was scheduled to take effect right after I passed my practical exam. They had no idea, and like the representative from OEMS said that if we took the NREMT written after July 1st, we wouldn't need to take the MA Exam. Which I thought OD being that NREMT is a CERTIFICATION and not a LICENSURE. I have already looked at all the links posted above and am calling OEMS. I am getting so much contradictory information for so long that I need a clear answer. I cant imagine that I'm the only person figuring this out or going through this on their own. Some are telling me the PSI doesn't offer a EMT exam in MA any longer. I have been all over the web looking for answers. All I can say is I am thankful that this was brought to my attention by the company that called me in regard to my application for employment. As well as thankful that this site is here. This is not something I should have ever been left in the dark about by my instructor or by anyone that was in the know. I'm needless to say very unpleased with this lack of proper DIRECT information that should be readily available to fresh out of class EMT student's.


Bottom line. When your fresh out of class. I feel you should be clearly directed as to what one needs to do to obtain the proper completion of the objectives one has set forth. Thank you all for your reply's. I do believe I am finally facing the correct direction.



I will keep this tread updated as I do hope it will help the next poorly informed fresh grad EMT that is lost in the mix.
 
I think the instructions are pretty clear. The National Registry makes it abundantly clear that your NR card is not a license to practice in any state. If you chose to ignore that while you attempted to figure out the MA licensing process, you'll have to bear the results of your own actions, and I would suggest not seeking pity from others or blaming the system. Call OEMS and ask, it's worth it to be sure you're doing the right thing when it comes to your certification.
 
rwik123 said:
How are you working per diem as an emt? I don't know any company who would hire someone without having a copy of their OEMS card.
Click to expand...

I have been hired by a private organization. Which is the only reason I am able to work for them. It appears I got lucky with that one. But now that I know I am not finished with what I'm aiming for, thanks to you all. I am like I said back on the right track. I am so thankful for this site.
 
Tigger said:
I think the instructions are pretty clear. The National Registry makes it abundantly clear that your NR card is not a license to practice in any state. If you chose to ignore that while you attempted to figure out the MA licensing process, you'll have to bear the results of your own actions, and I would suggest not seeking pity from others or blaming the system. Call OEMS and ask, it's worth it to be sure you're doing the right thing when it comes to your certification.
Click to expand...

I agree with what your saying about the national registry making it clear. I wish I could agree with you on the other parts fully, but I can not. Also I by no means am seeking pity. I am here seeking knowledge. That is what I have been provided with thus far and for that I thank those of you that have pointed me in the right direction. Thanks either way.
 
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/emergency-services/forms/basic-app-nr-cert-200-05.pdf

That's the form you need to send in. All the instructions and other documentation you need to provide are clearly (as clearly as the commonwealth gets) outlined.

OP, you are correct when you said you're not required to take the MA state exam if you have your NREMT. That doesn't mean you aren't required to obtain your MA license to work in MA. Those are completely different things.

Hope this helps!
 
SixEightWhiskey said:
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/emergency-services/forms/basic-app-nr-cert-200-05.pdf

That's the form you need to send in. All the instructions and other documentation you need to provide are clearly (as clearly as the commonwealth gets) outlined.

OP, you are correct when you said you're not required to take the MA state exam if you have your NREMT. That doesn't mean you aren't required to obtain your MA license to work in MA. Those are completely different things.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

I knew something wasn't right. I have already mailed my app out. Thank you for your aid in this.
 
....and, just because someone says "You can work for us and we'll protect you" doesn't mean they have your back. In fact, anytime that "have my back" deal comes up, look out, it should never ever even come up.

"Yeah, keep it up, we're right behind ya!".
back-seat.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top