Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Coming Soon


Emergency Medical Technicians provide out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system. EMTs have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life-threatening emergencies. Emergency Medical Technicians function as part of a comprehensive EMS response system, under medical oversight. Emergency Medical Technicians perform interventions with the basic equipment typically found on an ambulance. Emergency Medical Technicians are a critical link between the scene of an emergency and the health care system. 
[From the: National EMS Scope of Practice Model] 

This course provides a foundation in pre-hospital emergency medical services care, as per procedures developed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 

Prerequisites are: 

  • Must be 16 years of age or older. 
  • Prioritized Department of Health selection process enforced. 
  • Interview with the program coordinator (can be remote) 

The program will be a minimum of 160 hours with combined lecture and practical skill sessions. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be eligible for certification from the NREMT and the PA Dept. of health as an EMT. 

To become an EMT in Pennsylvania you must meet the following criteria: 

  • be at least 16 years old 
  • complete an application for EMT certification 
  • successfully complete an EMS provider education course for EMTs 
  • have current CPR certification
  • pass the written and practical exam 

For more information, please 717-749-4118 or email Helen McGarry, director of Continuing Education at [email protected]