Emergency Medical Services

EHS is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy campus for all of our community. We have a three medical safety programs, designed to provide resources and support to facilities, event, and our community members.

UMass Emergency Medical Services (UMass EMS)

UMass EMS provides non-transporting EMT-BLS medical event standby services to the campus community. Football games, concerts, department functions, and commencement events are just a few of the hundreds of events we staff each year. UMass EMS is in service and able to staff events 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

Every member of UMass EMS is enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. All of our EMTs are certified national NREMT-B and Massachusetts EMT-B.

The application for employment for the Fall 2026 term will open on August 1^st. Prior to completion of an application, review all application FAQs to determine if you are eligible to apply to UMass EMS. Please reach out with any questions to the Executive Director at @email

Fall 2026 Application for Employment

How To Become a UMEMS Member How To Become a UMEMS Member How To Become an EMT How To Become an EMT Application Email List Application Email List

Application FAQs

What certifications do I need to apply?

To be eligible to test, you must be a matriculated undergraduate UMass Student who is a certified EMT in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, certified with the NREMT, CPR certified, and possess a valid driver's license.

Who can apply?

UMass EMS only accepts applications from undergraduate students at UMass who have more than 1 semester of courses remaining, (e.g. students graduating in Spring of 2029 may apply by Fall of 2028 at the latest)

What if I can't make the day of testing or orientation?

Unfortunately, if you are unable to make either test day or orientation, we can not offer you a spot in the agency.

I am an out-of-state EMT, how do I transfer my EMT-B license to Mass?

Massachusetts has a form to use to apply for an EMT-B certification if you have an NREMT certification. If you have or have ever had EMT certification in any other state, you must also complete the state verification form. Your NREMT must be current and in good standing through the time of the process. To begin this process, complete the out-of-state Verification form. The out-of-state verification form is then sent to your state EMS office. Next, complete the Mass License Application Form. Submit the complete application with your certification fee and required credentials to send to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The address is found on that form.

I am an out-of-country EMT, can I transfer my EMT-B license to the United States/Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, if you possess an EMT-B license in another country, you must apply to the NREMT, take and pass a written examination, take and pass a practical examination, and then apply for national and state licensure.

How does testing work?

Each potential member who applies will sit for a written exam prepared by the Director of Training. This written exam is akin to the NREMT written exam, except that questions are based on the MA State Protocols. Questions can be patient care scenarios, medications, medical or trauma-related, and more. Anything in the protocols for EMT-B’s in MA can be on this exam, including medical director options. A certain percentage of applicants will then be invited back the same day to participate in the practical portion of testing. This practical portion is similar to the NREMT practical. There are 4 practical stations and 1 interview. The 4 stations are Medical, Trauma, CPR, and Splinting. Successfully passing 3 out of 4 practical stations grants acceptance to the agency and orientation the following day. If you have testing accommodations through the university, reach out to the ED.

How can I practice and prepare?

It is strongly recommended that you are familiar with the MA State Protocols pertaining to EMT-Bs. For the practical exam, knowing the protocols and being familiar with the practical skill sheets for the 4 stations will best prepare you. Additionally, the week before testing is known as Potential Members (PM) Week. During this week, you will have the option to meet the 5 directors and ask questions, practice completing the practicals with UMass EMS Members guidance, and a Kahoot that will have written exam practice questions. It is strongly encouraged to attend at least one practical practice night before testing day. Specific information will be sent to you after applying!

How many people are accepted each semester?

The amount of potential members that are invited back to the practical exam is determined by the distribution of the written exam results, and therefore can not be answered. The better you score on the written, the better chances you have!

Mission CPR

The Mission CPR program reflects the initiative of UMass EMS to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and to certify individuals in both the UMass campus and the surrounding community. The UMass EMS Mission CPR Program offers three certifications under the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI).

Our classes are taught by EMTs who are certified at both the state and national level, and who have received additional training and certifications in CPR instruction. Each one of our instructors takes pride in giving each student an enjoyable and highly educational experience.

Anyone is welcome to sign up for a CPR/AED certification class!

Learn more about the available CPR/AED & First Aid Trainings

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

AEDs are a proven method of reducing deaths from sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is a device that assess the heart's rhythm and, if needed, automatically recommends whether a shock should be delivered to correct the irregular rhythm. An adult who has just gone into sudden cardiac arrest is most likely in urgent need of defibrillation, and AEDs can save lives.

Avive is the official supplier of UMass AEDs; Avive is FDA-approved. Campus departments can request AEDs for both public access and internal, department use. Environmental Health & Safety will conduct a needs assessment and consult with the department on placement. Departments are responsible for all device/accessory costs; there are a few payment options available.

UMass EMS (UMEMS) is responsible for all maintenance and readiness needs, including pad replacement and battery recharging. Equipment needing replacement, either by use or expiration, will be provided at no additional cost to departments.

Request an AED for your Department/Facility