EMT students smiling in a classroom setting, holding books and a tablet, with medical diagrams and flags in the background

Your Path to a Rewarding Career: A Step-by-Step Guide to EMT Certification

Are you ready to answer the call and serve your community? The Mississippi Center for Advancement of Prehospital Medicine (MSCAPM) is here to guide aspiring heroes like you. This guide outlines the essential emergency medical technician requirements and shows you exactly how to get your EMT certification so you can begin a fulfilling career serving fellow Mississippians.

Start Your EMS Journey

Hands holding a pen over a diploma, with a driver's license, an ID card, and a tablet displaying an online background check application on a wooden desk

Step 1: Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before starting, you must meet a few prerequisites. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. A valid driver's license and a clean background check are also required to ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities of an EMT.

Three EMT students in uniform practicing medical procedures on a realistic mannequin in a classroom setting, with one student using a BVM and another taking notes

Step 2: Complete an Approved EMT Training Program

The next step is to enroll in and successfully complete a state-approved EMT training program. These courses provide the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for medical emergencies, teaching you everything from patient assessment and trauma care to airway management and CPR.

An EMT instructor in a blue polo shirt observes two EMT students in uniform practicing patient assessment on a mannequin on a gurney, with one student checking the mannequin's head and the other taking notes

Step 3: Pass the National Registry (NREMT) Exam

Upon completing your training, you will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. This consists of two parts: a cognitive (written) exam to test your knowledge and a psychomotor (practical) exam to assess your ability to perform essential life-saving skills.

A smiling EMT student in uniform shakes hands with a professional woman in a suit, holding up her official EMT license

Step 4: Obtain Your State Licensure

Once you have successfully passed the NREMT exam, the final step is to apply for your state EMT license. This will officially authorize you to practice as an EMT in Mississippi. Be sure to check with the Mississippi State Department of Health for the most current application process and requirements.

Begin Your Journey Today!

Embarking on a career as an EMT is a noble and rewarding endeavor. At The Mississippi Center for Advancement of Prehospital Medicine (MSCAPM), we are committed to supporting our state's next generation of EMS professionals. Follow these steps to get your EMT certification and join those who make a difference every day. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goal.

Start Your EMS Journey