Hybrid EMT Initial Certification Course

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 AM

This comprehensive initial certification course prepares students to enter the emergency medical services (EMS) profession as entry-level EMTs in the state of Ohio. Conducted in a hybrid format—blending online didactic instruction with in-person labs, simulation, clinical and field experiences—this program is aligned with the curriculum requirements of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services (ODPS-EMS) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) national standards.

Learning Objectives:

By successful completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate foundational EMT knowledge including anatomy & physiology, patient assessment, airway and breathing management, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, trauma and shock, medical emergencies, obstetrics/pediatrics, and EMS operations.

• Perform the required psychomotor skills, lab simulations, and real-world pre-hospital and/or emergency department clinical experiences, as outlined in Ohio’s initial EMS certification guidelines.

• Integrate online coursework with hands-on training to build critical thinking, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and professionalism in EMS settings.

• Prepare for and become eligible to sit for the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, and apply for initial EMT certification in Ohio following successful completion of the program and exams.

Format & Structure:

• Hybrid Delivery: Online lectures and interactive modules for self-paced learning, combined with scheduled in-person lab sessions, simulation exercises, and practical skill assessments.

Wed-Sun Asynchronous Online course work

Mon 1000-1200 Mandatory Zoom

Tues 1000-1400 Mandatory In Person Lab

• In-Person Components: Hands-on labs, simulation scenarios, ambulance ride-along or field hours, and emergency department (ED) clinical exposure to meet the state’s clinical time/practice requirements. 

• Duration: Course begins 1/28/2026 and ends 6/30/2026

• Credit / Hours: Meets or exceeds Ohio’s initial EMT curriculum requirements for certification. 

• Cost: $2500 (Includes Books & NREMT Exam 1st Attempt)

* $35 application fee due at time of registration.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must meet the following prior to enrollment:

• Must be 17 years old and a senior in high school. 

• Maintain a valid driver’s license (or equivalent), and meet any agency or clinical site affiliation criteria

• Complete a health clearance including immunizations (e.g., TB, tetanus, MMR, Hepatitis B) and criminal history statement/drug screening if required by clinical partner

• Obtain current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association)

• Submit all required paperwork and fees prior to program start

Certification Eligibility:
Upon successful completion of all coursework, lab requirements, clinical/field hours, skills competencies and final exams, students will be eligible to:

• Sit for the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor examinations

• Apply to the Ohio EMS Board for initial EMT certification in Ohio. 

• Transition into employment with ambulance services, fire departments, hospital EDs, industrial settings, or continue education toward Advanced EMT or Paramedic pathways.

Career Outlook:
Certified EMTs play a vital role in the pre-hospital emergency care system, providing out-of-hospital assessment, stabilization and transport of patients across a spectrum of emergencies from routine medical transports to life-threatening trauma. Employment opportunities exist in both public and private sectors, and the demand for EMTs continues to grow as healthcare systems expand the EMS component. 

Why This Format Works:
The hybrid structure offers flexibility for students balancing work, family or other commitments by allowing a significant portion of didactic study online, while preserving the essential hands-on experience of EMS training. The in-person labs and field experiences ensure graduates are practice-ready and meet the regulatory requirements for Ohio’s initial EMT certification. This format supports adult learners, career changers and traditional students alike.

Ohio Accreditation # 206

Contact

Holly Vertock

To RSVP please contact Holly Vertock by phone or email.

• Email: holly.vertock@uhhospitals.org