Traditional EMT Initial Certification Course

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 7:00 PM

This in-person Initial Certification EMT course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and supervised clinical experience necessary to provide high-quality emergency medical care in the pre-hospital environment. The program is aligned with the Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Medical Services (ODPS-EMS) initial certification requirements and prepares graduates to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams.

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and apply appropriate interventions across the lifespan (trauma, medical, cardiac, respiratory, obstetric/pediatric). 

• Demonstrate competence in airway management, basic pharmacology, shock and hemorrhage control, and other pre-hospital emergency procedures. 

• Operate within the EMS system, including ambulance operations, scene safety, communication, documentation, and allied health coordination. 

• Apply professionalism, ethics, teamwork, and patient-centered care under medical oversight in pre-hospital settings. 

• Achieve eligibility for initial state EMT certification and the NREMT exam. 

• Didactic classroom instruction covering anatomy & physiology, EMS systems, medical & trauma emergencies, patient assessment, and EMS operations (lecture + interactive lab). 

• Hands-on practical labs and high-fidelity simulation scenarios to develop psychomotor skills and decision making. 

• Supervised clinical experience in the emergency department and field ride-along to meet required pre-hospital contact hours. 

• Meets or exceeds Ohio’s initial EMT curriculum requirements for certification.   

• 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 

• 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. 

Contact

Holly Vertock

To RSVP please contact Holly Vertock by phone or email.

• Email: holly.vertock@uhhospitals.org