How to Become an EMT in Mississippi

Who can apply

• You must complete an EMT training program approved by BEMS. Approved courses are offered by community colleges, universities, the Mississippi State Fire Academy, or a recognized EMS district.
• You must hold current National Registry (NREMT) EMT certification.
• You need an original, signed Jurisdictional Medical Control Agreement.
• Grounds for suspension or revocation include fraud on an application and conduct that constitutes a crime of violence or crimes such as assault, stalking or sexual assault.
• You must hold a valid Health Care Provider CPR certification before you enter an EMT training program.

Step by step

1. Complete a BEMS-approved EMT course that meets the National EMS Education Standards.
2. Pass the NREMT EMT exams and earn NREMT EMT certification.
3. Get a signed Jurisdictional Medical Control Agreement.
4. Fill out the Application for Mississippi EMS Certification (form AP07).
5. Send the application, a copy of your NREMT certification, the medical control agreement and the $40 fee to the Office of EMS and Acute Care Systems in Pearl. Personal checks are not accepted.
6. Processing takes about four to six weeks.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: BEMS approves only EMT courses that meet or exceed the current National EMS Education Standards. Courses may be offered by a community college, an Institution of Higher Learning, the Mississippi State Fire Academy, or an organized EMS district recognized by BEMS. Course coordinators must send BEMS a final roster within three days after the course ends.

Exam: Mississippi does not give its own EMT exam. You must pass the NREMT exams and send a copy of your current NREMT EMT certification with your application. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt.

What it costs in Mississippi

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

MSDH says application processing takes about four to six weeks.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: To recertify, send the AP07 application, a copy of your current NREMT certification, a signed Jurisdictional Medical Control Agreement and the $40 fee. EMTs who meet NREMT recertification requirements (NCCP) and are currently NREMT certified meet Mississippi's refresher requirements. Recertification can be done on the MSDH eLicense portal. MSDH recommends starting three to four months before expiration. There is no grace period: if you do not recertify by your expiration date, your certification is officially expired.

Good to know in Mississippi

You must keep NREMT current: Failing to maintain current National Registry certification is a listed ground for suspension or revocation of a Mississippi EMT certification.

EMS Compact: Mississippi is a member of the EMS Compact. EMS clinicians with a valid license in a member state get a privilege to practice in the other member states.

Coming from another state: Out-of-state EMTs apply with the same AP07 application, current NREMT certification, a signed Jurisdictional Medical Control Agreement, and a reciprocity verification from their home state if applicable.

Sources

• MSDH - EMT Certification
• MSDH - EMS Certification and Training (fees, EMS Compact, NCCP)
• Miss. Admin. Code Title 15, Part 12 (EMS rules, Chapter 6 EMT)
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process
• MSDH - EMS Training Q&A