NCEMSF MERIT Recognition Program
The National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation MERIT (Modeling Excellence in Response, Innovation, and Training) Recognition Program is designed to recognize collegiate EMS organizations that adhere to the highest standards of operational excellence, clinical care, training, safety, and community engagement. This program provides a structured framework for self-assessment, continuous improvement, and recognition of exceptional performance in campus-based EMS.
The MERIT-Recognized CBEMS Agency designation is not a certification, but a mark of distinction for collegiate EMS agencies that meet or exceed the stringent criteria set forth by NCEMSF. Please note only CBEMS agencies that provide patient care are eligible for recognition—this program is not designed for education-only groups.
CBEMS organizations that meet NCEMSF MERIT Recognition Program criteria will receive a certificate, five EMS MERIT-Recognized CBEMS Agency vehicle window decals, and a digital copy of the MERIT-Recognized CBEMS Agency seal to be used on the organization website and in promotional materials.
About | Application Files | Past Recipients | Generic Resources | Specific Guidance | Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
Recognition is valid for three years and recognitions are only granted as part of the annual NCEMSF Conference Awards Ceremony. To apply, organizations must submit a completed application packet by the deadline specified on the NCEMSF website. The application must include all required documentation and signatures. CBEMS organizations may reapply during the awards application period for the third Conference after the initial recognition was awarded.
CBEMS organizations pursuing the MERIT-Recognized CBEMS Agency designation will be required to have a site visit with their Regional Coordinator (RC) or another member of the NCEMSF staff. Site visits are preferred to be held in person but may be completed via video conferencing if an in-person visit is not possible. The site visit for the NCEMSF MERIT Recognition Program may be combined with the site visit required for the EMS Ready Campus Program Gold Tier.
Applications should be organized according to the categories outlined in Part I: MERIT Recognition Program Checklist. Each requirement must be clearly referenced, and supporting documentation should be included as specified. Please place all supporting materials, documentation, and required descriptions into one PDF document with a table of contents that references each item. Any item(s) requested as a spreadsheet should be sent as a separate file in regular Excel format.
All application materials must be received by the Friday two weeks prior to the start of the annual NCEMSF conference for the year in which the campus is to be considered for the award or renewal of the award. Please e-mail: merit@ncemsf.org with any questions regarding the application process or the designation.
For the 2025 program year, the Striving for Excellence program will also remain available.
Application Files
pdf
NCEMSF MERIT Recognition Program Application
(1.10 MB)
This is the full application packet. Please download and complete as described in the packet.
There is no template for the roster, but the file should be submitted in Excel format with all requested data in individual columns.
Past Recipients
2025 (Inaugural Year of Program):
- Your Squad Here!
Resources
Schools working towards the NCEMSF MERIT Recognition Program are strongly encouraged to utilize NCEMSF as a resource if they need to develop or update their procedures or other documentation. Begin by contacting your Regional Coordinator who can assist with your questions or direct them to another NCEMSF Staff Member. Regional Coordinators can also help connect you with other similar CBEMS organizations who could provide guidance on specific topics.
NCEMSF would also invite any schools participating in the program to share resources they have used to complete the various program requirements by sending them to merit@ncemsf.org. These resources will be vetted and potentially shared on our website to help future applicants complete the program.