If you would like to become an EMT but you lack sufficient money to pay for tuition and enroll in an EMT training course, there are free EMT training offered by various organizations and schools which you can take advantage of. Although there are not many of them, there exist some which offer to help those economically disadvantaged and whose level of education is not enough for college admission and productive careers in the EMS field.
Free EMT training are EMT training that has no tuition fees and you don’t have to pay for the training. The course is funded by businesses, foundations, individuals, or by the local and federal government through federal grants. Others will include textbooks and other requirements while others will not. Most free EMT courses are for EMT Basic training only and will prepare you for EMT certification at that level. The class space and capacity is also limited and requirements have to be met. Some require that you have a resident in the state or city the course is offered.
To successfully complete the course you must commit the time and energy required. You need to study well and be fully prepared especially for the certification exams.
Who Offers Free EMT Training
Who does offer free EMT training or where can you get EMT training that cost nothing? A place to start with are:
Volunteer corps or EMT volunteer organizations that offers free EMT training so you can volunteer your time and services for the community. Even local fire departments or rescue squads offer free EMT training to attract volunteers and to increase their staff. You’ll have to serve as a volunteer EMT for one or two years in exchange for the EMT training. By offering free training for EMT volunteers benefits their squad and the community. Some also have paid internship after completion of the course.
Some non-profit organization also offer free EMT training for those that meet their requirements. Some are for women only who don’t have work or in a specific income level. Such organization like the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago or ICNC which is funded by a grant from the Eleanor Foundation is a great way get EMT training for free. They even have placement programs to help you find a job. Other non-profit organization work in conjunction with a college to provide free EMT training.
Local State or City University Branches that are fully funded by State Legislature and managed by State University like the Bronx Educational Opportunity Center or Bronx EOC also have free EMT training. You have to meet the basic requirements like literacy skills, income level, personal suitability and other course requirements.
Some companies offer free EMT training as beta testers of their online EMT education program.
The benefits of Free EMT Training
Some other benefits of free EMT training aside from being free is that you’ll be able to work with other EMTs in a pre-hospital setting. If you volunteer to get training, you can start having experience in the field immediately. Others also provide additional certification and depending on the provider even more.