What makes me ineligible for the program?

• An applicant may be considered ineligible if they:
  1. Do not live in San Diego County.
  2. Are younger than 17.5 years old, or older than 26 years old.
  3. Do not have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  4. Inability to commit to the program full-time:
     • The program operates Monday through Friday (6-8 hour days), for about 5 months.
  5. Failing to submit all required application materials by the deadline.
• Please note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Admission is competitive, and applicants are selected based on the strength of their application, interview, and overall fit for the program.
  

What is the age limit/range?

• Applicants must be between 17.5 and 26 years old to be eligible for the program.

What if I do not have a high school diploma?

• Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential to be eligible for the program.

Do you provide housing?

• No. San Diego EMS Corps is not a housing program. While limited housing resources may occasionally be available, we are unable to guarantee housing for any participant, including those who are relocating from outside of San Diego County. We encourage applicants to have a housing plan in place before applying to the program.

How long is the program? Can I work while participating in the program?

• The program operates in 5-month long cohorts that operates Monday through Friday, with most days consisting of 6-8-hour sessions. Please note that additional time will also be required for ride-alongs, studying, homework, and other program-related activities.
  Because the program is rigorous and intense, we strongly discourage working while enrolled. Participants are most successful when they can dedicate their full attention and time to the program throughout its duration.

Do participants receive a stipend?

• Yes. Participants in San Diego EMS Corps receive a $750 stipend every two weeks, while actively participating in the program, for a total of $1,500 per month.
  To receive the full stipend, participants must remain in good standing and comply with all program expectations. Stipends can be reduced through demerits issued for violations of program policies and expectations.
  Examples of demerits include:
  • Unexcused absence from class: -$300
  • Being late to class, out of uniform, or unprofessional behavior: -$100
  • Late or incomplete homework assignments, missing textbooks or required equipment, or an untidy uniform/appearance: -$50
    Stipends are intended to support participants throughout the program while encouraging professionalism, accountability, and consistent attendance and active participation.

What certifications and credentials will I receive after completing the program?

• EMT Course Completion Certificate from their respective training institution
• California EMT Certificate (EMT Card)

What is the certification process?

• Complete the EMT training program: Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive an EMT Course Completion Certificate from their respective college, either Southwestern College or Palomar College.
• Pass the NREMT Exam: Pass the National Registry or Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to obtain NREMT certification.
• Obtaining an EMT Card: Once NREMT certification is obtained, graduates must then register with the San Diego County EMS Office to obtain their EMT Card, which authorizes you to work as an EMT in California.
  The EMS Corps program will cover all required exam and certification costs for students enrolled in the program, including the NREMT examination and local/state EMT certification fees.

• Yes. Upon successful completion of the San Diego EMS Corps program and all required EMT certification requirements, participants will have met the necessary education and training requirements to become an EMT in California.
  While graduates will be eligible to work anywhere in California, the San Diego EMS Corps primarily assists participants with the certification and registration process in San Diego County.

Are letters of recommendation required?
 

• Yes. Letters of recommendation are a required part of the application and must be submitted for your application to be considered complete. Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can speak to your character, work ethic, leadership, academic and/or professional experiences. We encourage recommendations to come from instructors, employers, supervisors, coaches, mentors etc.

• No. You do not need to have a driver’s license before the program begins.
  However, you must obtain a valid driver’s license before graduating from the program. A valid driver’s license is required to apply for your California Ambulance driver Certificate, which is necessary for EMT certification.
  We encourage participants who do not yet have a driver’s license to begin the process as early as possible to ensure they meet this requirement before graduation.

• Please visit the EMS Office’s website to find a list of accredited EMT training programs throughout the County.

• Email us your questions not addressed here at info@sandiegoemscorps.org