Deadline Looms to Join San Diego Launch of Academy for Free EMT Training

A free Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy launches next month at the Educational Cultural Complex in Mountain View.

The deadline is looming though – applications must be in by 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

The Pre-Apprenticeship program, in partnership with the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee and San Diego College of Continuing Education, begins June 17. The program is the first of its kind for Southeastern San Diego. 

San Diego residents 18 and older can earn their EMT completion certificate the academy as a first step toward a career in the fire service. A high school diploma/equivalency and valid driver’s license are required to apply.

Priority will be given to individuals with demonstrated financial need.

“The opportunity to participate in an EMT pre-apprenticeship at the Educational Cultural Complex creates equal access for minority populations and for more women to become first responders,” said Tina M. King, president of the College of Continuing Education. “This also develops a safe and inclusive environment for our Black and brown communities who are historically the most left behind when it comes to emergency response.”

The apprenticeship committee is a joint labor-management partnership between California Professional Firefighters and the California State Fire Marshal and is the established leader in recruitment, outreach and standardized training for firefighters in California. 

New to San Diego, the academy began in Sacramento and Los Angeles. The six-month pre-apprenticeship EMT academy creates a pathway to a career as a firefighter, paramedic, emergency dispatcher and more.

In addition to obtaining the skills required of a nationally registered EMT or paramedic, cadets will train for the Candidate Physical Ability Test, receive preparatory instruction for a written exam and hone their interview skills through the guidance of a firefighter mentor.

Successful graduates will earn a place on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center’s Statewide Eligibility List, which more than 155 California fire departments use for hiring.

“We work hard to make sure that our workforces are reflective of the communities we serve and we know this tuition-free program will be beneficial right here in Southeastern San Diego,” said Robert Logan, deputy fire chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. “This is not only a great learning opportunity, but a networking opportunity for those who enroll.” 

Overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 5% through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 18,100 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

In addition to free tuition, cadets will receive uniforms and books as well as support for childcare and travel costs.