EMT Apprenticeship Program – South Branch Emergency Services (SBES)

Application Timeline

• Applications Close: January 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM
   
• Interviews: January 19, 2026 – February 1, 2026
   

Program Overview

EMT Apprentices are temporary, per-diem employees who participate in SBES’s EMT Academy, a training program designed to prepare individuals for careers as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Upon successful completion of the Academy, apprentices may transition into EMT positions with South Branch Emergency Services, based on current staffing needs.

This program is open to individuals pursuing a new career or those just starting out. No prior experience is required.

Program Cost & Compensation

• SBES will cover the full $2,500 cost of the EMT class
   
• Classroom time is non-compensated and will not be paid
   
• Apprenticeship (ambulance) shifts are compensated
   

Training Schedule & Work Hours

Accepted EMT Apprentices will participate in a combination of classroom instruction and compensated ambulance shifts:

Classroom Training (Non-Compensated)

• Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays
   
• Time: 08:30  - 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:30
   
• Additional class sessions: To be determined (TBD)
   

Apprenticeship Shifts (Compensated)

• Two (2) 12-hour BLS ambulance shifts per week
   
• Total compensated hours: 24 hours per week
   

Pay Rate

• $19.00 per hour during apprenticeship shifts on the BLS ambulance
   
• Paid bi-weekly via direct deposit
   

Academic Expectations

In addition to classroom instruction and apprenticeship shifts, the EMT Academy includes significant independent study, homework, and quizzes.

Post-Academy Employment

Upon successful completion of the EMT Academy, including sitting for the National Registry EMT (NREMT) exam within two (2) weeks of class completion, apprentices will be offered employment based on current openings at:

• $20.00 per hour
   
• Probationary period: Approximately 6 to 12 months
   

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Apprenticeship candidates must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
   
• Be legally eligible to work in the United States and the State of New Jersey
   
• Successfully complete a background check
   
• Obtain required medical clearance
   
• Successfully complete a lift test

Candidates accepted into the EMT Apprenticeship Academy commit to a two (2) year service obligation with South Branch Emergency Services upon successful certification as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT).

Candidates who do not successfully complete the program will be responsible for reimbursement of the EMT training program cost in the amount of $2,500.00.

Upon obtaining EMT certification, candidates who fail to fulfill the terms of the service commitment will be required to reimburse SBES a prorated portion of the program cost as follows:

• From EMT certification through the first-year anniversary: $2,500.00
   
• From the first-year anniversary plus one (1) day through the completion of two (2) years: $1,250.00

EMT Apprenticeship Candidate Requirements

EMT Apprenticeship candidates should be able to meet the following requirements:

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Demonstrate genuine empathy toward others
   
• Communicate effectively through spoken language, body language, and written communication
   
• Remain calm and composed in stressful situations and in response to sudden sensory stimuli
   

Work Schedule & Commitment

• Work 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
   
• Commit to the program for a minimum of two years
   

Training & Academic Requirements

• Attend all training sessions in accordance with the current Academy schedule
   
• Dedicate a minimum of five (5) hours per week outside of Academy time to studying and completing assignments
   
• Read and write at a 10th-grade level or higher
   
• Read and comprehend a textbook exceeding 1,400 pages
   
• Use proper grammar, punctuation, and capitalization in written work
   
• Successfully complete online coursework using a laptop or tablet
   
• Have access to a computer with a functioning webcam and microphone, and reliable internet access
   

Technical Skills

• Learn to safely operate complex medical and emergency equipment
   

Physical & Medical Requirements

• Lift up to 125 pounds independently and up to 250 pounds with a partner
   
• Kneel on the floor for extended periods
   
• Squat to lift items
   
• Climb stairs without difficulty
   
• Sit on the floor and rise without assistance
   
• Participation is contingent upon receiving medical and physical clearance from an SBES-approved provider
   

Uniform Requirements

• Wear the provided uniform shirt
   
•  Wear dark navy blue EMS-style pants provided by SBES
   
• Wear black, protected-toe boots with ankle support