No prior training required!
The EMS Intern is a unique 5-week program that offers interns the opportunity to learn about EMS through CPR, Driver / Safety, and First Responder Education that meets entry level standards to assist with first response or as part of an ambulance crew.
About the program
Good candidates have the ability to:
Be genuinely empathetic with others. We work with all populations, you must be appreciative of many perspectives, and provide care without judgement.
Communicate well in spoken language, body language, and written form. There is a lot of communication & documentation in healthcare. The ability to speak, type, and submit accurate, comprehensive documentation is a must.
Calmly handle stressful situations and abrupt sensory stimulus. We experience loud/chaotic environments, flashing lights, strong sometimes foul odors, weather extremes, emotionally disturbing scenes and injuries, etc.
Work 12-hour shifts which include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes all our time is spent caring for patients or driving.
Learn to safely operate complex equipment. This includes vehicles, medical equipment, and be attentive for alarms and other dangers.
requirements to apply
17 years of age or older - Interns who are 17-years-old cannot operate Bennington Rescue vehicles on-the-road but will still participate in the Driver Training classroom and closed cone course components of driver training.
High school diploma or graduation equivalent - unless still enrolled in high school
Valid driver’s license at the time of application with 2+ years of permit/licensed driving experience and driving record acceptable to Bennington Rescue insurance.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
Acceptable record on criminal background check - requirement to obtain and maintain a VT EMS license. If you have a concern about a background check issue, please contact us. Not everything on a background check exempts you from service. We can discuss your issue and put you in communication with the appropriate state and national officials ahead of time.
application process
We accept applications prior to our EMT classes.
File an application.
Interviews for selected applicants are during normal business hours on weekdays.
After the interview, candidates chosen to process will take the FISDAP EMT Entrance Exam. Candidates must achieve a score of >60% in 3 or more of the core areas (Math, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Biology) on the FISDAP EMT Entrance Assesment. The FISDAP study guide is available here.
If you are seeking employment (paid or volunteer) & affiliation with Bennington Rescue to determine if an EMT Apprenticeship or VEFR/Driver position is right for you, a paid internship may be available and offered after successfully interviewing.
Hired interns start about 8 weeks before an EMT class. Hired candidates will start onboarding, CPR, First Responder, and Driver courses. The internship then has 3 weeks of riding ambulance shifts with our field training officers or other preceptors.
Interns typically work 32-40 hours the first two weeks then 20-26 hours the 3rd - 5th weeks of the program. None of the training time may be missed.
other frequently asked questions:
Is this different than EMT Apprenticeship?
Yes. EMT Apprenticeship is a full-time, permanent position with benefits. EMT Apprentices work 32-40 hours a week and have a graduated wage structure as they meet certain objectives. EMS internship is temporary - only during the internship.
Can I negotiate the salary?
No, the wage structure is set and the same for all the interns.
I applied for a position before, do I need to submit a new application?
Yes, an application and resume are required, even if you applied for another position before.
Is the training schedule flexible?
Not too much. The class schedule is set and inflexible. For ride along experiences, EMS Interns may have some flexibility in shifts.
Have another question?
Contact us at application@benningtonrescue.org
