EMT APPRENTICESHIP

Would I make a good EMT? 

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.

• Calmly handle stressful situations and abrupt sensory and/or emotional stimulus and still react with speed and efficiency.

• Work 12-hour shifts which include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Learn to safely operate complex equipment.

What is the application process and timeline? 

We accept applications when an EMT class is coming soon. Hired apprentices will start a few weeks before an EMT class.

• Applications are open through November 30, 2024.

• Candidates interview with our clinical and administrative crew December .

• Preference for applicants is for candidates that:

  • Complete our Fall Bennington Rescue Internship

  • Are already in EMT class at another education provider or have recently received NREMT certification.

  • Remaining seats will be provided to those that have attended BRS observer shifts or have prior exposure to EMS and healthcare.After the interview, candidates chosen to proceed will take the FISDAP EMT Entrance Assessment. 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 Assessment. The FISDAP study guide is available here.

• Hired candidates start working a few weeks after the interview process is complete and a position is offered and accepted. .

  • The EMT course has significant independent study homework and required in-person days.

• Apprentices work 35-40 hours every week based on the training schedule. None of the training time may be missed.

• Apprentices are required to serve for two years or may be required to compensate Bennington Rescue for the costs of EMT training and wages during that training.

You will need to upload a resume or CV during the application process - there are free templates online or in Google Docs, Word, etc. if you don’t have a resume or CV already.

NOT SURE if you’re ready for EMT apprenticeship?

Consider riding as an observer or apply for the EMS Intern program (if open to applications).

This is an immersion into EMS with onboarding, CPR, First Responder, and Driver Training programs along with riding with our crews to learn about EMS clinical operations, basic ambulance driver operations, etc.

How are apprentices paid? 

An apprentice is a hired employee and paid for all hours at work for required training, clinical experiences, and the field training process.  Like any other employee the apprentice receives biweekly paychecks.

The starting pay is $19 per hour effective July 2024. As an apprentice meets objectives of the program, wages and benefits increase.  Once an apprentice graduates the program, they make equivalent wages of an entry-level EMT.

Apprentices receive equivalent benefits for a new, full-time Bennington Rescue employee. For example: medical benefits are currently 70% employer paid for a single or family plan, 403(b) retirement plan with organizational match, etc.

what is the schedule like?

EMT schedules vary both during apprenticeship and once cleared to practice as part of an ambulance crew.

• Instruction phase:

  • Orientation, CPR & First Responder training, and driver training occur during

  • EMT Class takes about 15 weeks including independent study homework and in-person class days. Time not scheduled for class activities each week you will be riding ambulance shifts (12 hour shift) or performing emergency department clinical time. The ambulance or ED time includes days, afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Field training phases: One you are a licensed EMT, you will be partnered with a field training officer full time and work their schedule. This is typically three 12-hour shifts each week. Again these may be days, nights, and will include weekend and holiday shifts.

After graduating apprenticeship, schedules typically are three 12-hour shifts each week and may be days, nights, and include mandatory weekend shifts.

What are the minimum requirements? 

• 18 years of age or older

• High school diploma or graduation equivalent

• Valid driver’s license, 2+ years of permit/licensed driving experience, and driving record acceptable to Bennington Rescue insurance

• Acceptable record on criminal background check (requirement to obtain and maintain a VT EMT 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 officials ahead of time.

employee health requirements

Due to the vulnerable patient and student populations Bennington Rescue works with, employee health screening, immunization history, and screening are required if an employment (paid or volunteer) offer is extended. Requirements are subject to change - currently include:

• Proof of current immunizations or, if applicable, immunity status (titer) for influenza, TDaP, MMR, 2-step PPD, Hepatitis B (or declination), etc.

• Employee health exam by our occupational health provider that the employee is physically fit for the expectations of the position. You must be able to squad, bend, crouch, lift >50 pounds on your own, stand or sit for long periods, walk while carrying/pushing/pulling, etc.

• Failure to comply with health requirements excludes an individual from employment with Bennington Rescue. Medical exemptions due to severe reactions to vaccines, autoimmune disease, etc. may be considered on a case-by-case basis with healthcare provider certification. No other exemptions are accepted.

After I become an EMT, what advancement opportunities Exist? 

After becoming an EMT, there are a variety of career paths. They all have different training and skill requirements, but all are attainable for dedicated individuals. Some programs such as advancing from EMT to AEMT or paramedic, Bennington Rescue offers support programs to help offset costs and time to attend the programs.

• Advanced EMT

• Paramedic

• Critical Care Paramedic

• EMS Educator

• CPR Educator

other frequently asked questions:

I am in an EMT course already, can I still apply?

Yes. If hired, you receive credits toward your apprenticeship and do not have to repeat those objectives.

I am an EMT already with little or no experience, can I still apply?

Yes. Similar to above, you will receive credits toward your apprenticeship and do not have to repeat those objectives (e.g, you will not have to take an EMT class again).

Can I negotiate the salary?

No, the wage structure is set and the same for all the apprentices.

I applied for EMT Apprenticeship before, do I need to submit a new application?

Yes, all interested parties must file a new application and cover letter.

Is the training schedule flexible?

No, the training schedule is set in advance for all the apprentices. All hired apprentices will receive their schedule upon hire for the instructional phase. After the instructional phase, apprentices must be able to follow the schedule of their assigned field training officers.

Have another question?

Contact us at application@benningtonrescue.org