Description
EMT Apprenticeship Program – South Branch Emergency Services (SBES)Application Timeline
- Applications Close: August 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM
- Interviews: August 2, 2026 – August 7, 2026
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 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
Accepted EMT Apprentices will participate in a combination of classroom instruction and compensated ambulance shifts:
Classroom Training (Non-Compensated)- Please go to https://www.sbes365.org/training.html There you will have a choice of 2 different classes. Class #47 runs in the evenings and Class #48 is a weekend class. Complete the application and return.
- Additional class sessions: To be determined (TBD)
- Two (2) 12-hour BLS ambulance shifts per week
- Total compensated hours: 24 hours per week
- $19.00 per hour during apprenticeship shifts on the BLS ambulance
- Paid bi-weekly via direct deposit
In addition to classroom instruction and apprenticeship shifts, the EMT Academy includes significant independent study, homework, and quizzes.
Post-Academy EmploymentUpon 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
Apprenticeship candidates must:
- Be 19 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
Requirements
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 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Commit to the program for a minimum of two years
- 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
- Learn to safely operate complex medical and emergency equipment
- 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
- Wear the provided uniform shirt
- Wear dark navy blue EMS-style pants provided by SBES
- Wear black, protected-toe boots with ankle support
Skills Required
- Be 19 years of age or older
- Legally eligible to work in the United States and the State of New Jersey
- Successfully complete a background check
- Obtain required medical clearance from SBES-approved provider
- Successfully complete a lift test
- Commit to a two-year service obligation upon successful NREMT certification
- Work 12-hour shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Attend all training sessions according to the Academy schedule
- Dedicate a minimum of five hours per week outside Academy time to studying and assignments
- Read and write at a 10th-grade level and comprehend lengthy textbooks (>1,400 pages)
- Access to a computer with functioning webcam, microphone, and reliable internet
- Ability to lift up to 125 pounds independently and up to 250 pounds with a partner; kneel, squat, climb stairs, sit on floor and rise without assistance
- Successfully sit for the National Registry EMT (NREMT) exam within two weeks of class completion
- Wear provided uniform shirt, dark navy EMS-style pants, and black protected-toe boots with ankle support
What We Do
South Branch Emergency Services is a community-based regional provider of Emergency Medical, Technical Rescue Services, and Educational Training, offering pre-hospital emergency care and specialized technical rescue services to northern Hunterdon County.
