The National EMS Academy is offering $1,200 courses for just $400.
SAN ANTONIO — Right now there is a critical shortage of EMS technicians in Texas, with numbers continuing to drop. But a San Antonio EMS training center says there is such a need that they have discounted trainings by 70 percent to fill those life-saving jobs.
The National EMS Academy says the reason for the shortage is high housing costs, aging populations and increase in demand especially in metro-adjacent counties. Classes that normally cost $1,200, are now only $400.
“Previously I was a teacher, but I moved into emergency medicine because I wanted to make a more physical change or physical difference,” said Marlon Adams who is an EMT with the goal of becoming a paramedic.
He says not only was the academy’s program affordable, but also left plenty of time to work his other job.
“When I was there I was worth the time that I was taking away from other things because I was learning a lot of hands on skills,” Adams said.
Anya Thibodeaux, a recruiter with Acadian Ambulance said there’s always been a shortage of EMS.
“People kind of aren’t aware of the job or how to get into it. And so we are trying to combat that with our EMT classes through our National EMS Academy,” said Thibodeaux.
Through the National EMS Academy you could become an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Care Attendant (ECA).
They offer a two-week paid training program, and you can move into an EMT class in eight weeks or less. Or you could go straight to training as an Emergency Medical Technician with a 12-week training program working as an EMR/ECA while attending EMT school. Or train to become a paramedic in an 18-month, part-time course or an accelerated seven-month full time course you’re paid to attend.
“Some offers come while you’re still in class, and then you can also go and work for any other private ambulance service or get your foot in the door with a fire service,” Thibodeaux said.
Adams says it is never to late to join and follow your dreams.
“There’s no other way to get that job done without having well-trained and skilled people,” Adams said.
But you need to act fast, because EMT classes begin March 17. Head to SanAntonio.BecomeAMedic.com for more information and to sign up!