Interested in a career in fire or emergency medical services?

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is required by many employers in these fields. Our EMT course prepares recruits for EMT certification.  

UPDATE 2/12/24:   

Enrollment for EMT Class 2402 will start 5/6/2024, please submit COMPLETED applications in person to SWFPSA during regular business hours.  The deadline for applications is 3/8/2024 at 3pm.  More details about the class dates and orientations are listed below at the bottom of the page.

Review this page for class dates, course information, and the application process.

When enrollment opens for any upcoming classes, it will be advertised on this page. Please continue to check back for any updates or future class offerings.

Step 1: 

Verify that you are eligible for application:

Minimum requirements for EMT course eligibility:

1. Be a legal United States resident.
2. Be at least 18 years of age on the first scheduled day of class.
3. Have a valid Florida driver’s license.
4. Have a standard high school diploma or GED^®  from an acceptable accredited agency. High school students may apply before graduation with current transcripts and a letter of recommendation from the school principal; A copy of the diploma must be received before the first day of class.
5. Not have a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces in the United States.
6. Be Tobacco-free for a minimum of 12 months before attending class – highly recommended.
7. Be drug-free a minimum of 3-5 years prior, depending on the substance used. A certified drug test is required upon conditional acceptance to the course.
8. Complete an American Heart Association Basic Life Support course. Proof of current certification is required with the application.
9. Adhere to “Specific Requirements for Immunity” (separate form). Immunization records are required with the application.
10. Not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.  A background check is required upon conditional acceptance to the course.

• If you have ever been convicted of, pled no contest to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction, you may be required to submit documentation as stated here.

• The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services has created guidelines for specific offenses to be cleared in the certification office; however, staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Crimes that cannot be cleared by staff will be sent to the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services for review. SWFPSA makes no guarantee that any specific offense will be cleared as this is beyond our control.

Step 2:

If eligible for application, print and fill out all required EMT Application Forms & Documents, for the application along with completing a digital background check and certified drug test. (The estimated cost, which is subject to change, is $99.00.) 

The CASAS test is mandatory/required to apply.

Information on CASAS testing at Fort Myers Technical College

Information on CASAS testing at the Cape Coral Technical College

***The CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) test is mandatory/required to apply (regardless of graduation and/or degree status) and it is currently offered at FMTC (239-334-4544) and CCTC (239-574-4440) please contact them directly for testing information***  

A minimum score of 244 (Reading) and 231 (Math) on the CASAS Test is required to be eligible for application.

***Important*** If you will be applying for multiple programs at SWFPSA (ex: EMT and FIRE), please retain copies of all documents as this will require re-application. We will not make copies of your previously submitted documents.

Step 3:

Applicants will submit their completed application packet during any open enrollment period. Application packets should be made to Attention: EMS Program Bursar. If the application is incomplete, it will not be considered. Additional conditions of acceptance may be determined on an individual basis. 

Step 4: 

Applicants will be notified of the Academy’s decision after the open enrollment period ends and all completed applications have been reviewed. Please refrain from emailing or calling to ask about your application. When the review and selection process is complete, all applicants will be notified.

Step 5:

Recruits will need to confirm their seat offer and must attend mandatory orientation sessions to be fitted for uniforms and personal protective equipment. All fees will be due at this time.

Please note that all pricing is approximate and subject to change.