Jacksonville, FL, Schools with EMT Training Programs
Students looking for EMT training in Jacksonville will find only one school in the city limits that offers this type of program, but there are a couple of others within driving distance. This article profiles three schools that are within 45 minutes of the city center. All offer programs that meet state training requirements for EMTs. In addition to information about the schools and their EMT courses, this article includes a table of data about each school, such as enrollment, school type, costs and the percentage of students who graduate on time. Prospective students can use this information to help them find the school that's the best fit for them.
- Florida State College, located at the heart of downtown Jacksonville, offers an EMT-Basic program that awards graduating students a technical certificate.
- About 47 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Saint Johns River State College in Palatka offers an EMT program.
- Students can get EMT training at First Coast Technical College in Saint Augustine, which is about 35 miles from Jacksonville's downtown area.
Comparison of Schools
Individuals who are considering EMT training should look at a number of factors when choosing a school. The following table compiles important information and makes it easy to compare these three institutions.
| Florida State College | Saint Johns River State College | First Coast Technical College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, public | 4-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 20,717* | 6,318* | 379* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Distant town | Small suburb |
| Tuition and Fees (2022-2023) | $2,878 in-district, $2,938 in-state, $9,992 out-of-state* | $2,830 in-state, $10,347 out-of-state* | $4,893* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 87%* | 60%* | 57%* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | N/A | N/A | 81% for full-time, 100% for part-time students* |
| Graduation Rate | 39% (12% transfer-out rate) for students who began Fall 2015* | 46% (13% transfer-out rate) for students who began Fall 2015* | 91% (students who began in 2018-19)* |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Florida State College
This is a limited-access program, and prospective students must complete a first responder course before being accepted. In order to participate in the mandatory clinical phase, students may need to pass a criminal background check and drug screening at their own expense.
Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) Technical Certificate
There are three courses in this program totaling 12 credit hours of study. Successfully completing the program by earning at least a 'C' grade in all classes qualifies students to take the Florida state EMT certification exam. The first course focuses on basic life-saving and patient stabilization methods, and the second course teaches first-level EMT techniques. In the third course, students practice life-saving techniques in a lab setting and participate in a clinical training program that takes place in a hospital emergency care department and with an Advanced Life Support field provider.
Saint Johns River State College
This is a limited-access program that consists of three courses, one of which is a field experience/hospital class.
Emergency Medical Technician Program
This EMT training program is presented through the school's Workforce-Allied Health program. The curriculum meets EMT certification requirements established by Florida administrative code. Classes are presented in a blended on-campus/online format. Students are taught how to use equipment to treat medical and trauma patients in a pre-hospital setting.
First Coast Technical College
Prerequisites for this program include a high school diploma or GED and a current CPR card; prospective students must be at least 18 years old. Students must also pass a drug screening and criminal background check.
Emergency Medical Technician Program
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level EMT careers. The curriculum is approved by the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Classes are offered in a daytime schedule, or students can choose the evening and weekend option.
