This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1176 awarded to the Jefferson County Commission by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Jefferson County EMS Workforce Development Program
Jefferson County is actively responding to a rapidly evolving crisis in its emergency medical services (EMS), largely driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, the Jefferson County Commission, in partnership with the United Way of Central Alabama, is covering the cost of tuition and supplies for individuals who live or work in Jefferson County and are admitted into Alabama Fire College’s programs. Scholarships are awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. A separate application is required for each course.
This initiative aims to alleviate the shortage of emergency medical personnel exacerbated by the pandemic and ultimately increase the number of qualified paramedics and emergency medical technicians in Jefferson County.
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years or older
- High School Graduate or GED holder
- U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident
- Resident of Jefferson County OR employed in the EMS field within Jefferson County
- Must be enrolled in one of the following Alabama Fire College EMS programs: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Paramedic Program
How It Works:
- First, complete your scholarship application.
- After you are pre-approved, choose your EMS program and class dates from the list below and complete the registration process through Alabama Fire College. (As you apply or after you complete your registration, please tell the Alabama Fire College staff that you have been pre-approved for the scholarship pending your AFC enrollment.)
- Upon enrollment confirmation, you will receive an email from the United Way of Central Alabama confirming your final scholarship status.
Scholarship Coverage:
- Tuition: Full tuition will be covered for approved students.
- Books and Supplies: Students must purchase books and supplies upfront. (If the student’s course extends beyond the final withdrawal date, they will be reimbursed for books and supplies purchased through the AFC Bookstore.)
- Scholarships are awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. A separate application is required for each course.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP1176 awarded to the Jefferson County Commission by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Our programs:
Emergency Medical Technician (traditional, in-person)
This class meets from 6-10pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The availability of clinical sites will determine clinical placement and there may be some non-traditional work hours and weekend assignments (i.e. 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am, etc.). Download the application | View course information
Emergency Medical Technician LP (life-paced/online self-study)
Students are allowed to complete coursework at their own pace, however, the course must be completed in full within 4 months of the course start date. A schedule of course material is provided and it is the student’s responsibility to stay on task. Hands-on skills and rotations are required for this course. Every effort is made to make connections locally with the student’s assistance. Students must understand that if skills and rotations are not available locally, they must travel to Tuscaloosa to meet course requirements. The availability of clinical sites will determine clinical placement and there may be some non-traditional work hours and weekend assignments (i.e. 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am, etc.).Download the application | View course information | Frequently Asked Questions
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (traditional, in-person)
This class meets from 5:30-10pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The availability of clinical sites will determine clinical placement and there may be some non-traditional work hours and weekend assignments (i.e. 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am, etc.). A shift-based option for this class is also available during the summer. Download the application | View course information
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician LP (life-paced/online self-study)
Students are allowed to complete coursework at their own pace, however, the course must be completed in full within 4 months of the course start date. A schedule of course material is provided and it is the student’s responsibility to stay on task. Hands-on skills and rotations are required for this course. Every effort is made to make connections locally with the student’s assistance. Students must understand that if skills and rotations are not available locally, they must travel to Tuscaloosa to meet course requirements. The availability of clinical sites will determine clinical placement and there may be some non-traditional work hours and weekend assignments (i.e. 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am, etc.). Download the application
Paramedic Program (traditional, in-person)
The course is shift-based and meets from 8am-5pm. The availability of clinical sites will determine clinical placement and there may be some non-traditional work hours and weekend assignments (i.e. 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am, etc.). Download the application
Critical Care Academy
The Critical Care Academy can be completed at the station or in the comfort of your home. The coursework is crafted as a distance-learning class and followed up with an in-person 4-day prep class. Registrants must be self-motivated to complete the coursework, including tests, to build a solid foundation prior to prep class. This 100-hour course is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). It includes podcast episodes, case studies, and real-world knowledge to prepare you for the FP-C test administered by IBSC. Download the application | Register online
We take great pride in thoroughly preparing our students for every challenge they might encounter on the job. If you are looking for information on enrolling in our EMT or Advanced EMT courses or wanting to take your career even further by becoming a Paramedic, download an application. Questions? Call our Registration office at 1(800)241-2467.