Subsidized Training in AB? (EMT)

[Mystic]

Hi,

I'm taking an EMR in July, planning on working up north for a bit, and hoping to take my EMT within the next year or two. I was wondering if you knew of any outfits in Alberta that would pay/subsidize training as an EMT in exchange for signing a contract to work there for X amount of time? Or something along those lines? Thanks!

[jasperfire]

Mystic,
There are numerous options available that can be really useful.
I did not sign a contract with an agency for funding in return for a commitment but utilized alot of funding opportunities available to further my education. I'll speak to that so I hope this helps...

Depending on whether you go through a private vocational school or a public institution you may have different options as far as government support goes (one such program is the ability to maintain an E.I. claim while attending school after getting laid off). There are numerous bursaries and scholarships available as well. I could not have afforded my EMT program without alot of help from bursaries and government agencies and there are alot of resources out there to help you. If you are willing to do the research, paperwork and have patience with the whole process you can get a large portion of your living expenses covered. As somebody who had to get an education on a shoestring budget while supporting my family, mortgage, etc. I was more than happy to get all the help but just remember that they expect you to really apply yourself and not take advantage of such a great opportunity. Each school has a bursary/funding coordinator that can direct you in the direction best for you and the governmental websites offered alot of help too. Lastly depending on where you live, work and numerous other factors you could qualify for various scholarships and bursaries.

Basically if you put your time in, do the legwork it can all come together for you. I hope this helps and that it's not too confusing for you. PM me for any specifics.

It's a great industry with great people and I'd love to help anyway I can. All the best.
Cheers, Jasper

[Mystic]

Thanks a tonne for the info! I might PM for more specific details in the future when I'm starting to apply for the funding. Any advice on the EMR course in general? I'm very excited for it to start, the only thing is a bit nervous as on this site a few people said that the BC course should have been 4 weeks instead of 3, and the AB course is 2 weeks instead of 3, so it sounds like it's going to be pretty hectic!