EMT Academy - EMS Trainee Positions - 3/27/26

Job Description:

EMT Academy - EMS Trainee Positions - 3/27/26

Description

Description

Charleston County EMS is proud to offer a unique, full-time employment opportunity through the Charleston County EMT Academy. This opportunity is designed for individuals seeking to launch a rewarding career in emergency medical services.

EMS Trainees are full-time employees, receiving pay and benefits while participating in an intensive, department sponsored, EMT certification program led by certified EMS instructors. This academy is your first step in a structured career pathway that leads directly to promotion to a full-time EMT position within Charleston County EMS.

The EMT Academy is scheduled to start on June 12, 2026, and graduation will be in September 2026. The class is Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and may require some nights and/or weekends.

Throughout the academy, EMS Trainees will:

• Attend all classroom and hands-on clinical instruction
• Complete all required coursework and assignments
• Prepare for and successfully pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) written exams
• Meet all requirements for South Carolina EMT certification
• Maintain a passing grade on all mandatory exams and assessments

Upon successful completion of the program and certification process, EMS Trainees are promoted to Full-Time EMTs, continuing their careers with Charleston County EMS and gaining access to other potential advancement opportunities including AEMT, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, and beyond. EMTs and other certified EMS personnel must be able to work a variety of shifts, including days and nights.

Trainees are expected to demonstrate professionalism, commitment, and a strong work ethic. This role is conducted under the supervision of department-approved instructors, field training officers, and supervisors who are committed to your success.

This is your entry point into a public safety career serving the citizens of Charleston County!

Upon successful completion of the academy and obtaining required certifications, students will be eligible to transition to full-time Charleston County EMTs with a current starting hourly rate of $19.52.

Closing date for applications is April 26, 2026, at 11:59pm

Candidate testing and interviews will be held the weeks of April 27 th , May 4 th , and May 11 th .

Duties and Responsibilities

• A requirement of continued employment with Charleston County EMS and a requirement to transition into an EMT position will be successful completion of the course and successfully passing the NREMT written exams.
• Attendance - EMS Trainees will be required to attend all days of scheduled classes/work.
• Class Participation - EMS Trainees will be evaluated by the program director, instructors, course coordinator, and a medical director during the entire course in areas such as dependability, attitude, maturity, and the ability to relate well with others.
• The EMS Trainee will also be evaluated on their ability to achieve acceptable performance levels.
• The EMS Trainee must pass allrequired exams throughout the learning process.
• Obtaining an EMT certification through the State of South Carolina after successfully completing the course will be an essential requirement for continued employment with Charleston County EMS.
• Responds to questions, comments, and requests in a courteous, timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.
• May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather or emergency conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED by the time the class begins June 12, 2026.
• Must possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license showing a clean record with Department of Motor Vehicles
• Must pass entry exam provided by the department and successfully complete an interview process

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Some knowledge of standard emergency medical equipment, supplies, and medicine may be obtained while working.
• Some knowledge of Charleston County EMS procedures on cleaning, handling, and transporting equipment, supplies and medicine, may be obtained while working.
• Some knowledge of Charleston County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of EMS Policies and Procedures and EMS Standing Orders, may be obtained while working.

Skills:

• Skilled in communicating effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using technical and nontechnical language.

Abilities:

• Able to perform work with speed, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Able to remain calm and continue to work effectively in variety of potentially stressful situations
• Able to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions
• Able to exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgement in addressing sensitive or confidential matters
• Able to operate, or quickly learn to operate, a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks
• Able to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time sensitive deadlines
• Able to use logical and creative though processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions
• Able understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions
• Able and willing to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology
• By the end of training, a candidate must be able to pass the National Registry of EMTs exam at the Emergency Medical Technician level
• By the end of training, a candidate must be able to obtain their South Carolina EMT certification
• Able to use integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.

Salary:

$17.23 Hourly