Helping others has always been his passion. When Brian learned about the EMT Pre-Apprenticeship program at Penn College, he jumped at the chance to train in a field he long considered pursuing. Thanks to the 16-week hands-on preparation he completed through the fully-funded program, he’s now happily working as an EMT with the regional EMS team.
When I was younger, I was heavily involved in lifeguarding and water rescue. After college, I always considered getting back into that field in some manner. When the opportunity presented itself, I immediately took advantage.
After doing some research into the program, along with the fact that I had recently been looking into volunteering in EMS and Fire, I came to the conclusion that this opportunity provided was too good to turn down.
Going through the 16-week program was a blast. It was very fast paced, but the instructors were fantastic in making sure the students understood the material. Going on ride-alongs every week and including new skills as we learned them was a great way to make sure the material taught during class and lab time translated into the real world.
As someone who enjoys learning, my favorite part was the immense amount of knowledge I obtained during the program. I also really enjoyed the hands-on experience - it helped ingrain what we learned in class.
I assist my Paramedic with ALS transfers. I also help out with BLS transfers. Occasionally, our truck will respond and/or assist with 911 EMS calls. The majority of the transfers we take are scheduled ahead of time.
If becoming an EMS is something you are interested in and you get the opportunity to partake in the Pre-Apprenticeship program, do NOT hesitate. The experience is beyond excellent and the opportunities that open up after completion are amazing. The knowledge and experiences gained during the program are more than worth the work involved.
"I like that I get to have different interactions with different people on a daily basis. No day is ever the same."
Brian Probst
Pre-apprenticeships are for individuals who are exploring a career path prior to entering employment. Interested in learning more? Look no further. Penn College pre-apprenticeships are registered with the PA Department of Labor and Industry and aligned with a Penn College registered apprenticeship program.
Learn more about apprenticeships and the programs offered through the Apprenticeship Center.
Check out all academic programs at-a-glance.
