Joining UMass Lowell EMS

This page outlines what working at UMass Lowell EMS entails.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve your campus community, gain real-world experience, and become part of a dedicated team? UMass Lowell EMS welcomes current students from every major, background, and experience level to apply.

As a member of UML EMS, you will develop valuable skills in emergency medicine, leadership, communication, teamwork, and decision-making while serving the university and greater Lowell community.

Application Process

Applications for EMT positions are accepted throughout the year. However, UML EMS conducts only two formal hiring processes annually (fall/spring). Interviews will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.

Whether you are an experienced EMT or just beginning your college journey, we encourage you to apply and learn more about joining our team.

Becoming an EMT

UMass Lowell EMS does not currently provide EMT certification courses. However, several EMT training programs are available throughout the greater Lowell area, including courses offered through UMass Lowell and the Northeast Consortium of Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (NECCUM) Consortium.

Through the UMass Lowell and NECCUM programs, eligible students may be able to complete an EMT course with no additional out-of-pocket cost while earning college credit toward their degree. Visit the NECCUM website for more information, and review the UMass Lowell course catalog for current EMT course offerings.

Students may also complete an EMT course through another approved institution, provided the course leads to Massachusetts EMT licensure and NREMT certification.

What It’s Like To Be a UMass Lowell EMT

UMass Lowell EMS provides 9-1-1 emergency medical response for the campus community while also supporting university events and, when appropriate, the greater Lowell region.

We understand that our members are students first. Academic responsibilities take priority when conflicts arise, and our scheduling model is designed to allow you to balance EMS service with your college experience.

Coverage is divided into two 12-hour shifts:

  • 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • 7 p.m.–7 a.m.

While on duty, EMTs must remain in uniform, on campus and near their assigned response vehicle, and free from drugs and alcohol. You may continue your normal campus routine (attending class, studying, eating or sleeping) but you must be prepared to immediately stop what you are doing and respond when dispatched.

UMass Lowell Police dispatches EMS calls over portable radios. Each EMT is assigned a response vehicle, allowing partners to operate independently when they are not responding to an emergency. At the beginning of every shift, EMTs complete a thorough inspection of their vehicle, equipment and medical supplies.

Training and Professional Development

Members are expected to attend staff meetings during the fall and spring semesters whenever their academic schedules permit. These meetings include continuing education, operational updates, professional development, and hands-on training.

Team members also participate in required in-person training at the beginning of each semester to sharpen their EMS skills and prepare for the demands of campus operations.

UML EMS is more than a collegiate EMS organization. It is a challenging and rewarding professional development experience designed to help prepare the next generation of medical professionals, first responders, and leaders.

Members gain experience in:

  • Emergency medical response and patient care
  • Leadership and decision-making
  • Radio communications and teamwork
  • Event medical coverage
  • Training and public education
  • Emergency preparedness and community service

Scholarships and Advancement Opportunities

UML EMTs serve as unpaid interns. However, members in good standing may be eligible for a scholarship at the end of each semester.

Eligibility is based on meeting required shift, training, and service-hour commitments. Members who demonstrate strong performance and leadership may also qualify for increased scholarship opportunities through advancement to positions such as:

  • Field Training Officer
  • Lieutenant
  • EMS Captain

Additional opportunities are available throughout the academic year to provide medical coverage at athletic events, concerts, performances, fairs, festivals, and other special events.

UML EMS detail EMTs and CPR instructors are paid an hourly premium rate for these assignments. Members may also have opportunities to complete additional medical, driving, and instructional certifications that help maintain required qualifications and expand their knowledge, skills, and experience.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Joining UMass Lowell EMS is an opportunity to serve your community, challenge yourself, build lifelong connections, and gain experience that will benefit you in EMS and beyond.

If you have questions about becoming a UML EMT, please contact us. We would be happy to help you learn more about the application process and what it means to be part of UMass Lowell EMS.

Contact Us

Have any questions about becoming a UML EMT that we did not answer here? Feel free to Contact Us for more information!