>EMTs in NJ Need More Support
I am currently enrolled in an EMT course and the price is driving me
crazy. I was told that I would have to pay for the course itself which
is $300 dollars which seems fair enough, but now I am paying a lot in
extra fees. Here is a breakdown of my expenses to become an EMT in New
Jersey:
Tuition – $300 (reimbursable)
Books – $165
Background check – $33
Basic equipment – $30
In order to become a volunteer EMT so far I have had to pay $528
(although I will hopefully get the $300 back) and I am still only
beginning the course. I am most likely expected to pay more fees down
the line for other certifications I will need. I would not be surprised
if I need to pay another $300 down the line for other fees.
I also am paying in time. Nine hours a week minimum are now added every
week (sometimes eighteen) to attend the classes so I can get all 240
hours which are required. I feel that with all the effort being put into
my work I should receive compensation for the full course.
Is it really OK that I should have to bare all of these expenses as a
high school student in order to help others? The moral of the story is,
thank volunteers. They put in more effort and money than you would
expect in order to serve their community.
