Rhode Island Rural EMS Training Initiative

Your Path to Becoming an EMT Starts Here.

24 Fully Funded EMT Training Seats Available
No Cost to You

Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps and the Training, Innovation & Leadership Institute are offering qualified RI MRC members and individuals affiliated with agencies serving Rhode Island's 18 rural communities the opportunity to receive EMT-Basic training at no tuition cost.

Through our federally funded Rural EMS Training Program, we are investing in the next generation of emergency medical responders and strengthening emergency care across Rhode Island. With only 24 funded seats available, we encourage interested candidates to apply for consideration.

Limited to 24 funded seats. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and selection. Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment.

Your Training. Our Investment. Stronger Communities.

Fully Funded Training

Qualified, selected participants receive tuition and textbooks paid for through the Rural EMS Training Grant — no out-of-pocket cost for approved seats.

Professional EMT Education

Develop the foundational knowledge and hands-on clinical skills necessary to pursue EMT certification and licensure, subject to applicable course and licensing requirements.

Simulation-Based Learning

Train in an environment that emphasizes realistic patient care scenarios, decision-making under pressure, emergency response skills, and practical clinical experience.

Serving Rhode Island

Help strengthen emergency medical response capabilities, particularly in rural communities where trained EMS personnel make a direct and lasting difference.

About the Upcoming EMT Course

The following information reflects what has been confirmed for this grant-funded cohort.

CourseEMT-Basic (NREMT Entry Level)
Training ProviderTraining, Innovation & Leadership Institute
Grant-Funded Seats24 seatsSubject to eligibility review and selection
Tuition & TextbooksFully covered for approved participants
Course DatesSee official course listing
Application StatusAccepting applications

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is intended for individuals meeting approved grant participation requirements.

  • Current Rhode Island Medical Reserve Corps members seeking EMT certification to expand their emergency response capabilities.
  • Members or prospective recruits sponsored by eligible rural EMS or fire/rescue agencies serving one of Rhode Island's 18 designated rural communities.
  • Individuals seeking EMT training to support emergency medical response in an eligible rural community, subject to program approval.
18 Eligible Rural Communities
Burrillville
Charlestown
East Greenwich
Exeter
Foster
Glocester
Hopkinton
Jamestown
Little Compton
New Shoreham
North Smithfield
Portsmouth
Richmond
Scituate
Smithfield
Tiverton
West Greenwich
Westerly

Living in one of these communities does not automatically establish eligibility.

How the Application Process Works

1

Submit Your Application

Complete the online interest and application form with your contact information, EMS affiliation, and availability.

2

Eligibility Review

RI MRC and TILI review submitted information to determine whether applicants meet the grant program's participation requirements.

3

Candidate Selection

Applications are evaluated using a consistent, documented selection process based on eligibility, readiness, and program objectives.

4

Acceptance or Waitlist

Selected applicants receive instructions to confirm their funded seat and complete formal enrollment.

Important: Applications are not processed as an automatic first-come, first-served enrollment.

Apply for a Fully Funded EMT Training Seat

Complete the form below. All submissions are reviewed for eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EMT course really free?
For individuals selected for grant-funded seats, tuition and required textbooks are covered by the Rural EMS Training Program. There may be additional expenses such as examination fees that are not covered by the grant.
How many seats are available?
There are 24 fully funded seats for this upcoming EMT-Basic cohort. All applications go through an eligibility review and selection process.
Do I have to live in one of the 18 rural communities?
Eligibility is based on approved grant participation requirements, including RI MRC membership or qualifying affiliation with agencies serving one of Rhode Island's 18 designated rural communities.
Does submitting an application guarantee my seat?
No. All applications are reviewed against established eligibility and selection criteria. Submitting an application is the first step — not confirmation of a funded seat.
What if more than 24 people apply?
Qualified applicants who are not offered an initial seat may be considered for the waitlist or future training opportunities.
Can my EMS agency nominate or sponsor someone?
Yes. If your agency would like to sponsor a candidate, contact Harry Larson at hlarson@rimrc.org.
When will I know whether I have been selected?
All applicants will receive notification of their application status via email.
Where can I see the course schedule and requirements?
The official TILI course listing contains confirmed schedule information, location details, and prerequisite requirements. View the EMT course listing →

24 Seats. One Opportunity to Make a Difference.

Becoming an EMT is more than earning a certification. It's developing the skills, confidence, and readiness to help people when they need it most. If you're ready to pursue EMT training and put your skills to work, we encourage you to apply.

Apply for a Funded EMT Seat

Applications are subject to eligibility review and selection. Submission does not guarantee enrollment or funding.

Questions About the Program?

Program Contact

Harry Larson
Project Director, Rural EMS Training Program

hlarson@rimrc.org
401-217-8454

About the Grant

This program is supported by the Rural Emergency Medical Services Training grant funded by SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.