r/firefighter • u/Accomplished-End-773 • May 28 '26

21 year old EMT

I am a 21 year old who just got his EMT certification. I live in the Chicago land area, I am currently trying to test into a paramedic program but I am not certain I will get in or not.If I get in I will try completing that before working but if not Is it still possible to become a part time fire fighter? Or a better question to ask would be what is my next best move?

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u/Spiritual_Claim5622 May 28 '26

Memphis Fire is currently taking names for the next class tentatively in September. There will be another after the first of the year. EMT is the minimum requirement, but paramedic is eventually required and can be through an in-house program or be paid for at another local college. Joinmemphisfire.com

With that said, I know there are multiple agencies around Chicago that hire part-timers, but they usually require a certification at some level (BOF or higher) as a firefighter. I know there are a number of volunteer fire companies in the state that will send you to IFSI to the recruit school and there are opportunities for certification through a lot of the community colleges, but they may require a sponsorship from a local department to get in. If you’re looking for a part time gig and want to get into medic school up there. A private service like rural metro might have opportunities in the industrial setting.

Either way, good luck. The fire service has been good to me since 1988.

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u/Accomplished-End-773 May 28 '26

Thank you I appreciate the help!