Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is offering local high school seniors a free route into emergency medicine. The department's EMT Scholarship Program — which covers certification training through Miami-Dade College for up to 40 students a year — reopens applications Feb. 1, 2027, for seniors in Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and across the county.

The application period runs from Feb. 1 through April 15, 2027.

What the scholarship covers

Recipients earn their EMT certificate through classroom lectures and hands-on patient assessment training, picking up to 10 college credits. Graduates become eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam, according to the official MDFR application.

Training takes place at the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Training Facility, 9300 NW 41st St., Doral.

Who qualifies

According to the MDFR application, candidates must:

  • Be a Miami-Dade County resident
  • Be at least 18 years old when the program begins
  • Be on track to graduate in June with a high school diploma
  • Carry a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Have their own transportation
  • Have their own laptop or tablet for every class
  • Meet Miami-Dade College Medical Campus entrance requirements

How to apply

Applicants must hand-deliver a sealed envelope to MDFR headquarters at 9300 NW 41st St., Doral, and place it in the locked drop box marked "EMT Scholarship Applications." The packet must include a personal information form, a 500-to-1,500-word personal statement, three recommendation letters (one academic, two personal, none from relatives), and a signed mid-year transcript.

The scholarship is awarded through a competitive review and interview process. Not all applicants receive one.

Current cohort already in training

The 2026 cohort is well into its coursework. MDFR posted photos on Sunday, July 20, showing scholarship recipients practicing procedures on training mannequins and working with stethoscopes and laptops. The department said the group has completed the Emergency Medical Responder phase and is building toward full certification.

More information

The EMT scholarship is one of several MDFR youth pipelines, alongside the Cadet Program for students ages 14 to 18 and Junior Lifeguards. Fire Chief Raied "Ray" Jadallah leads the department. Residents can learn more by calling MDFR headquarters at 786-331-5000 or visiting miamidade.gov.