CENTRE– The Cherokee County Rescue Squad is sharing an EMS tuition reimbursement opportunity that can help eligible volunteers recover training costs.

Locally, the squad also shared a reminder from the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads highlighting its newly released program brochure. The Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Reimbursement Program supports qualifying students who commit to serving their communities after completing training and obtaining certification and licensure.

Through the program, eligible participants can seek reimbursement for tuition and required fees not already covered by other scholarships. However, payments depend on available funding.

Training and Volunteer Service

The brochure identifies three training levels: emergency medical technician, Advanced EMT, and paramedic. Participating institutions include Alabama community colleges, the Alabama Fire College, and the University of South Alabama.

Applicants must document a commitment to at least two years of volunteer service. In addition, the current agreement specifies two consecutive years after completing the approved training, passing the certification examination, and obtaining the appropriate Alabama license.

The brochure also notes that Alabama modified the program in 2023 through Act 2023-353. Its updated service requirement offers a path to training reimbursement while supporting volunteer emergency response organizations.

For Cherokee County residents considering EMS training, the local squad’s shared announcement brings attention to that opportunity. However, applicants should begin with their college’s EMS program director to review eligibility and obtain the required agreement.

What Applicants Need

According to the brochure, the completed reimbursement packet must include:

• An official or unofficial college transcript showing successful completion of an approved training program.
• Proof of National Registry certification at the applicable level.
• Proof of Alabama licensure at the applicable level.
• Proof of volunteer fire department or rescue squad affiliation on official department letterhead, with the chief’s signature.
• A completed Form W-9.

The brochure also specifies that students must have entered an approved program on or after Oct. 1, 2019.

Applicants submit their agreement and supporting documents to the Alabama Community College System. ACCS then reviews the packet and, if complete and funding is available, issues reimbursement through the college or sponsoring agency.

When the college receives reimbursement for a student, it disburses the payment to that student. However, the current agreement says reimbursement goes to the sponsoring organization when that organization paid the qualifying training costs.

Review the Agreement Before Applying

The current program agreement also requires participants to request disbursement within two years of signing. Participants must also submit proof of volunteer service for each year.

Failure to complete the service commitment can trigger repayment of the reimbursed tuition and fees, plus 8% interest. However, the agreement provides exceptions for qualifying extreme hardship.

For more information, contact the college’s EMS program director or Dr. Bryant C. Cline, ACCS director of health programs. The brochure lists 334-293-4529 and bryant.cline@accs.edu.

Completed agreements and documentation should go to Cline at ACCS, P.O. Box 302130, Montgomery, AL 36130-2130.

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