Free BLS Project

Did you know that many pre-health students at UCSC face financial barriers to gaining the necessary clinical experience for medical school? Pre-health students who must financially support themselves can not partake in voluntary (unpaid) clinical experiences, when they could use that time working a part time job, and getting paid. 

So many of these students seek clinical experience through certified, paid roles such as

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Medical Assistant (MA)

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). 

However, a BLS certification is required to begin training courses for these paid roles! Costing upwards of $90, a BLS certification course can be unaffordable for students seeking employment in these jobs. Students surveyed mentioned that these course previously have been inaccessible due to location, timing, or lack of information.  

In order to lessen all of these barriers, we partnered with the UCSC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) during Spring Quarter 2024. Through the American Red Cross, the OEM provided a certified course instructor and covered course tuition for 96+ students. We have recently switched to providing certifications through the American Heart Association. Since then, we have certified 288 students total! Please let me know in person at a club meeting, by email, or by our club Instagram any questions or suggestions you have!