Become a part of WFEMS

There are two ways to get involved with WFEMS. If you hold a current EMT-B or EMR certification, you are eligible to apply and interview to join as a probationary member. Before joining, all prospective members must complete at least one rider shift to observe operations and gain an understanding of the team environment.

Once accepted, probationary members begin a period of training and assessment. EMT-certified members may be promoted from probationary member to boarded probationary member, and ultimately to full member status. EMR-certified members may be promoted up to boarded probationary member but are not eligible for full member status.

Ride Along 

All prospective members are required to participate in a shift as a rider before becoming members. During this shift, riders attend checkoff to observe the crew as they inspect vehicles and run mock scenarios. Riders also observe any emergency calls that occur throughout the shift. While on shift, riders are expected to be respectful, listen to crew leaders, and adhere to HIPPA laws. 

There are no certifications required to observe as a rider. Every student, faculty member, and staff member at Wake Forest University is welcome to ride along with WFEMS. There is no limit to the number of rider shifts—participants may ride as often or as infrequently as they choose. 

If you're interested in signing up as a rider, please join the WFEMS email list here, and wait for the next scheduling survey (sent out biweekly). Email Anna Topmiller (topmat22@wfu.edu) or Annabeth Stancil (stanad22@wfu.edu) for more information.

Getting Certified 

To join WFEMS, members must have an EMT-B certification or an EMR certification. Most community colleges offer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes over the summer. Check your local community college or state universities' course listings! Additionally, there are a number of accelerated courses that can be completed in 2-3 weeks and hybrid courses which offer content online and in person. These courses throw a lot of information at you in a very short time frame--be ready!

Additionally, the Health and Exercise Science Department at Wake Forest offers an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) class (HES 232). It will prepare you to take either the national EMR exam or a state exam. The class is a pass/fail 3 credit hours. During your semester in the class, you can ride-along with us and gain some valuable experience.

After obtaining your certification, members are required to obtain reciprocity in North Carolina. Reciprocity is the process of having North Carolina legally recognize your out-of-state certification. This can be done before or after interviewing WFEMS (you will not be able to participate as EMTs on shifts until reciprocity is obtained). This process can be completed NC OEMS Legal Recognition page and typically takes 1-8 weeks. Fingerprints are required and can be obtained on campus at UPD. If you have any questions refer to the reciprocity guidelines reach out to a WFEMS officer. 

Interviewing 

You can join WFEMS by filling out our application form. The application includes a brief written component and a sign up for interviews. Interviews are offered in two separate blocks: INTERVIEW BLOCK ONE AND INTERVIEW TWO. Prospective members must complete at least one rider shift before signing up for an interview. Interviews will not be offered outside of these timeframes unless extreme extenuating circumstances prevent attendance—exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

During the interview, applicants are evaluated on their clinical knowledge and assessment skills through three mock scenario calls and a vitals assessment. Applicants are notified within 1–2 weeks of their interview result. If an applicant does not pass, they may reinterview during the next interview block. However, they must first meet with a WFEMS officer to review feedback from their previous interview.

Member Expectations 

Probationary members are required to work 1 shift every 2 weeks and are scheduled on night shifts and weekend days, per their availability. Probationary members are also required to attend General meetings biweekly and participate in training days once a semester. Members are also encouraged to participate in supplementary training events and social events. 

During shift, probationary members are expected to arrive on time, in uniform (tactical boots, tactical pants, and a WFEMS shirt), and communicate any scheduling conflicts with their shift leaders in advance. They must remain for the entirety of checkoff, fully participate in shift activities, and remain on campus for the duration of their shift. Members who live off-campus or in Deacon Place are expected to sleep in the bunk room. 

While on shift, probationary members are required to respond to all medical emergencies, follow directions from crew leaders, and maintain a mature and professional demeanor on scene. Additionally, all members must adhere strictly to HIPAA laws and protect patient confidentiality at all times. 

Scholarship 

Prospective members without an EMT-B license who are planning to join us for the 2026–2027 academic year are eligible for our EMT Education Deac's Day of Giving Scholarship. This scholarship helps cover the cost of an EMT certification class, with the expectation that recipients interview for and join WFEMS.

This scholarship is highly competitive. To be eligible, students must participate in our Ride-Along Program.

Fill out our Interest Form to join our email list