Indiana Emergency Medical Services Workforce July 1 - September 30, 2025, Student Date Report

Abstract

This report summarizes findings from the Indiana EMS Student Pulse Check survey completed between July 1 and September 30, 2025. A total of 87 valid responses were analyzed to describe recent EMS program completers’ demographics, training experiences, and employment intentions. Most respondents were male and White, with over half enrolled in EMT programs and half reporting they learned about EMS careers through someone in the field. A majority had no prior ambulance experience. Students reported an average training cost of $1,522.65 and an anticipated hourly wage of $24.36, though costs and wage expectations varied substantially by program, from low averages for EMR students to significantly higher averages for paramedic students. Respondents expressed strong comfort with common EMS scenarios such as COVID‑19 care and accident response. Employment preferences centered on EMT roles—primarily in ambulance settings—and many students favored working in fire departments. Key community factors influencing job decisions included cost of living, commute time, and proximity to spouse work or school. Health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans were identified as the most important employment benefits. Geographic data indicated that fewer than half of students completed training within their home county.