Joining CUEMS

CUEMS will be accepting new members in the Spring of 2024. Information Sessions will take place on January 14th (zoom), 16th and 17th at 2000 (8:00 pm) — the in-person info sessions will be held in 103 Havemeyer.

CUEMS recruits members twice during the academic year, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. We welcome all members of the Columbia community to join and value diversity among our members. Prospective members do not need to have a medical or premedical background, and membership is open to all students attending Columbia University from undergraduate to graduate to post-baccalaureate students.

CUEMS is focused on building the skills of our members. As such, CUEMS seeks applicants who are open-minded, enthusiastic, able to perform under pressure, and willing to dedicate time to learning about the EMS system. Joining CUEMS is both a commitment and an honor; it represents an opportunity to provide medical care to others in times of need. Before submitting an application please be sure you are ready to volunteer your time and energy in supporting the health of our community. We hope you consider joining our organization and look forward to receiving your application!

Joining Process

Each applicant must attend an information session, fill out an application, and attend an interview in order to be considered for membership. The interview will be both technical and non-technical, so brush up on your skills and Medical/Trauma assessments.

Information Sessions

Information sessions for those interested in applying for membership to CUEMS will be held in person at 8:00 pm on January 16th and 17th. Attendance is mandatory and will be recorded. 

Applications

After attending an information session, applicants will fill out the application for probationary membership and sign up for an interview.  Successful applicants will come prepared to talk about their experiences, motivations for joining CUEMS, and be ready to demonstrate practical skills (e.g. taking a blood pressure), if applicable.

Applications can be completed online by clicking Apply to CUEMS on the left panel. You must attend an info session to be eligible to apply.  

Joining CUEMS

Those already certified as New York State EMTs can become probationary members of CUEMS by attending an information session, scheduling an interview, and submitting a written application. Applicants should be certified as an EMT, have CPR certification, and have a valid driver's license. If you are certified as an EMT in a jurisdiction other than New York, you must obtain reciprocity by the end of your probationary semester. Information on how to do so is available from the New York State Department of Health.

Becoming an EMT

CUEMS works with local EMT training courses to provide a semester-long EMT certification course. CUEMS sponsors full-time students of Columbia University or affiliated institutions three times a year in the fall, spring, and summer. While sponsored students are able to take the EMT course at no cost, they are not guaranteed membership into the corps and must complete an interview upon completion of the course. 

See Information Sessions section above for information about applying for course sponsorship.