Attending the Unitek EMT 14-Day Bootcamp was a life-changing experience, and a huge part of that was because of the outstanding team of instructors and leaders who brought the program to life. The bootcamp is fast-paced and intense, but with the right guidance, it became one of the most rewarding educational experiences I've had. I'd like to give special recognition to a few people who truly made an impact during my time there. Darby Starr, the program director, set the tone for excellence from day one. His leadership is grounded in real-world experience, especially from his time in wildland firefighting, which deeply resonated with me. Hearing his stories and insights brought a level of realism and urgency to the training that textbooks just can't replicate. Darby's presence alone was inspiring, he knew what it took to succeed in the field and was committed to helping every student meet that standard. Megan Head was one of my primary instructors, and her dedication was unmatched. She poured everything into her students, ensuring not only that we grasped the material, but that we felt supported every step of the way. Megan struck a perfect balance between professionalism and approachability, building lasting relationships with each student. Her ability to read the room, adapt to different learning styles, and keep spirits high through an intense curriculum was invaluable. Loren Iverson, my other main instructor, was absolutely brilliant. His depth of knowledge and calm, confident teaching style made even the most complex medical concepts feel digestible. He didn't just teach us how to pass the test, he made sure we understood what we were doing and why, preparing us for the real world in a way that was both practical and motivating. Loren's commitment to excellence set a high bar for all of us. While not one of my assigned instructors, Eric Helton still played a big role in my experience. He was always available between classes, jumping in to clarify concepts, provide mentorship, and share powerful real-world stories that drove home the importance of what we were learning. Eric also went above and beyond by offering guidance on how to break into the world of event EMT work, helping myself and others connect the dots between training and employment. A huge shoutout goes to Chris and Zack from Superstition Fire Station. Their intelligence and professionalism stood out immediately, but what really made them exceptional was their willingness to help students take the next step. They not only offered detailed insight into fire service careers but were actively helping students navigate the process of applying to fire academies. Their support was genuine, and their advice was everything we needed. Last but definitely not least, the skills instructors across the board were phenomenal. Each brought their own fire service or EMS background into the classroom, turning skill labs into dynamic, engaging sessions filled with real-world relevance. They broke down complicated procedures into manageable steps, made the environment fun and supportive, and constantly encouraged us to pursue careers in fire and EMS. Their mentorship and energy made every day something to look forward to. In short, the Unitek EMT Bootcamp exceeded my expectations, not just because of the curriculum, but because of the people behind it. To anyone considering this path: if you're ready to work hard, this team will give you everything you need (and more) to succeed. read more

So I took my NREMT exam and passed on my first try! Unitek prepares you a 110%. They give you all the resources to be a successful EMT. As a student you just have to make the most of it. At the end of the program, Unitek gives you a subscription to continue studying for the NREMT. So even when the 14 days are over, Unitek still continues to be there for you til the day you take the NREMT exam. Unitek also gives you a voucher to take the NREMT within 30 days of program completion. My suggestion is to take it within the same week. Everyone I talked to from the class who took it within the week (and studied hard for it) passed! If you're a hardworking and dedicated student looking for an accelerated program with essentially unlimited resources and instructors who go the extra mile even beyond the 14 days to prepare you, I'd highly recommend Unitek. The professors/instructors at Unitek were the main reason I passed the NREMT. The way they taught the class helped me remember all the applicable/relevant information I needed to know for the exam and to be a successful EMT on the field. I remember thinking back to the lectures and study sessions when I was taking the exam and being like "oh yea I remember learning and studying this." Also I wanted to mention how helpful the TA's were. TA's - You could see why Unitek handpicks the TA's the way they do. Each TA was humble and understood that some of us were learning the information for the first time. I could see that that they really wanted to teach and be there for students. They were a great professional resource. Some students in my group of 20 didn't know what they wanted to do with their EMT certification. That's where the TA's came. With their various backgrounds and expertise, each TA was able to give useful and eye-opening advice. Two days before the skills exam I started to get very nervous, and one of the TA's kept running scenarios with me until I felt confident. I know another TA who went through scenarios for another skill over and over with one of my peers the day before the exam and she passed that skill in under (5?)6 minutes. Our TA's included Erin, Megan, Alvina, Bradley, and Jake. If you ask the TA's for help (respectfully), they will help. THANK YOU!!! I'd have to say the best study resource I had would be my solid study group. I still keep in touch with them, and we motivated each other on ways to study for the NREMT. During our 2 weeks we would drill whatever information the instructors and TA's taught us. Being an EMT requires the ability to work in a team. It's not a solo mission. Likewise think of this class needing teamwork. On the job, you would call additional resources and call people who have a higher cert for medical intervention and advice. If you apply that mindset of teamwork to this class, there's a higher chance of passing with ease. This is just my experience and as much as I'd like to speak for the whole class, I can't. Hopefully my experience gives you a little insight into how Unitek @ Chandler fits your studying style. read more

Going to this program was the best decision. It was exactly what I wanted difficulty-wise in an accelerated two-week program. Yes, it does take a lot of energy to be in class/skills from 8 am - 8pm everyday, but we were given hourly breaks and lunch/dinner breaks (the food was also surprisingly good). I also had a great cohort, so it was so fun to struggle through with everyone. There is a time crunch, but the program is really set up for the student's success. As long as you are trying, you should have no problem passing the course. We are given plenty of time practice skills, study, take our quizzes, etc.. You are also able to re-take exams/quizzes up to three times if needed. Dan also offers to help tutor/answer any questions you might have. There were forty people in my cohort, and at the end of the program everyone was able to pass and get their certification proving that they had completed the course besides a 2 or 3 people, and the people who failed were the ones who were on their phones during lecture or skills training and frankly not trying. I haven't taken the NREMT yet (planning to in the next couple days), but I feel pretty well prepared for it. My advice for anyone going here would be to really study the anatomy chapter once you get your textbook code - it will help you so much! If you know anatomy and medical terms really well then this course will be so much easier for you. But if you don't, you will still do fine. Also, prioritize your sleep. Everyone feels overwhelmed the first few days when they think about how much they'll have to learn. But don't be that one guy who stays up until 4 am trying to cram things in, because trust me - he was miserable. If you can get a good amount of sleep every night (I personally got at least 8 hours every night) you'll have energy throughout the duration of the program and learn even better during the day. My final piece of advice is to have fun and get to know the people around you. I was lucky to have an amazing cohort - I didn't expect to make so many great friends! We all had a lot of fun together and I would definitely do this program again if it meant I would get to hang out with them some more. read more

This program completely changed my life. I am so incredibly thankful I did this program. At first, I was nervous it would be too overwhelming, but thanks to the fantastic staff and amazing teachers, it turned out to be one of the greatest decisions of my life. Tiffany, the program coordinator, is amazing! She communicates efficiently with you before the program starts, responds quickly, answers every question, and is always there when you need her. Darby Starr was a wonderful mentor and teacher -- always available to help, answer questions, and guide students in the right direction. Even though he is the program director, he still came into class teaching the cardiovascular system in such a clear, engaging way and gave a presentation about what to do after graduation that made the next steps easy to navigate. Eric and Adam were truly the greatest teachers I've ever had. Eric taught with kindness and empathy, sharing real-life stories that completely changed my perspective on being an EMT and the importance of what we do. Adam made every class fun, interesting, and full of laughter. Both are incredibly passionate and dedicated to their students' success. Some of my teachers even took the time to pull me aside, told me they saw something special in me, and encouraged me to pursue this field -- inspiring me to go back to school, apply to Pre-Med programs, and eventually pursue a Doctorate or PA degree. Their dedication shows just how much they care about their students and want everyone to succeed. I'm so thankful for everyone I met and everything I learned here. If you're thinking about this program, I can't recommend it enough. Every instructor and coordinator here truly cares, and it shows. I'm beyond grateful for this experience and how much it inspired me to keep growing in the medical field. read more

I took the accelerated 2-week EMT course at Unitek EMT and it was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I've had. The program runs 12-hour days, and while the pace is definitely intense, it's absolutely manageable with focus and determination. During those two weeks you live and breathe the program -- but that's what makes it so effective. The scenarios and hands-on practice were the most valuable part for me. They gave me a realistic sense of what to expect in the field and helped me build the confidence I need to stay calm, cool, and collected during calls. The equipment was high-quality, and the training scenarios felt real and impactful. When it came time for the NREMT, I felt very prepared. The program even includes lifetime access to Pocket Prep, which I believe played a huge role in helping me pass on my very first try. I especially want to recognize our instructor, Eric Helton. He was an outstanding teacher -- knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in our success. Every lecture was filled with memorable real-world stories that made the material stick. His dedication to us as students made the long days feel doable, and it's clear he truly cares about producing confident, capable EMTs. Overall, I would give this program a 5/5. It's an amazing option for anyone who values efficiency and wants to save months compared to a traditional semester-long program. If you already have a background in anatomy/physiology, even better -- but either way, you'll walk away prepared for the exam and the job. read more

I have just finished this class. I am gonna be 10000000% honest. THIS CLASS IS THE MOST AMAZING THING TO HAPPEN IN MY EDUCATIONAL LIFE!!!! gosh where do i even start? the classes are decent size so your never over filling or on your own, they include everyone. they are accomedating due to covid. if you have kids and are scared you cant watch them and do this they understand 100% they are there to help you they are the best group of people to teach this subject. they are honest and upfront about the job you are getting into. they try to answer all questions. they break you up in groups you spend 2 weeks in and ive met some of the best people. everyone is dedicated to succeeding, they have experience in the feild and teaching it. very through. the biggest thing to me tho is how they are understanding, i have test anxiety and adhd and they automattically knew how to help, they knew what to tell me so i wasnt so scared. they love seeing the animals. I am not the best student im not very ambitious unless i really want it. this class makes you want it, they make you want to be better and be the best so you can care for others. I could not do 4 years in a class room, however these 2 weeks are grueling yes. but it is so worth it. every test is to better you. this school is just the most amazing thing ive seen in a school setting. if you want to be a emt and start this career this is the place to go. read more

Wonderful experience!!! If you're looking for an EMT school, don't waste your time going anywhere else, UnitekEMT is perfect. Fantastic instructors with a wealth of professional experience to give you real-life application of the information. The whole program was extremely well organized, all I had to do was show up with a desire to learn and they provided the rest. Not only were the instructors great teachers, but they also took the time to encouraged me personally and give me professional guidance on pursuing a career in the fire service. Also, the hands-on scenarios brought the classroom teaching to life, and was a lot of fun to experience. I also want to mention how good a job the administration staff did for me as well. They made signing up for the class easy and even opened up a spot for me to get me in earlier. After graduating, they filed my paperwork immediately with the NREMT and made it possible for me to sign up for my exam in just a few days after graduation. I really can't say enough good things about my experience with this school. They are passionate about educating the next generation of EMTs, and instilling in their students the importance of providing safe and compassionate patient care. I am so thankful I landed at UnitekEMT and am very thankful for their staff's support, teaching, and guidance. read more

Tempe Campus- we felt very set for success with our instructors, Meghan and Arnold. It is fast paced and you have to put in the work, but these are the kinds of instructors who will work with you and get you to the finish line so long as you are putting in the work. Scenarios felt very applicable for real life, and the variety of staff we got to see especially there was amazing. I felt that we could all see ourselves working in the field, but also you could really hear some people's stories and understand reasons whether family or medical for which they got into EMS in the first place. I felt we were prepped for both the test and to be out there on the real streets. Every student has preferences and at times felt less connected to certain instructors, but we all have different learning needs, so this was to be expected. Everyone still learned plenty and felt connected to some of them The cohort (our class A) was magnificent, and we were really encouraged to work together when possible, just like having to work with your engine or group in real life. We later had to switch, which was jarring but also helpful in working with multiple different individuals and teams and having practice in that. read more

Unitek EMT Boot Camp is one of the best courses and experiences in my entire 52 years of learning!!! Although it is very challenging and intense, if you give it your all, you are going to be rewarded with one of the most ENRICHING experiences of your LIFE! Unitek has teaching EMS down to a perfect science not only with its inner logistics but also with the most competent, caring, knowledgeable, and experienced teachers (really more like PROFESSORS) you will find in ANY field! If you dedicate yourself and listen to these AMAZING instructors' and administrators' teachings and advise, not only will you walk out of there with an EMT certificate, an extraordinary amount of EMS knowledge and skills, but also a profound GRATITUDE for having treated yourself to this AWESOME experience! If you want to go into the EMS field, Unitek is the ONLY place you should go for your training! It was the best money I ever spent on an educational course (and I have done MANY from language courses, Georgetown University to becoming an African Safari Guide (One-year intensive program) and I can't thank UNITEK enough for preparing me to be a lifesaver out there in the real world! read more

This program was great. It takes really hard work to get through but it's only 14 days of your time instead of 3.5 months to get your EMT certification elsewhere. The professors could not have done a better job. They have a well rounded staff coming from every different background of EMS. This was very helpful because every question you had or lesson you learned would come with an answer/story from real life experiences in the field. If you are someone who is thinking about doing it but questioning if it is something that is possible to get done in 2 weeks, it is possible and it is so worth doing! It may seem like a lot of information and overwhelming at first but if you simply just trust the Unitek staff and work as hard as you can then you will be fine. I honestly didn't see how it was possible to get through it after my first day and then stuck to their plan throughout the program and ended up passing all of my psychomotor and written national tests on my first try thanks to them! Also, they keep you well fed throughout the program too which was a stress reliever for me along the way! read more

This was such an amazing course. It's a unique experience that allows you to bond with people in a way you wouldn't through a normal course. All of the instructors were amazing and honestly some of the best teachers I have ever had. Towards the end of the course, there were a couple of days where I was strongly regretting my decision and wishing I had done the typical 3 month long course instead. This was mainly because I thought there was no way I would be able to retain all the material they taught. But it's amazing how much you're able to retain. The instructors will repeatedly tell you to "trust the process." Listen to them. This course is intense, but if you're motivated and good at learning in a fast-paced environment it's very doable. You will need to study after the course before taking the NREMT, but don't wait too long to take it. I took mine 2 weeks after the course and passed on the first try. The instructors will give you lots of info and resources for studying after you complete the course. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone considering it! read more

There was an accident on the highway, and suddenly I found myself as a solo bystander on my first emergency since boot camp. I remembered how Jessica mentioned that patients react to our demeanor, so I kept calm. As other bystanders approached I directed them confidently, focused on the patient, and kept the situation under control until the ambulance arrived. The first responders thanked me for helping out, and the patient's family kept in touch. There was a period the patient was unstable, but luckily the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital within a few days. Thank you so much for preparing me to help others. That day really made me appreciate Unitek boot camp on another level! After this, I'm definitely not afraid of the NREMT! (In case you're wondering, I had reviewed the Good Samaritan laws in my state during boot camp, so I knew my bounds. And because I wasn't licensed yet, I made sure to only apply skills I was sure of so as not to cause any potential harm.) read more

I am so impressed with the quality of this program - the instructors and staff are all around wonderful and care deeply about the success of the students. Don't underestimate this boot camp though - it will drain you and it is intense, but I don't think I could have gotten a better education in EMT than at this school. Absolutely worth the exhaustion! Take this program seriously and you will get the most out of it! I have heard of some other programs for EMT where not nearly as much skills practice was given (on average, anywhere from 2.5-5 hours each day!) and this class is unique and amazing in that way. The instructors and staff are absolutely amazing and most instructors come in on days that they would normally be working their EMS job to help give lectures and/or help with skills practice - so much advice and a wealth of knowledge is at your disposal in this program! If you've got the grit, go with this course - you will not regret it. read more

Be ready to live, eat and breathe all things EMT. But, you will have such a great time doing it! The instructors genuinely care about each of the students and made each lecture and skill fun. A wonderful way to complete the course quickly all with the help of amazing instructors that have or are currently working in the field. They teach for national registry and for real life as well! The instructors care about your success in the class, but in the field as well. They teach students to become great EMT's. It's not just about passing students, but truly about turning students into amazing EMT's to provide excellent patient care. Really appreciated that even from a classroom standpoint, patient care was their top priority. Will recommend this class to everyone I can and will use them again for any continuing education. Such a great class!! Be prepared for a lot of hard work, but trust the process and you will succeed! read more

This program was hard. No denying it. But you are stuffing a 140 hour program into 14 days, it was bound to be hard. They call it a "boot camp" for a good reason. But after just two hard weeks, instead of the normal 16 weeks, you come out on the other end with your clearance to test for your NREMT, the national test for EMTs. I'd say the trade off is very much worth the hard work. What got me through were the Instructors. Not only do they clearly know their stuff, they are kind, fun, and you can tell they truly care about everyone succeeding. Are the days long, yes. Is there a whole lot to cover, yes. But if you are struggling, all you have to do is ask any of the amazing instructors and they truly go out of their way to help you. To everyone at Unitek EMT: You guys are awesome! Thank you so much!! read more

One of the best investments in myself! Some of the best instructors are teaching this class all with a different background in paramedics, the fire department, and wild land fire. Every day was filled with detailed lessons that both prepared us for the NREMT and how to be better EMTs in the real world. All the instructors were always available to help if you had any struggles with the class or your future. The scenarios they gave were amazing, and truly felt like it was real, and the rest of the team were some of the nicest people that took the time to teach you and help you along the way. I'm so happy I took this class, the connections I made, the family I left with, and the knowledge I have now for both the NREMT and the real world are priceless! Thank you Unitek for an amazing two weeks! read more

Excellent course and school! Administration was literally an email or call away; ready to answer any questions. They were so unbelievably helpful; EVERY school, high school and college, should have an administrative team like Unitek EMT. The fact that they were this awesome during the pandemic has me wondering how incredible they are under normal circumstances. The education and skills learning is unmatched anywhere else. I learned more in this class about the human body than I did in two years of college anatomy and physiology courses. So blessed to have come across this organization with just the "emt school" google search. NO other EMT school has a chance against this one!!!!!!!! I found this one and didn't even continue to pursue other options. Unitek is just that amazing. read more

I was skeptical in the beginning with it being a private vocational school. After the first day I realized this is a solid program with solid instructors. I've taken this course twice in my lifetime , once in USAF & at a medical college in DC. This is the best classroom instruction I've taken for the NREMT. The proctors really work hard at making the scenarios as realistic as possible but sadly for me I suck at playing pretend . Do not take this course lightly, leave your ego at the door and you will do fine. I've been in healthcare setting for over 20yrs and I still struggled . It was also nice to have instructors who are humble along with teaching empathy , 2 things that this world is missing. Thank you Dan, Jessica, Loren and Darby read more

Look, there's different ways to go about getting your experience to become an EMT. Everyone you talk to has a different take on the best approach. Personally, I attended Unitek EMT for the 2 week boot camp course and it was phenomenal. They have many different instructors who contribute to the various elements that go into both didactic and intermediary skills. They promote good questions which really helped me understand not only the surface level solutions but also nuanced approaches to working in EMS. Their instructors are friendly, the program is comprehensive, and it's a fantastic exposure to the EMS world. I passed the NREMT on my first attempt and got an EMT gig within a couple of months. I couldn't recommend it enough! read more