Phoenix, AZ – Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), and paramedic programs may face major funding challenges beginning in 2026 as new federal student aid regulations take effect. These programs, which often operate as clock-hour certificates with high equipment costs, are directly affected by the updated eligibility and accountability rules.
According to federal guidance, EMS programs that are unaccredited, non-credit, or below 150 instructional hours cannot receive Title IV aid. Programs ranging from 150 to 600 hours—most EMT and AEMT tracks—must now qualify under Workforce Pell standards. These require a 70% completion rate, 70% job placement rate, and tuition that does not exceed graduates’ value-added earnings measured three years after program completion.
Beginning July 1, 2026, EMS programs must also pass the federal “low earnings outcomes” test. Under this rule, a program loses access to Direct Loans if graduates earn the same or less than adults with only a high school diploma for two out of three measured years. Because early-career EMT wages are modest in many regions—and often below the high school median—these programs face elevated risk, despite strong workforce demand.
EMS leaders warn the changes may worsen shortages across ambulance services and emergency departments.
