By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Two brothers who completed an EMT training program say the school failed to forward their information to testing authorities for months, blocking their path to becoming Phoenix firefighters.
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Juan and Ivan Vasquez, both born and raised in Phoenix, enrolled in EMS University’s EMT certification program after learning they would need the credential to apply with the Phoenix Fire Department. The program is listed in the city’s recruitment guide.
Classes moved to zoom despite in-person enrollment
Juan Vasquez said the brothers signed up for in-person instruction but frequently found no instructors were available on-site.
“What should have been an in-person hands-on learning, taking vitals and stuff that’s supposed to be done in class and practiced — we didn’t get a lot of that,” Juan said.
Despite those issues, the brothers completed the program in February, including finals, midterms and externship hours.
School silent on cause of five-month delay
After finishing the course, Juan said the school never forwarded their information to allow them to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam, which is required in the Phoenix Fire Department’s application process.
“From February 6, the day I completed the course, till July 1, I’ve been going back and forth with them,” Juan said.
The brothers contacted EMS University repeatedly, as well as the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the State Board of Education. None of those efforts resolved the issue.
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Arizona’s Family Investigates gets involved
Juan then contacted Arizona’s Family Investigates. He said within an hour of that conversation, he received a message clearing him to take the national exam.
“Remember when we had that conversation yesterday? You said let me contact the school. An hour later after that call, it’s congratulations, you’re pushed through,” Juan said. “Coincidental timing? Yeah, I don’t think so.”
EMS University did not respond to multiple calls and emails seeking comment on the cause of the delay.
Juan said he came forward because he believes other former classmates may be facing the same problem.
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