From ASL to EMT: How One Student Is Answering the Call

Answering the Call: How UMA Helped Sarah K. Become a Lifesaving EMT

Sarah K., based in Tampa, Florida, graduated from UMA’s EMT program in 2025. Sarah came to UMA after earning a bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language at the University of South Florida. While attending medical appointments as part of her ASL internship, Sarah discovered a passion for healthcare. She followed an incremental apprenticeship path to a rewarding career as a certified emergency medical technician field training officer with TransCare.

Launched in August 2022, UMA’s EMT program was developed in partnership with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to create a pipeline of skilled first responders to meet the increasing demand for emergency medical services. In collaboration with TransCare Ambulance Service, the program equips learners with real-world experience in emergency medical care, including comprehensive training in basic life support, patient assessments, triage, and trauma responses. To date, the program has added more than 100 new EMTs like Sarah to the Tampa workforce.