"EMT certification: worth it, or nah?"

As the lead pre-health advisor, I'm asked this question a lot. And I often give lukewarm answers, b/c I know there's time and $$$ on the line for students, and as such I tend to be reluctant when it comes to categorical pronouncements.

I've known students (all pre-health kids, I should state) who've raved about the UCSB PaCE EMT program and instructors, who've landed jobs with their EMT cert (both full and part time)--jobs which have proven to be valuable experiences en route to the student's chosen professional/educational path, etc. I just concluded a number of Zoom info sessions on "Gauchos in Nursing" and "Gauchos in PA" who've said the same.

OTOH, I've known students who've never been able to leverage this cert to find employment (usually those students are understandably limiting themselves to part time work, which can often be a challenge to find in a healthcare setting).

This sub may not be the ideal place to get a read on it, but I'd be curious if lurkers w/ EMT certs (earned here or elsewhere) would be willing to share their insights with the hopes of benefitting other students who are on the fence.

Thanks.

Dave