Join the
Medical Response Unit

The MRU is a department of the USF Student Health & Wellness Center in collaboration with USF Student Government and UEMSA.

The MRU is a free service, staffed by State and National certified Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), and Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), to provided Basic Life Support (BLS) medical care and transport services that increase the Tampa campus’ access to medical services.

The MRU is looking for hardworking professionals to be volunteer first responders! With this position, you will be a crucial part to the safety and wellbeing of everyone on campus, responding to medical emergencies and staffing medical standby events!

Learn More about Becoming an EMR!

Volunteer Position Summary

General Requirements:

  • Student Status: Must be a current USF student (any campus) and in good academic standing (e.g. not on academic probation).
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Background Check: A Level 1 background check will be conducted by USF Human Resources if you are accepted to join the MRU.
  • Immunizations: Must be in compliance with all USF immunization requirements. If accepted to join the MRU, a TB skin test will be required. 

Licensure Requirements:

  • Medical Certification – Possess and maintain one of the following that is in a Clear/Active and not expired status:
    • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) – UEMSA or NREMT issued only. Become one today!
    • Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)**
    • Florida Paramedic**
  • CPR Certification
    • American Heart Association (AHA) BLS CPR. Red Cross and other agency certifications are not accepted.
  • Driver License – must be valid with an acceptable driving history. Driver permits are not accepted.
    • EMRs must possess a US state driver license.
    • EMTs/Paramedics are strongly preferred to have a US state driver license.

**ATTENTION: If you (1) have recently completed EMT/Paramedic school or (2) have an EMT/Paramedic license/certification from another state, or (3) only have an EMT/Paramedic NREMT certification, you will need to obtain a Florida license prior to applying to the MRU. More information about Florida licensing can be found here. If you have applied for a Florida license and are in the process of waiting for Florida Health to issue the license, you may submit an application.

There are no exceptions to these general or licensure requirements. If you do not satisfy all requirements, do not apply.

Schedule & Time Requirments:

  • You must be able to volunteer for a minimum of 3 consecutive USF semesters, not including summers. Post-graduation volunteering may be permitted if you started on the MRU as an undergraduate.
    • Example: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Fall 2027
  • Minimum volunteer hours:
    • 2, 4-hour scheduled shifts per week (8 hours)
    • 2 standbys per month
  • Scheduled shifts:
    • Spring and Fall semesters 
    • Monday-Friday
    • Each shift is 4 hours in duration with three shift blocks:
      • 8:30a-12:30p
      • 12:00p-4:00p
      • 3:30p-7:30p
  • Standbys
    • Spring and Fall semesters
    • Weekdays and weekends
    • Varying start times and duration depending on event

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Physical Requirements: By this position’s very nature, and the very nature of the Emergency Medical Services field, applicants must meet certain fitness and ability standards.

    • Applicants must have ability to:
      • Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
      • See, hear, talk, balance, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, walk, use hands, and reach with hands and arms.

Working Conditions: Duties are performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments with sick and injured patients. Duties are also performed in company vehicles during their operation. Duties include operation of company vehicles and equipment. There may be exposure to hazardous conditions and blood/bodily fluids.

Travel: No outside campus travel via personal vehicle is required while on duty.

Uniform & Appearance Requirements:

Volunteers are required to maintain a clean, neat appearance and be in uniform with ID badge at all times while on shift.
The uniform shirt is provided. All other uniform requirements are to be provided by the volunteer. Restrictions are in place due to workplace hazards and the safety and health of responders and patients.

Pants: Long black BDU pants only. A solid black color belt is also required. 

Footwear: Solid color black, close-toed boots. Cloth, canvas, or similar absorbent textiles are prohibited. Sneakers and footwear with white or colored midsoles are also prohibited.

Tools: Stethoscope, watch with “seconds” hand or display (smart watch acceptable), and a pen.

Uniform alterations: Alterations to the uniform logo and shirt are prohibited. The addition of other logos, patches, emblems, medals, insignias, or pins, is also prohibited. Cultural & religious dress: Head coverings and tzitzis are permitted. Other items maybe accommodated unless it creates a health or safety issue during performance of duties; any such item must not cover the uniform shirt logos or ID badge.

Tattoos & body art (“pieces”): Includes those made from real or temporary inks, paints, stickers, hennas, or similar skin-staining products whether applied on the surface or through injection. Face pieces and pieces that are graphic, explicit, or offensive are prohibited; these pieces must be covered at all times. Visible pieces on hands, arms, neck, and behind-the-ear must be in good taste.

Piercings: Stud/post type only in ears. Nostril and tongue piercings prohibited. Septum piercings must be inverted (turned up into the nose) or removed. Other facial or visible body piercings are prohibited.

Hair: Must be in a groomed condition. No odd or eccentric styles or designs. Color and tones must be of natural shades. Hair may not cover or be able to fall in front of face or eyes. If hair length exceeds the shirt collar it shall be tied back, braided, or put up in bun, clip, or similar manner as to not impede with patient care or create health and safety issues during the performance of duties.

Facial hair: Facial hair is permitted so long as it is maintained in a clean and trimmed manner and it does not interfere with the proper seal of an N95 (or equivalent) mask or other safety equipment; facial hair cannot come between the face and the sealing surface of the mask’s face piece- see specifics.

Fingernails: Fingernails are to be neatly manicured and of a reasonable length (≤ 1/4 inch) as to not interfere with the performance of skills and use of gloves. Pointed or sharp-edged nails or nails with adornments are not permitted due to safety during assessments and for the proper use of gloves. Nail colors and designs must be conservative. Artificial nails (e.g. press on, acrylic, and gel) are prohibited for sanitary reasons.

Application Process:

Step 1: Apply

  • Use the application link below only if you meet all the above requirements. You will need to login with your USF email account.
  • You may need to upload a resume, medical certification, and CPR card.

Step 2: Interview

  • Interviews are conducted around the start of the Spring and Fall semesters. You will receive an email with the date and time of the interview near the start of the semester. 
  • The interview includes knowledge tests, skills inventory evaluation, and practical scenarios. 

Step 3: Orientation

If you are selected after the interview process, you will be approved to attend orientation.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the requirements or application process, please contact us.

Application

Apply Here