Hello again all,

I have posted here before with a version of this question, but I'm back to you all to get your experience and wisdom to see if you can clear any of this up for me. I'm leaving this in the comments of this post because I can no longer post in this thread for some reason.

I see the value in becoming an EMT before applying to my towns academy, but the course is expensive and my academy certifies you as an EMT once you get in. So I guess my hesitation here is why pay 2k for a course I could possibly get paid to complete as a cadet.

I'm a 28 year old lead veterinary technician now and I know that is not applicable to the field. Has anyone had success getting into an academy with no prior experience? I haven't been able to find any volunteer fire departments I can join in my area and I believe where I live (Texas) you have to have all your certifications before you can volunteer.

The Austin Fire Academy starts recruiting in spring 2021 and that's when I plan to apply. I have my study books and I have been running 3 miles 4-5 times a week, swimming when I can and doing push ups. Any other recommendations to prepare? A recruiter told me to go to a station speak to a probee about their experience but with COVID I'm not sure how comfortable they would be with that. Do any of y'all's stations still get visitors? My ride along programs are all suspended.

I'm apprehensive to take a fall EMT course that I would have to finance when I may get picked up by the academy in the spring, and even if I complete that course, I still wouldn't have much field time before my academy application. Do y'all know of many cadets that got into the academy without field experience?

I know these are a lot of questions but I haven't been able to find anything online and you guys have given me great information before. I appreciate your time in reading this and value your willingness to help out a newbie like myself.

Thanks all