SMTI's Paramedic Training Programme, a collaborative project between the SAF and SCDF, was officially launched by Mr Matthias Yao (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development) and Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee (Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Home Affairs) on 15 July 1996.

The institute prides itself in equipping servicemembers fresh from Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) and Specialist Cadet School (SCS) with the knowledge and skills to operate as Combat Medics and Combat Medic Specialists.

Trainees undergo a 12-week Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programme which comprises theory and practical lessons on topics ranging from patient assessment to multiple casualty management in the military context, as well as the operating of medical equipment (e.g. oxygen resuscitator, automated external defibrillator).

In addition to its military training function, SMTI also contributes significantly to the medical arena in Singapore through its non-military courses.

SMTI imparts precious lifesaving skills to civilians ranging from Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedics to doctors involved in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS).