New Program in Grand Rapids Will Pay You to Train to be an EMT

Always wanted to be an EMT? American Medical Response has a new paid training program in Grand Rapids.

Wood TV 8 reports that AMR's "Earn While You Learn" will allow those who want to to start a career in Emergency Medical Services to get paid as they train to become EMTs.

Participants will be hired as employees and paid a training wage while attending the eleven week EMT Academy at AMR-Grand Rapids. There is no cost for the class and all books, tuition, fees and uniforms will be paid by AMR Grand Rapids. Upon successful completion of the class, all tests and state certification, the employee will be transferred to an EMT position with an increase to the EMT compensation rate.

According to AMR's website,

The right candidates must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have proof of a HS diploma or GED
Valid Driver’s License
Have all required immunizations
Successfully complete the pre-employment screening which includes motor vehicle and criminal background checks, drug testing and a physical agility test

AMR held a press event about the new program on Monday. In the below video, the event starts at about 22:30.

AMR started the "Earn While You Learn" program in Buffalo, NY in 2018. Since then they have expanded to Massachusetts, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama-- and now, Michigan.

Since its inception, the program has helped over 365 people become EMTs across the U.S. They expect to grow that number by ten with the graduation of the current class in Grand Rapids this spring.

AMR says they are now accepting applications for those interested in participating in the next Earn While You Learn class beginning May 17, 2021. You can apply here and find more information on the AMR West Michigan Facebook page.