(PRESS RELEASE) — Ambulance services across the country, including those in Minnesota, are facing a shortage of EMTs and paramedics. Allina Health Emergency Medical Services has decided to do something about. It will launch its own EMT training program starting this June.
The Allina Health Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy will recruit a first class of 14 students who will be paid for their time training. All expenses for books and test fees will also be covered and transportation assistance is available. The goal is to train, certify and potentially hire community members as EMTs at Allina Health EMS.
“We need qualified, enthusiastic candidates to hire as EMTs for our service,” said Brian LaCroix, president of Allina Health EMS. “We think recruiting, training and hiring qualified candidates from the communities we serve makes a lot of sense. Our EMT Academy will make sure they will get the best possible training, and upon graduation be ready to care for the communities they come from.”
The first class will start June 10 and run through October 31. Classes will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Allina Health EMS Mounds View base. Upon completion of the program and certification testing, the successful interns will be able to apply for open EMT positions at Allina Health EMS.
“We expect that we will have positions for all of our EMT Academy graduates,” said LaCroix. “In return for the paid academy and all paid expenses, we expect our new hires to stay in the position of EMT with us for a minimum of 12 months.”
The class size is limited so those interested are encouraged to apply soon. Additional information and the application are available online at Allina Health EMS Academy Application.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A not-for-profit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospitals, 14 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers and specialty medical services that provide home care, senior transitions, hospice care, home oxygen and medical equipment, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook and Twitter.
