Earn While You Learn: AMR’s award-winning employment program helps burgeoning EMTs realize their dreams

April 16, 2021

For those interested in joining AMR through our Earn While You Learn program, visit AMR's Careers page to find the program nearest you. 
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Often, a dream remains just that: a wished-for reality that is often deferred due to reality itself. Life intrudes. But, for hundreds of people across the country, the dream of becoming an emergency service provider has come true, thanks to an innovative program called Earn While You Learn.

American Medical Response (AMR) designed the program to facilitate the transition of those who wish to become EMS professionals. It is a paid, full-time, 8-to-10-week course with no out-of-pocket expenses for the students. This gives those who may not have been able to afford the time and required schooling that is the norm for EMS certification, the chance to pursue a well-paid and fulfilling career. 

Upon graduation from the program, students are offered full-time employment by AMR or its affiliated ground ambulance companies. They become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), with the commensurate pay increase upon state certification, the exam for which is also paid for by the program. 

Life-Changing Opportunity
Earn While You Learn began in Buffalo, New York, in 2018. The overwhelming response to that pilot program has led to similar opportunities at AMR operations in states across the United States. Students and graduates have come from myriad backgrounds but singularly rave about the program and the doors it has opened for them.

In Illinois, graduate Tyler Lindsey told the Effingham Daily News that he had been trying to pursue an EMS career for a while but ran into roadblocks. “I always wanted to be in emergency services and just really didn’t have the money to go to college to get the degree to become an EMT,” Lindsey said. After Earn While You Learn, his career has begun in earnest and the sky’s the limit. “I want to go as high as I can being an EMT then later on progress into a paramedic position,” he added.

Lindsey was so impressed with the program that he got his sister involved. Kristen Lindsey, a recent high-school graduate was looking for just this type of opportunity. “I was in a Health Occupations program in high school, and I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field,” she told the Daily News. “The fact that we can come in and learn, then do hands on is great. We are getting paid to learn the curriculum. I am more of hands-on learner, so I’m excited.”

In Tennessee, a young woman had a similar experience. Ashtyn Overton found her calling when, as a recent high school graduate, she set her sights on a career in EMS. She was working in her local volunteer fire department when she joined a crew responding to a cardiac-arrest call. “The call had gone out and the nurses looked at me and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to throw you into the fire on this one.` They knew I had this fascination, so pushing me in this direction was a big deal for me,” Overton told the Blount County Daily Times. A few weeks later, she signed up for Earn While You Learn and graduated in April of 2021. 

The program offers careers for those just entering the work force, but also for those looking to take a new path in their lives. "I was like jumping up and down like a school kid with my hand in the air pick me pick me," Colby Blanton told WYMT Mountain News in Kentucky of his reaction to learning about Earn While You Learn. "I might be the oldest guy in class but I'm a big dreamer and I'm not gonna stop until I'm a flight paramedic," he added. Blanton graduated, was certified and is now on the job in Prestonburg, Ken. living his dream.

All who apply come by different paths, with different life experiences, but one goal, perhaps summed up best by recent Springfield, Mass., graduate Milena Colon:  “My goal for me, I’ve always wanted to help people, especially my family, nieces and nephews and especially with the pandemic,” she told WWLP News.

Award-Winning Program Helps Communities
Earn While You Learn doesn’t just benefit those who graduate. The EMTs who graduate from the program become an integral part of the communities they serve whether that be responding to emergency calls or training citizens in bystander CPR. These individuals are ready to serve the community at a moment’s notice, no matter what that may look like. 

AMR’s efforts in addressing the shortage of skilled EMTs were honored with an AMBY Award from the American Ambulance Association (AAA) in the program’s birthplace, Buffalo. The AMBYs recognize excellence in the ambulance profession and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize AAA members.

Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown, has been a staunch supporter of the program since its inception and routinely takes time to visit local graduating classes. AMR Buffalo has graduated 56% women and 51% minorities since its inception.

“The groundbreaking Earn While You Learn program makes careers in emergency medical services more accessible and inclusive. This program opens the door to those who could never have gone through the training without a steady income stream and prepares them for a rewarding and well-paying career,” he said at a graduation event in 2020.




 

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Rachael Wanja
I would like to join the program. Can someone from Kenya(Africa) qualify for the program.
9/13/2024 5:37:15 AM

Patricia
Do you hire senior citizens I am 60 yrs.old and in great physical condition.
8/3/2024 11:51:52 PM

Eric Larson
Hello wonderful people I just found out this program existed and while informing myself on it I have this overwhelming feeling of something wonderful and a desire to be part of it.
7/28/2024 12:52:32 PM

Kaila Coppedge
I am very interested in the program
7/10/2024 11:18:17 AM

Natasha Coleman
I am interested in the earn while you work training program.
7/5/2024 11:47:46 AM

Sean
I would love to join your team and start serving the community. I'm near Springfield, MA.
7/4/2024 5:16:14 PM

Diona Thomas
I’m very interested in the program! Hope to hear from you soon
6/17/2024 4:42:32 PM

Obed Percy
Please sign Me up ASAP.
This program is a life changer for me.
Ready to be an active part of this.
5/27/2024 7:48:39 AM

Cornelle
Looking to sign up for this ASAP.—Searching through the job portal. Ready to be a part of this.
4/29/2024 2:12:25 PM

Angela Chaney
Interested in the Earn while you Learn Program for EMT .
4/17/2024 3:45:46 PM

Dakotah Sexton
Hi I just wanted to know if someone could give me more information on applying for the “Earn while you learn” program. I am wanting to apply to the EMT program.
3/31/2024 2:12:53 PM

LAUREN WILLIAMS
I am interested in learning more about career opportunities with GMR and the EWYL program.
3/15/2024 3:01:50 PM

Dorothy Stedman
Hello! I am VERY INTERESTED in the Earn While You Learn school. Look forward to hearing from you soon.... Thank you.
3/8/2024 7:09:45 PM

Natasha Rains
I would like to sign up for you earn while Learn EMT program
3/8/2024 10:27:36 AM

Carl
I am interested in the earn while you learn program.
3/6/2024 1:56:10 PM

Lynise Young
Is there a Earn while you learn program in the San Jose California area
2/2/2024 3:06:26 AM

Samantha Bowman
I am interested in the "Earn while you learn" EMT program being offered in CT. Please contact me to discuss this opportunity.
Thank you!
1/17/2024 9:13:30 AM

Leona Merritt
Hi, I am currently located in Pensacola, Florida. I am looking to relocate in the next few months to Spokane WA area. I have been in the medical field for many years and currently work in a level 2 truama center on the orthopedic/ neuro surgery unit. I would like to earn an EMT and eventually Paramedic license. I would love to speak with someone on achieving this goal. Thanks
9/23/2023 11:38:20 PM

Twyla Walwyn-Love
Hello I currently reside in Orlando Florida. I took an EMT course back in 2017. I haven't been able to pass the state exam. I love the medical field. I want to give it another try and interested in EWYL program. I look forward to hearing back from someone soon.
7/27/2023 7:35:37 PM

Odette Rodriguez
I am interested in the program. I have been a registered certified medical assistant for 16 years with bls training
7/19/2023 9:24:48 AM

Katia Maza
Incredibly interested in this opportunity, I completed my BLS Provider Certification and meet the requirements. Targeting the Redlands/Riverside area
7/17/2023 2:02:32 PM

Hector Esqueda
Interested in joining the program. Any information is helpful. Located in Lancaster California
3/20/2023 4:23:39 PM

Jorbi Balos
Interested in attending this program. Is it available here in Spokane, Washington? How do I apply?
3/6/2023 11:53:22 PM

Paul Critti
My son is interested in the Earn while you learn program. He is located in Fairfield Connecticut. Thank You
1/30/2023 10:47:08 AM

Rita Keasey
I'm interested in your EARN WHILE YOU LEARN. I live in corning CA where is the nearest classes?
1/17/2023 1:04:37 AM

Kevin Lemons lemonskevin2@gmail.com
I'm very interested in a career with GMR and the EWYL program.
12/2/2022 3:38:04 AM

Stephanie Coleman
Is the earn while you learn program still available? How does one apply for acceptance? Thank you
10/14/2022 8:38:02 AM

Ashtonpolk
What a cool program!
9/8/2022 12:29:32 PM

Melody Smith
I reside in Bloomington, Indiana. I would appreciate more information for the EMT program.
Thanks
9/5/2022 1:03:11 PM

Dionne Green
I would like to sign up for classes
9/1/2022 5:00:15 PM

Amber
I am interested in Applying for the Earn while you learn program How do I Apply??
8/8/2022 11:03:41 PM

Brittnee Imkamp
How do you apply?
8/4/2022 6:28:57 PM

Boris Brand
I would like to sign up for the opportunity in 2022. Im in Atlanta , Georgia
7/12/2022 7:54:31 PM

Felicia Taylor
I am interested in your program. Just need a little more information please.
6/30/2022 4:07:24 PM

Zeus Serrano
Super interested how do I apply in the Riverside CA area!
6/6/2022 5:27:55 PM

Lisa Kurre Bowers
How do I sign up? Do they have a program in Texas?
5/22/2022 9:07:40 PM

Jocelyne
Is this ongoing registration? How do I apply for the Earn while you Learn Program
5/3/2022 3:01:32 PM

Veronica Calero
Hello , I live in Omaha Ne. My dad works for AirMedCareNet & he loves what he does. I would like to help people & earn as I learn. Pls help me w/this opportunity. Thank you.
4/29/2022 10:56:37 AM

Merlyn Bonty.
Hello, my name is Merlyn Bonty. I would like to join your earn while you learn program to become a basic EMT and then AEMT. I currently reside in Las Vegas NV. My phone number is 702-589-0140. Thank you for your consideration.
4/15/2022 6:23:41 PM

Alexa e
I would like to sign up in Tucson az 2022 next course.
3/18/2022 11:34:11 PM

Calista
I am interested in hearing more!
3/10/2022 5:02:29 PM

Zachary Lux
How Do I Apply ?
2/11/2022 12:12:55 AM

Freida F.
How can I apply for the Program? I am in Roswell Ga.
1/20/2022 11:40:55 AM

Natalie
Would like more information on skills bridge
1/15/2022 7:10:09 PM

Renee
I am interested in signing up how do I do so? I’m in Georgia
1/15/2022 4:47:52 PM

William S Snyder (Bill)
I am very interested in this program. I was an EMT back in my college days in Ohio, at that time the ambulance was ran out of a funeral home in Austintown Ohio, "Lane Funeral Home". I would like a opportunity to get back in the field, being older I have matured in wisdom and knowledge. Please advise if there is an opportunity for me. Thank you very much.
1/13/2022 1:10:50 PM

haylie perna
I am interested in signing up how do i do so? I am located in Glendale ,AZ.
1/3/2022 7:22:15 PM

April Truitt
I am interested in the program. I am located in Florida.
1/1/2022 5:25:55 PM

Lynden Mendenhall
I'm interested in signing up for the earn while you learn course
12/28/2021 10:16:49 AM

GMR Communications & Marketing Team
All Earn While You Learn opportunities can be found on our website at careers.gmr.net/gmr/jobs. Thanks!
12/9/2021 9:55:58 AM

Owen Nieves
How do I sign up for the earn while you learn?
12/9/2021 9:44:19 AM

Chris Jones
How do I sign up for the 2021 class? I live in Austell, GA.
12/2/2021 10:01:05 AM

Janette Soto
Interested in Schooling
10/6/2021 8:15:28 PM

Jolie m uwizeye
Hello, I reside in Wichita KS and I want to start a NEMT. Do I need to take the classes. Please I need your guidance. Thank you.
8/30/2021 9:44:26 AM

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