Via American Medical Response
Training offers students a cost-free way to develop future EMTs while offering good paying jobs and new career opportunities for high school students.
With the start of the new school year in full swing, many older students’ thoughts turn to their future careers. Emergency medical services (EMS) workers are always in demand, and the Harrison County (MS) School District (HCSD) is giving students an opportunity to be trained in this profession free of charge.
In collaboration with American Medical Response (AMR), HCSD has enrolled new students into their successful EMT Academy, which puts trainees on the path to be full-time employees while taking the necessary certification courses to become EMTs.
This comprehensive program is an exciting opportunity for students who want to begin a rewarding career in EMS and train to become EMTs. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining their state certification, students can officially gain employment as EMTs.
“Most 18-year-olds have difficulty deciding what they want to do or be,” said Charlie Tucker, career academies coordinator from the Gulfport School District. “This opportunity provides them with a means to decide if the medical field is something they want to pursue.”
Since launching the academy in 2021, the collaboration has graduated 14 students, two of which are currently working for AMR. Students have come from multiple schools, including Gulfport High School, Harrison Central High School, Long Beach High School, Pass Christian High School, and West Harrison High School. The program has made a career in EMS more accessible, allowing candidates to jump right into a profession they’re passionate about during high school.
“Despite economic difficulties, AMR continues to create jobs and inclusive opportunities thanks to partnerships like the one we have with the Harrison County School District,” said Dwayne Tullos, Regional Director. “This EMT Academy makes a career in EMS more accessible and will allow for more Mississippi students to start down a new, rewarding career path.”
American Medical Response South Mississippi has been serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 49 years, and we remain committed to the health and well-being of the members of our community. Our first responders promote safety and preparedness to save lives and prevent both injury and disability.
