Click this link to apply for CoxHealth Apprenticeship

A new partnership in Springfield (Missouri) will provide free training to high school graduates. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

According to a study conducted in 2020 by the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association, 85% of paramedic respondents said they think there is a paramedic shortage in Missouri.

Those who felt there was a shortage listed various factors, including poor new graduates or lack of students entering the field.

On Wednesday, CoxHealth and Ozark Technical College announced a new union that will provide EMT training at no cost while paying $13.25. Wages increase to $16.67 an hour once the student gains their EMT license. In exchange for the paid tuition, training, and exams, the students commit to working for CoxHealth for 2,917 hours or approximately 18 months.

The summer EMT apprenticeship program runs from June 1-August 8. Another section will be offered in the fall. To be eligible, students must be a high school graduate, at least 18-years-old, and pass a background check.