BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania has launched a $1 million tuition assistance program aimed at recruiting and retaining Emergency Medical Services professionals.
The program, administered by the state Health Department, comes amid a statewide EMS shortage.
It will be funded over the next three years through the Fireworks Tax Act, according to state officials.
Pennsylvania residents who acquired state certification as an Emergency Medical Responder or EMR, an Emergency Medical Technician or EMT, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or AEMT, or a paramedic after July 1, 2023, qualify to get partial tuition reimbursement.
EMRs are eligible for up to $300 in reimbursement, EMTs for up to $800, AEMTs up to $1,000 and paramedics up to $5,000.
“We think the tuition reimbursement program will provide an opportunity for more individuals to become certified providers. This reimbursement program could enable full or partial scholarships for those that are in Cetronia’s career lattice at little to no cost to them.”Cetronia Ambulance Corps Chief Executive Officer Robert F. Mateff
Additionally, licensed EMS agencies can get reimbursement of up to $1,250 per fiscal year for expenses related to recruitment and retention.
Incentives welcomed
Cetronia Ambulance Corps Chief Executive Officer Robert F. Mateff said he welcomed the incentives.
“We think the tuition reimbursement program will provide an opportunity for more individuals to become certified providers,” Mateff said in a statement.
“This reimbursement program could enable full or partial scholarships for those that are in Cetronia’s career lattice at little to no cost to them.”
“Emergency medical services professionals are an essential part of the health care system. Knowing that you will have well-trained and qualified individuals arriving to your door 24/7 in the event of an emergency is a safeguard that we want for all Pennsylvanians.”Acting Health Secretary Debra Bogen
Mateff said the reimbursement program will complement Cetronia Ambulance Corps’ “Pathways to Success” program, which enables personnel to work and get paid while advancing their certification levels within the EMS profession.
According to the state, reimbursement will be awarded first-come, first-served until the funding has been depleted.
The state Health Department says EMS agencies respond to nearly 24 million 911 calls each year in Pennsylvania.
“Emergency medical services professionals are an essential part of the health care system,” Acting Health Secretary Debra Bogen said in a news release.
“Knowing that you will have well-trained and qualified individuals arriving to your door 24/7 in the event of an emergency is a safeguard that we want for all Pennsylvanians.”
