Howard County launched a paid EMT training program for high schoolers, offering hands-on experience and career prep.
High school students in Howard County now have a unique chance to jumpstart a career in emergency medical services through the new Career Opportunity Training for Youth program. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the Central Workforce Development Region, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, and the Howard County Ambulance District.
The program is designed to provide participants with real-world experience, hands-on training and essential skills to prepare them for an EMS career. Students will earn $16 per hour during their 320 hours of on-the-job training, making this opportunity both educational and financially rewarding.
“There is a national shortage of EMTs, so everybody’s really short of help and trying to find ways to get more employees,” said Frank Flaspohler, director of the Howard County Ambulance District. “One of the ways we’ve had the best success is to ‘grow your own’ — find someone who lives here, who wants to live here, and then retain them. Starting with high school students is a great way to do that.”
Flaspohler added that the program aims to attract young people to the field by offering incentives like paid training, high school credit, and potentially college credit.
“The program will run one semester, the whole school year. We’ll select 10 students who qualify, pay for their class, and when they graduate, they’ll have a nationally registered EMT certification,” Flaspohler said. “They can come out of high school and go right into a career.”
Julie Carter, director of the Office of Workforce Development, emphasized the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful career pathways.
“The Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development is committed to assisting job seekers who are interested in careers in the healthcare industry. By working with great partners like the Central Workforce Development Board, Missouri is gaining a reputation as a great place to live and work,” Carter said.
What Participants Will Gain
Participants in the program will gain valuable skills, real-world experience and career preparation including:
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CPR, first aid, teamwork and critical thinking, which are essential skills for EMS professionals.
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Practical training with the Howard County Ambulance District, allowing participants to experience the fast-paced and impactful world of emergency services.
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Preperation to take the Emergency Medical Technician exam, paving the way for a rewarding career in EMS.
“Nationwide, there are ambulances that close for a day because they don’t have enough personnel,” Flaspohler said. “It’s a big problem, and EMS burnout is also an issue because people are working overtime to cover all these shifts. Without a strong EMS service in Howard County, where the closest hospital is in Columbia, people are in trouble if they need emergency care.”
How to Get Involved
The program is currently seeking 10 motivated high school students who are eager to explore the dynamic field of emergency medical services. Classes will be held in the evenings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to accommodate students’ schedules, and participants will earn high school credit — and possibly college credit — for their work.
“This is a field for young people,” Flaspohler said. “We want to introduce them to this career path and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”
This initiative highlights a commitment to workforce development and provides a meaningful pathway for young individuals to make a difference in their communities.