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Ohio high school students able to earn EMT certification

A new partnership between schools and first responders allows students to pursue EMS careers right out of high school

By EMS1 Staff

TOLEDO, Ohio — A new partnership will allow Ohio high school seniors to gain their EMT certification while finishing high school.

Gov Tech reported that the partnership between Toledo Public Schools, police and fire departments, Owens Community College and ProMedica will allow high school seniors to be a full-time EMT students while finishing their senior year.

Superintendent Romules Durant told the 40 seniors who will kick off the program that the EMT certification will give them the ability to pursue a career or higher education in the medical field right out of high school.

“Once you complete, you will be certified and you can truly say, ‘I am career-ready. Because I have a certification that allows me to be employed within the sector of EMT,’” Durant said.

Students will learn the necessary skills for the EMS field while taking regular high school classes twice a week, and tuition will be covered by the school district’s College Credit Plus program.

They will also spend time in ProMedica’s clinical sites for hands-on experience, and be able to interview with ProMedica for possible employment after they are certified.

“It’s going to challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding,” Owens’ criminal justice and emergency services chair Mark King said. “You will be job-ready when you graduate.”

City councilmember Cecelia Adams said she’s been working with Toledo’s first responders for two years to get the program started.

“Now we have a pipeline for young people who can come and work in our city and be firefighters and police officers,” she said.

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