BELOIT, Wis. — Beloit Health System Foundation has received a $65,141 Wisconsin Fast Forward grant to help EMTs advance into paramedic roles.
The funding from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will support the Beloit EMT-to-Paramedic Advancement Project, a partnership between Beloit Health System and Blackhawk Technical College, the Beloit Daily News reported.
| MORE: Advancing from EMT to paramedic
The program will train five participants, including the unemployed, underemployed and current EMTs. Those who complete the program will become certified paramedics and be employed by Beloit Health System, helping address a local shortage of advanced emergency care providers.
“This grant allows us to create meaningful career pathways while ensuring our communities continue to receive high-quality, timely emergency care,” Vice President of Nursing at Beloit Health System Sharon Cox said. “By investing in our EMS workforce, we are building a sustainable pipeline of skilled paramedics for the future.”
Participants will complete a free, yearlong 38-credit paramedic diploma program with classroom, lab and clinical training at Beloit Memorial Hospital. The program is designed to build the local EMS workforce, improve retention and reduce burnout.
“Programs like Wisconsin Fast Forward are critical to ensuring healthcare organizations can meet growing demands,” President and CEO of Beloit Health System Timothy McKevett said. “This partnership allows us to respond to immediate workforce challenges while building a long-term solution.”
