Six young women graduated on Dec. 18, 2024 from a unique program that removes the financial barriers that often prevent people from becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
The Earn While You Learn program, as it is known, is a partnership between AMR and Miramar College. Under the program, AMR covered the cadets’ expenses for tuition and books, and paid them for the hours they attended class, as well as the time they spent in the field shadowing AMR paramedics and EMTs as they respond to actual emergencies. Cadets were also offered medical, dental, vision and 401(k) benefits. With the support of the Conrad Prebys Foundation and other private donors, Miramar College is covering the cadets’ national EMT exam and credentialing fees.
Because women are under-represented in the field of emergency medical services, AMR and Miramar College accepted only female applicants, making it the first all-female EMT academy in the region. Nationally, women make up only about one-third of all EMTs.
During the 16-week academy, which began in September at Miramar College, the six cadets learned a wide variety of EMT skills, including driving an ambulance, delivering a baby, performing CPR, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and administering an EpiPen to someone experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Upon completing the academy and passing an exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, they will be hired by AMR, the largest ambulance transport company in the nation.
“We are extremely proud of this special group of women who have stepped forward to serve their community,” said Eric Nixon, community relations coordinator at AMR San Diego. “This academy will put more women on a rewarding career path while bolstering the ranks of female EMTs and paramedics in the San Diego region. We thank Miramar College for their partnership and look forward to these young women joining our AMR team.”
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with AMR, as this collaboration was essential to our students' success,” said Jacqueline Hester, dean of Public Safety at Miramar College. “The financial support provided was not just a number; it was a vital lifeline for our students who have completed our EMT program, especially those who faced financial challenges. This assistance allowed them to fully engage in their journey, offering invaluable educational and learning opportunities. Together, we are dedicated to closing the equity gap for women pursuing careers in emergency medical services. We take immense pride in the achievements of all the young women who completed the EMT program at San Diego Miramar College.”
The graduation ceremony took place in Kearny Mesa at AMR’s regional headquarters.
While this is the first all-female Earn While You Learn academy in the San Diego region, two other academies have been held here over the past year and a half with both women and men.
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