News and Updates

In an effort to address the shortage of paramedics within the EMS community, REMSA Health has launched a full-ride scholarship opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in the profession. Offering this scholarship reinforces REMSA Health’s critical role in the delivery of safe and out-of-hospital healthcare. This scholarship not only addresses the shortage but serves to develop paramedics from within REMSA Health’s education program and provide students the opportunity to excel in their careers with ease. 

We are pleased to announce that Heather Spencer and Gregory Woolsey were awarded the Paramedic Scholarship. Apart from the students’ eligibility for the scholarship, both students have demonstrated competence, compassion, self-motivation, dedication, and professional drive.

“I am grateful for this scholarship opportunity,” stated Heather Spencer. “With the rising expenses and cost of living, paramedic school wasn’t an option for me. I encourage anyone who might have financial hardships but is interested in going to paramedic school to inquire about the scholarship.”

Heather Spencer, AEMT, has spent the last four years working with REMSA Health. Heather began her career working on the ground as an EMT, later advancing to an AEMT, and currently serves as an instructor at REMSA Health.

“This will help me advance my career in the medical field and provide me with invaluable experience to make me a better provider, clinician, and resource to my community,” stated Gregory Woolsey. “This opportunity and experience will better prepare me, and hopefully allow me to pursue further education through medical school.”

Gregory Woolsey, AEMT, has been a part of the REMSA Health team for more than three years. Gregory’s dedication to providing excellent out-of-hospital care to all patients has proved him to be a role model among his peers at REMSA Health.

“Both of these students are very deserving of this scholarship,” said Jenny Walters, Manager of the Center for Integrated Health and Community Education. “Heather and Greg have both demonstrated a commitment to our organization. We’re excited  to see how these students excel in their academic and professional endeavors.” 

To be eligible for the full-ride scholarship, students must meet specific criteria, including achieving an 80 percent or higher on their paramedic program entrance exam. In addition, applicants must currently be employed by REMSA Health. A complete list of requirements can be found below.  

Once accepted into the Paramedic Program at REMSA Health, students commit to a year-long program that consists of six months of didactic instruction, two months of clinical rotations, and an internship at a hospital of REMSA Health’s choice. Once the program is successfully completed, students are required to take the National Registry Exam. 

The National Registry Exam incorporates everything learned in the program into a two-part written and practical exam. Though the national average passing score of the exam is 76 percent, REMSA Health students have continuously acquired a sweeping 100 percent pass rate. Jenny Walters attributes the success of this pass rate to the competitive entrance process REMSA Health students undergo, smaller class sizes, comprehensive lessons, proximity to ambulance services, and the dedication of coordinators to their cohorts. 

Paul Burton, Director of EMS Operations gives words of advice for those looking to become future paramedics, “Learn your fundamentals, get your experience as an EMT for a while before you take the next step to paramedic school, understand the basics of patient care and patient assessment… that will lead to a much easier transition to paramedic school and being more successful as a paramedic.”

Students eligible for this scholarship must meet these standards:

• Applicants must be full-time employees with at least two years or more at REMSA Health.
• Applicants must show proof of acceptance into the REMSA Health Paramedic Program. 
• Applicants must be in good standing with the organization and not have experienced any Corrective Action level discipline within the last year.
• Applicants must demonstrate reliability through work-related performance. 
• Applicants must have an overall performance review rating of 4.0 (exceeds) or above. 
• Applicants must have demonstrated reliability through attendance records, have a positive can-do attitude, be a team player and be highly customer service-oriented. 
• Applicants must not be under a clinical remediation plan. 
• Applicants must score at least an 80% on the Paramedic entrance exam. 
• Applicants must have Department Director or Executive Director’s written sponsorship. 

Apply for our Paramedic Program now and start your journey on the EMS career path.