Since January, a group of 10 students has been engaged in real-world training to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs) as part of a new Atrium Health Navicent externship program. Friday, the students will graduate in a ceremony celebrating the end of their studies prior to taking a state licensing exam in June.

Funded partially through a grant from the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, the goal of the EMS externship program is to create a career pipeline for individuals interested in entry-level positions as an EMT, train them and then match them with a job at Atrium Health Navicent once they’ve passed the state exam.

While attending training part-time, students have been getting on-the-job experience supporting Atrium Health Navicent’s non-emergency transport needs, such as driving patients discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation hospital or to a skilled nursing facility. Students also shadow crews on emergency calls. Participants range from recent high school graduates to individuals seeking a career change.

“We’re so proud of all the hard work these students have put into this program. Through classroom study and the opportunity to interact with real patients, we are confident they are ready to move into entry-level positions with Atrium Health Navicent,” said Atrium Health Navicent EMS Director Tony Brown. ”This program has helped create a pipeline for individuals who want to pursue a career in EMS to receive training to fill critical roles, and for them to continue to receive more advanced training to help serve their community and meet their career goals.”

After the success of this first program year, Atrium Health Navicent plans to offer the program again in 2024. For more information about Atrium Health Navicent careers, visit https://careers.atriumhealth.org/.