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    Shapiro Administration Invests $150,000 to Help Build EMS Workforce

    Shapiro Administration investing $150,000 in pilot programs to encourage high school students interested in exploring careers in Emergency Medical Services.

    September 24, 2024

    Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health (DOH) is currently accepting grant applications to continue improving and building the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workforce in Pennsylvania by encouraging high school students to explore careers in EMS.

    “Emergency medical services professionals are an essential part of the health care system,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Having a well-trained and dedicated EMS professional arriving at your door 24/7 in an emergency is a safeguard all Pennsylvanians deserve. The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to helping people enter this vital profession.”

    All accredited Pennsylvania EMS Educational Institutes and non-state-owned institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for three $50,000 grants  
    — one each from the western, central, and eastern regions — to conduct pilot programs for high school students interested in becoming EMS providers. Funding comes from Pennsylvania’s Fireworks Tax. 

    Applications must be received no later than 1:30 PM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

    The application and additional information can be found at PA - eMarketplace (state.pa.us).

    This Request for Applications builds on the success of three summer camps conducted this year during which more than 50 young Pennsylvanians took part in immersive programs conducted by regional EMS Institutes. 

    Since the beginning of his Administration, Governor Josh Shapiro committed to rebuilding the EMS workforce and improving conditions for first responders. In the 2023-24 budget, he worked with the General Assembly to secure $20.7 million to increase mileage rates for ambulance services, protecting access to healthcare and ensuring that EMS workers and first responders are properly reimbursed for the critical care they provide.

    Building on those critical investments, DOH’s Bureau of EMS collaborated with regional EMS Institutes in Summer 2024 to create three pilot programs aimed at inspiring high school students to consider future careers in the emergency responder workforce. 

     

    In Pennsylvania, individuals aged 16 and older can apply for EMS certification after completing courses and passing a DOH-recognized certification examination.  

    For more information on EMS educational programs, visit the FAQ page on the Department of Health’s website.

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