Spirit EMS Educator Scott Wolf looks at the new simulation manikin to be used in upcoming EMT classes this spring and summer.
Provided photo
GREENVILLE — In response to the growing demand for emergency medical services (EMS) professionals nationwide, Spirit EMS is excited to announce the launch of yet another paid EMT class. This initiative is designed to equip aspiring EMTs with the skills necessary to succeed in a critical field currently experiencing a nationwide workforce shortage.
Spirit EMS will offer these courses at its satellite facility in Defiance and its established education center in Greenville, in partnership with Four County Career Center this coming summer. At the same time, the spring class will be held in Greenville and an application deadline is quickly approaching. This strategic expansion demonstrates Spirit EMS’ commitment to enhancing emergency medical services across Ohio and Indiana, particularly as Ohio faces a projected shortage of EMTs and paramedics in the coming year.
Brian K. Hathaway, President and CEO of Spirit EMS, expressed, “The demand for qualified EMS professionals has never been more pressing. We are thrilled to provide an opportunity for individuals to join this rewarding field and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Our program not only prepares students to meet emergency response challenges but also acknowledges their dedication and achievements with tangible rewards.”
Classes will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The spring session will occur in Greenville from March 24 through May 2, while summer classes are scheduled to start on June 16 and conclude on July 25, 2025. Upon completing the course, students will take the National Registry test and participate in a month of field training provided by Spirit EMS before working alongside a partner on an ambulance.
“Our goal is not just to teach the fundamentals of emergency medical services, but also to celebrate our students’ accomplishments at every milestone,” Hathaway emphasized. “Research indicates a strong link between classroom attendance and long-term career success, which our new rewards program aims to reinforce.”
Since August 2017, Spirit EMS has invested nearly $1 million in local education through its scholarship fund to develop new EMTs and paramedics. This investment addresses the urgent shortage of qualified emergency personnel in southwestern Ohio and eastern Indiana, areas experiencing high demand for Spirit’s services.
Hathaway added, “At Spirit EMS, we are dedicated to cultivating a workforce that is both highly skilled and passionate about creating a positive impact in their communities. The need for qualified EMS professionals is significant, and we are committed to delivering comprehensive training and support to ensure our graduates are thoroughly prepared to assume essential roles.”
Prospective students are encouraged to apply for the EMT scholarship program. The program requires completing the course, obtaining national certification and committing to 2,080 hours of full-time service with Spirit EMS. Upon certification, the company also provides a month of paid on-the-job training.
For more information and to apply, please visit www.spiritmedicaltransport.com/emtscholarship. Applications are currently being accepted through the Spirit EMS website or by contacting Ted Bruner at [email protected] or Anita Miller at [email protected]. For the upcoming class, housing and/or transportation assistance is available to successful candidates living in the Spirit EMS service area, but not close to Greenville, Ohio. The deadline to apply for the March 24 class is Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5 p.m. Applications for the summer class are due no later than May 29 at 5 p.m.
Spirit EMS is committed to strengthening community ties through educational opportunities and healthcare excellence. It has facilities in Celina, Defiance, Greenville, Houston, Van Wert, Ohio, and Liberty, Indiana.