Get paid while training for career as EMT. AMR sees success in new initiative.

A new recruiting initiative by American Medical Response, the ambulance provider for the city of Buffalo, is showing signs of success, according to the company.

"Earn While You Learn" just graduated its inaugural class of 25 certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). AMR hires people for the training program, allowing them to have financial security while they take the necessary classes and train for a new career with the company.

"The real key to that is being able to bridge folks from one career to another," Thomas Maxian, Regional Director for AMR of WNY, explained. "Most people cannot quit one job, go to school and wait until they're able to earn a living at the new job."

"That was one of the reasons why I was super interested in AMR's program," graduate Mykai Lee said. "Because that's something that you won't get anywhere. Usually people will go to a school or a fire academy and they don't get paid."

The training lasted about 15 weeks and culminated with 25 students passing their New York State EMT certification exams. Those individuals will soon hit the road on ambulance crews.

"It feels pretty good," graduate Raven Ross said. "It's been a long two and a half months and I'm ready. I'm so ready."

AMR is currently accepting applications for its next "Earn While You Learn" program. Those are due the first week of January and the program starts Jan. 21. For more information, visit AMR WNY's website here.

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