Chris Stawasz, northeast regional director of American Medical Response, which provides ambulance services to Nashua and Manchester, addresses participants and guests at Tuesday's press conference announcing a new hiring academy AMR created called "Earn While You Learn." (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

MANCHESTER – The New Hampshire branch of the nationwide emergency medical provider American Medical Response (AMR) has announced the creation of a new hiring program that allows trainees to be full-time employees while taking the necessary certification courses to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

The program, called “Earn While You Learn,” is described as an academy that gives prospective EMTs “an opportunity to obtain free job training … while getting paid,” according to AMR officials.

Representatives of AMR’s Nashua and Manchester offices, including Nashua-based northeast regional director Chris Stawasz, took turns speaking to participants and guests at an unveiling event Tuesday at Manchester’s AMR headquarters at 35 Pine St.

Another participant – who did not address attendees but greeted them in her own way – was “Coco,” AMR New Hampshire’s official therapy dog who made her public debut.

In addition to Stawasz, speakers included AMR regional director Patrick Pickering, Manchester fire Chief Andy Parent and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.

"Coco," AMR-New Hampshire's therapy dog, was on hand for Tuesday's announcement of AMR's new "Earn While You Learn" hiring academy for prospective EMTs and paramedics. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Several AMR personnel gathered in front of a backdrop of parked ambulances, one of whom tended to Coco.

Applications are now being accepted for the first session of the academy, which will run for 10-12 weeks, Stawasz and Pickering said.

The academy, according to the speakers, “is designed to ease the transition for those who want to become EMS professionals.”

As the name suggests, participants, who are hired as employees, are compensated while attending AMR’s EMT-Basic certification course.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants become state-certified and are promoted to EMT-B, and are offered what officials call “competitive, industry-leading pay and benefits.”

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig addresses participants and guests at Tuesday's press conference announcing a new hiring academy created by local and regional emergency services provider American Medical Response (AMR) called "Earn While You Learn." (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

The founding of the academy in New Hampshire – similar ones are underway in several other states AMR serves – shows “our commitment to local workforce development and training,” Pickering said.

“AMR is thrilled to announce it is accepting applications for its first Earn While You Learn academy in New Hampshire,” he added.

Stawasz called the academy “a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in being trained to be come a part of their local emergency medical services team,” he said.

“Public safety agencies across the country are struggling to find qualified, trained professionals to serve their local communities. This program is an equitable, innovative solution … to filling these critical positions and creating careers in the process.”

The academy is partnering with four New Hampshire EMS schools, which Pickering and Stawasz said allows them to offer multiple classes at different locations.

The schools include NH Fire Med in Nashua; New England EMS Institute in Manchester; NH CPR in Bedford; and Great Brook Academy in Concord.

“Anyone who is compassionate, cares about helping their community and wants to work for a terrific company with great benefits is encouraged to apply for the Earn While You Learn program and get on the path to saving lives – and get paid while learning,” AMR said in a statement.

The classes begin in September. To qualify, an applicant must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, have had all required immunizations, and must successfully pass background checks.

Candidates must also have a valid and current driverís license, and pass a drug screening test.

Interested candidates can apply anytime at www.amr.net/careers.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.