OTTUMWA — The Supporting Rural EMS Through an Internship Initiative’s application window is closing tomorrow at noon, and the program is still seeking applicants from Wapello County.

The Supporting Rural EMS through an Internship Initiative will provide an opportunity for 16 participants, aged 17-24 from the counties of Appanoose, Davis, Van Buren, and Wapello in a rural, socioeconomically depressed area in South Central/South East Iowa, to complete a paid internship to become Emergency Medical Technicians. There is a desperate need for certified EMS professionals in these counties as well as statewide.

During the summer paid internship, participants will take a state-approved EMT course while completing healthcare exploration, as well as course lab and clinical hours at area ambulance services and hospitals. During the program, interns will also receive information on furthering their education in healthcare, particularly in EMS by continuing to the Paramedic level, as well as soft skills needed to be successful in a job and career.

• Starting date of June 1, 2023, through August 12, 2023.
• 24-hour work week – this is a commitment to the program; the course has been condensed to meet the current summer schedule and there is very little leeway for absences.
• Internship program will pay interns $12 per hour.
• Participants that successfully complete the program – successfully completing the EMS course and taking NREMT Testing will be awarded a $500 bonus.

The program application and job description are attached to the email and available at www.wapelloready.org/emsintern