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With counties across the state facing a shortage of emergency medical technicians, a Cooper University Health Care program is looking to turn the tide.  

As part of its Health Careers Initiative, the Camden-based health care provider has joined forces with several community organizations to offer a new program for students interested in becoming EMTs. 

The Cooper EMT Training Program provides low-cost training for an entry-level career in emergency medical services. The first class began July 17 at the Joint Health Sciences Center in Camden, but Cooper said there is a rolling admission to the course. 

Additionally, some applicants who meet certain criteria may qualify for tuition-free training. 

After completing the necessary coursework to obtain an EMT certificate, graduates can participate in an optional 120-hour clinical tour with Cooper EMS. 

“This program provides access and opportunity for students who are interested in becoming EMTs,” Rick Rohrbach, Cooper’s EMS director of air and ground services, said in statement. “Working in emergency medical services is an incredibly rewarding career. At Cooper, we are excited to meet and mentor the next generation of EMTs.” 

The health care system developed the program with the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Camden County One Stop, Camden County College, Camden County Workforce Development Board and Hopeworks, a Camden-based organization that helps train young adults for careers. 

Additionally, Hopeworks and Camden County Technical Schools will serve as recruiting and administrative partners to identify qualified applicants for the program, Cooper said. 

“It has been a team effort to create this class curriculum and we look forward to creating additional career pathways for students,” said John Steiner, dean, Math, Science and Health Careers at Camden County College. 

For more information about the program, email Melanie Iannuzzi at [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Cooper has a history of offering training opportunities at home and abroad. In March, the health care provider announced a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share its expertise through a new clinical immersion training program; and, at the end of last year, a Cooper team traveled to Ukraine to provide trauma and mass casualty training to the community.

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