Mayo Clinic introduces Earn While You Learn program for aspiring EMTs

The Minnesota Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss a new initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the state. The proposed Senate File 1132 outlines an "Earn While You Learn" grant program designed to support individuals training to become EMTs while earning a living wage.

The program, which would be administered by the Office of the Governor, is targeted at ambulance services that rely on EMTs for at least 50% of their staffing. It aims to provide financial assistance for training-related expenses, including wages and benefits capped at $26 per hour, tuition for EMT programs, and fees for background checks and examinations.

Tom Fennell, the regulatory officer for Mayo Clinic Ambulance, presented the program's potential benefits to the committee. He highlighted a pilot program implemented in Southern Minnesota, which successfully attracted 43 applicants for 12 positions, ultimately resulting in eight individuals becoming nationally registered EMTs. Fennell emphasized the importance of offering a livable wage to attract workers from other professions, noting that some successful candidates had transitioned from jobs such as pizza delivery.

The committee members expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to create a pathway into the EMS profession for individuals who may not have considered it otherwise. However, due to the fiscal implications of the program, the committee decided to lay the bill over for further consideration, with hopes of securing funding to support its implementation.

This initiative reflects a proactive approach to tackling workforce challenges in the EMS sector, aiming to enhance recruitment and training processes while ensuring that services remain financially viable. The committee's discussions underscore the urgency of addressing staffing shortages in emergency services, which have reached a critical point in Minnesota and across the country.