N.E.X.T. EMS is a youth workforce development initiative that introduces students and young adults to careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), emergency preparedness and public health response.
Through partnerships with EMS agencies, hospitals, schools, fire departments and community organizations, participants gain hands-on experience through simulations, certification opportunities, job shadowing, service-learning projects and workforce readiness training.
Program Goals
Increase awareness of EMS and emergnecy health care careers
Build a diverse pipeline of future EMS professionals
Provide hands-on emergency preparedness and response training
Connect participants with EMS professionals and mentors
Stregnthen the EMS worforce in rural Alabama communities
Program Benefits
- Each Program Recipient will receive a laptop, external mouse and Wi-Fi/hotspot devices
- EMS Standard Emergency Duffle Bag
- Program Collared Shirt
- Full Paid Tuition Fees, Books, Supplies, Fees, Licensure Exam Fees, Background Checks/Drug Screens (Per Certification)
- Participants are also eligible for Relocation Stipends or Gap Support
Relocation: to help offset costs associated with moving or transitioning to rural employment sites and support long-term workforce placement for rural Alabama communities where workforce shortages are most severe.
Gap Support: to temporary financial assistance to participants between program completion and employment placement.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be Alabama residents who are at least 17 years old, possess a high school diploma, GED, or be a graduating senior and meet Alabama Fire College enrollment requirements for the Life-Paced EMT/AEMT program. Priority consideration will be given to applicants residing in rural and medically underserved communities, particularly within Alabama's Black Belt region and those demonstrating barriers to higher education or a commitment to serving their local communities.
Program Requirements
- Meet Alabama Fire College acceptance requirements.
- Reside in the designated service area or establish residency within 60 days.
- Meet all UAB and Children’s of Alabama program participation requirements.
- Complete required certification and licensure exams within six to eight months.
- Commit to five years of EMS service in rural Alabama.
Preference may be given to participants who plan to serve in the communities where they live.
Communities We Serve
Training and Career Development
Participants complete EMS training through the Alabama Fire College while receiving hands-on experience, credential support, mentorship and career preparation.
N.E.X.T. EMS is designed to help create a sustainable pathway from EMS education to employment while strengthening Alabama’s rural emergency health care workforce.
N.E.X.T. EMS is funded by Rural Health Transformation