16 Newly Trained Men And Women Become EMTs In A Time Where More People Are Needed In EMS
MANCHESTER, NH - Manchester Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cashin joined American Medical Response (AMR) recently to congratulate the first class of EMTs that trained through AMR’s Earn While You Learn program in Manchester.
Sixteen graduates were celebrated at the Manchester Fire Station, eight of which were hired as full-time EMTs and eight that are part-time for AMR Manchester. The announcement comes as the country faces a critical EMS shortage.
Over the last 12 weeks, many of the Earn While You Learn classes were taught at City of Manchester fire stations across the city.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside these future lifesavers who have demonstrated a strong commitment to our citizens and community,” said Manchester Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cashin. “Taking on this role with AMR is a fantastic opportunity to succeed and guide you on a lifelong career path in EMS.”
Sixteen students graduated from the academy, and 56 percent of the class is female, diversity and inclusion are a major part of the program.
“As the pandemic continues, so does the need for more help on the frontlines,” said Patrick Pickering, AMR Northeast Regional Director. “It says a lot about the character of those who applied for, attended, and successfully completed the Earn While You Learn program to become an EMT at a time of such shortages in EMS. AMR is proud to partner with the City of Manchester to promote full-time and part-time job opportunities for its residents.”
AMR’s Earn While You Learn program was the perfect fit for Jocelyn Long, an Earn While You Learn graduate with three children.
“As a mom to three amazing children, it was hard to enroll in school and take a hit financially while having to find the time to work between classes,” Long said. “That's where AMR's Earn While You Learn academy came in. I had an opportunity to get paid to train to finally become a full-time EMT, with the opportunity to become a paramedic in the future.”
AMR announced and hired the first group of Earn While You Learn EMT students in the Summer of 2021. The three-month program has made a career in emergency medical services more accessible, ensuring that a candidate is financially secure while in training.
The eight full-time graduates are Garrett Constant of Bedford, Connor Goodwin of Nashua, Amanda Larry of Dover, Jocelyn Long of Concord, Shaun McDermott of Nashua, Alexis Messerschmidt of Derry, Victor Rosario of White River Junction, VT, and Grace Stone of Londonderry.
The eight part-time graduates are Talia Thurber of Nashua, Vincent Cleare of Londonderry, Colby Laporte of Manchester, Cheyenne Pomerleau of Manchester, Jordan Royston of Merrimack, Colby Campbell of Hooksett, Crysta Messiha of Pembroke, and RoseMarie Oakes of Northfield.
Earn While You Learn participants are hired as employees and compensated while attending the EMT-Basic certification course. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining their state certification, participants are promoted to EMT-B, with a commensurate pay increase.
AMR is currently looking for new recruits for upcoming Earn While You Learn academies in Manchester, Nashua New Hampshire, and Springfield, Worcester, and Marlborough Massachusetts. For additional information, or to sign up for the academy, please visit
Additional photos of the graduation and free downloads CLICK HERE
