Crozer Health is working to reduce a critical shortage of EMTs nationwide with a new training facility, writes John George for Philadelphia Business Journal.

The Delaware County health system opened the Emergency Medical Services Training Institute at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland.

 “There is a critical shortage of EMTs, not only in our region but across the United States, and the key reason is the lack of training opportunities,” said Dr. William Boyer, chief academic officer at Crozer Health.

The new Institute will be in the Chief Robert Reeder Multidisciplinary Simulation and Education Center.

Low pay and the stress and demand of COVID-1i9 are also contributing to the shortage.

Annual pay for EMTS and paramedics was $36,650 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Institute will start conducting EMT training courses next month along with EMS certification and continuing education courses. 

The institute will use i “both an educational and workforce development strategy,” Boyer said.

Trainees will start in the classroom, then participate in simulations and clinical rotations.

Institute students can receive 62 college credits through Crozer’s partnership with Widener University’s bachelor of science in health sciences degree program.

Read more at Philadelphia Business Journal about Crozer Keystone’s new EMT training program.

Check out this accident simulation for Harrisburg Area Community College EMT students in training.