St. Louis, MO – April 7, 2023 - Abbott EMS is offering an "Earn While You Learn" program that pays its students to learn and guarantees them a job upon completion. The eight-week program, Monday through Friday, combines classroom instruction with clinical time, and students are paid as full-time employees.

The program covers the cost of books, supplies, and uniforms, and guarantees a minimum of 40 hours of work per week. Additionally, ambulances and working EMTs are always on site to provide students with hands-on experience.

The program is designed to train students so that upon graduation they can join the Abbott team as qualified EMTs.  Students speak highly of the program, citing the support, the diverse and welcoming environment, and the guarantee of a job with a pay raise upon completion.

The job of an EMT is to help people in dire situations at the front lines. Becoming an EMT is an opportunity to make a big impact on the lives of others and in the community.

Jaycena Woolens, an EMT with Abbott, said she loves the job because it allows her to help people and make someone's worst day better.

Dominique Preston, also an EMT with Abbott, said getting somebody to the hospital stable when it's a 9-1-1 call satisfies his heart. He added that working for Abbott is the best job he has ever had.

The Earn While You Learn program has been a godsend for many students, especially those with families, who would otherwise be unable to afford to go to college and who must worry about benefits and putting food on the table.

Joe Grygiel, who heads the program, said they solved all those problems for the students by paying them full-time to attend the eight-week program, and guaranteeing them a job when they complete the course.

Grygiel said they take care of everything for the students, and all they ask for is their hard work, dedication, and positive attitude.

Ashonni Limbs, one of the students in the program, said she looked up Abbott and was told about the Earn While You Learn program. She added that the program gave her the experience she needed to start a career in the healthcare field. The program is open to anyone interested in becoming an EMT and is a start in a career in the healthcare field that could lead to other opportunities.

--Julie Tristan, STORYSMART