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West Virginia Northern Community College receives $294,616 grant to fund paramedic training for eligible EMT s
Posted 07/13/26
West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) has been awarded $294,616 through the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the West Virginia EMS Workforce Education Grant, a statewide $1.8 million initiative funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The funding will help address critical workforce shortages in emergency medical services by providing eligible students with the opportunity to complete WVNCC's Paramedic Program, with the cost of tuition covered through the grant. The program's regular tuition is $6,999.
"This grant represents a tremendous opportunity for current EMTs to advance their careers while helping meet the growing demand for highly trained emergency medical professionals throughout our region," said Mike Freeman, EMS Program Director at WVNCC. "By removing financial barriers, we can help more individuals gain the skills needed to serve their communities and strengthen emergency healthcare services across West Virginia."
The grant is available to eligible individuals who hold a current West Virginia, Ohio, or National Registry EMT certification and meet WIOA eligibility requirements.
Before entering the Paramedic Program, students must complete WVNCC's Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology course, which runs August 3 through September 13. The course costs $249 and is not covered by the grant.
WVNCC's Paramedic Program begins September 21 and is a 14-month program offered two days per week. Both daytime and evening class options will be available to accommodate working professionals.
The West Virginia EMS Workforce Education Grant was awarded to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission by the U.S. Department of Labor and will support EMS workforce development efforts throughout the state over the next three years. The initiative is designed to expand access to EMS education, certification and employment opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The program will primarily serve unemployed and underemployed individuals, young adults, veterans, low-income residents, career changers and others facing barriers to employment. In addition to tuition assistance, eligible participants may receive support for uniforms, licensing fees, career coaching, job readiness training and job placement assistance.
To qualify for WIOA-funded services, participants must meet eligibility requirements established by the program. These may include income guidelines, employment status and other workforce-related criteria.
Interested in learning more about the grant or enrolling in WVNCC's Paramedic Program?
CONTACT:
Mike Freeman
mfreeman2@wvncc.edu
304-214-8980.
