In early 2024, BCMH received $98,598.57 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The one-time grant included $16,800 for paramedic education, which covered nearly the full cost of training for EMTs Stephen Stark and Jesse Cowley.
Hospital leadership, with full board support, also chose to fund two additional scholarships using hospital resources, awarded to EMTs Joelene Smith and Cody Moore. Moore began training prior to the scholarship program and received full reimbursement from BCMH, along with support to complete his education.
Paramedic programs typically span 14 to 16 months and include classroom training, clinical hours, and field experience. Each scholarship recipient continues working shifts at BCMH and has committed to continued service after graduation.
“Paramedic training was always my plan, but life got in the way,” said Stark. “This is an opportunity to grow and pursue more advanced work, including disaster response.”
Smith added, “I’m grateful to BCMH for helping me further my education, not just for myself, but for my family and for the community I’ve come to love.”
“This is a smart investment in people,” said Kristina Anderson, BCMH HR Director. “We’re addressing staffing challenges and helping our EMTs grow their careers—all while reducing the cost and reliance on agency staffing.”
BCMH continues to invest in hard-to-fill clinical roles, including tuition reimbursement for newly licensed nurses. These efforts are part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care close to home.
Read the full story on our website: https://bcmhospital.com/bcmh-invests-in-paramedic-training/
