Earn While You Learn: Kickstart Your Healthcare Career at UVA
Embarking on a new career can often feel daunting, especially in healthcare, where the barriers to entry often include lengthy educational requirements and significant financial commitments. The University of Virginia’s (UVA) "Earn While You Learn" program, launched in 2022, aims to change that narrative by offering aspiring healthcare professionals the opportunity to gain real-world training, competitive pay, and full-time benefits—all while preparing for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
If you're looking for a chance to start fresh, switch careers, or dive into a field that makes a difference, UVA's innovative program is the perfect gateway. Here's everything you need to know about this initiative, the opportunities it provides, and how it can shape your future.
What Is "Earn While You Learn"?
The "Earn While You Learn" program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide structured training and hands-on experience while paying participants a full-time salary, offering comprehensive benefits, and covering the costs of tuition. Unlike traditional education pathways, this program eliminates financial barriers and ensures that trainees can focus on their studies and career development without the stress of debt or unpaid internships.
Minimum requirements for applicants are simple: a high school diploma or GED. No prior healthcare experience is necessary, making this program accessible to a wide range of individuals. Whether you’re a recent graduate, someone looking to change careers, or a professional seeking a fresh start, UVA’s program offers the perfect platform to grow.
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program
One of the standout training tracks under "Earn While You Learn" is the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. This three-month program is designed to prepare trainees to provide basic emergency medical care, both within a hospital setting and in the field, such as on ambulances.
What Does an EMT Do?
An EMT is trained to respond to medical emergencies, deliver essential care, and safely transport patients. Traditionally, EMTs have worked primarily in ambulances, but at UVA, their roles are expanding into hospital departments such as the Emergency Department (ED) and Medical Transport Network, giving participants a broader scope of practice and career options.
How the Program Works
UVA’s EMT training program provides a well-rounded learning experience through a mix of coursework, on-the-job training, and departmental rotations. Here’s a breakdown of how the program operates:
Employment While Training:
Trainees are hired as full-time employees, earning a competitive salary while undergoing their training. Additionally, participants receive UVA’s comprehensive benefits package, which is valued at approximately 30% of their salary.
Coursework and Rotations:
Half of the trainee’s workweek is dedicated to completing coursework, including virtual education and hands-on labs.
The other half involves rotations through various departments, such as the Emergency Department, intensive care units, radiology, psychiatry, and medical transport. This allows trainees to explore different areas of healthcare and gain a deeper understanding of potential career paths.
High-Quality Training:
The program follows national standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is overseen by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. With a rigorous curriculum that includes anatomy, patient assessment, pharmacology, disaster management, and more, graduates are fully equipped to handle real-world medical emergencies.
Supportive Learning Environment:
Lab sessions are conducted with a 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention.
Patient care training uses high-fidelity mannequins and maintains a 1:2 instructor-to-student ratio for hands-on practice.
Career Pathways and Long-Term Growth
One of the program’s key benefits is the long-term career potential it unlocks. While many participants choose to work as EMTs, others use the program as a springboard for further education and specialization.
Advanced Career Options for EMTs:
Advanced EMT or Paramedic: With additional training, EMTs can advance to roles with greater responsibilities, such as administering medications and managing critical care scenarios.
Critical Care Paramedic: This role involves providing advanced care to critically ill or injured patients during transport.
Healthcare Careers Beyond EMT:
Many program participants use their experience as an EMT to transition into other healthcare roles, such as:
Nursing: A natural next step for those interested in patient care and clinical practice.
Radiology Technology: Specializing in diagnostic imaging techniques.
Respiratory Therapy: Assisting patients with breathing-related conditions.
With UVA’s commitment to education and professional development, participants have access to resources like tuition support, making it easier to pursue further certifications or degrees.
Why Choose "Earn While You Learn"?
Financial Security and Stability
The program removes financial barriers by covering training costs and providing a full-time salary with benefits during the learning process. For individuals who might otherwise be deterred by the high cost of traditional education, this initiative offers an accessible alternative.
Comprehensive Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, trainees receive UVA’s robust benefits package, which includes health insurance, retirement savings plans, and more.
Diversity and Inclusion
UVA’s "Earn While You Learn" program welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, fostering an environment of inclusivity and support.
Job Security and Fulfillment
Upon completing the program, participants are well-positioned to secure employment within UVA Health, one of the nation’s premier academic health systems. The work itself is incredibly fulfilling, as EMTs and healthcare professionals have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives every day.
Preparing for the Future
The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, with demand for skilled professionals increasing each year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031, adding thousands of new jobs.
The "Earn While You Learn" program positions participants to take advantage of these opportunities while also equipping them with skills that are transferable across various healthcare roles. Whether your ultimate goal is to remain an EMT or to branch into nursing, radiology, or another specialty, the program provides a solid foundation for success.
Join the UVA Community
UVA Health is more than just a workplace—it’s a community of dedicated professionals who prioritize growth, collaboration, and excellence in patient care. The "Earn While You Learn" program reflects these values, offering participants not only a job but a chance to build a fulfilling career.
If you’re ready to start a journey that combines earning, learning, and making a difference, there’s no better time to apply. Take the first step toward a brighter future with UVA’s "Earn While You Learn" program—and begin transforming lives, including your own.
Your future in healthcare starts here.
- Earn While You Learn: (Course)