Workforce Vision:
To build a scalable, rural-first workforce ecosystem that:
- Produces locally trained healthcare professionals
- Aligns education with real-world rural workforce needs
- Stabilizes EMS and MIH-CP staffing across all regions
- Supports long-term retention through incentives and service pathways
Jump to:
- Who Can Apply
- Key Funding Details
- Resources For Your Application
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Technical Assistance / Contact Us
Who Can Apply:
You must be an accredited training entity in Missouri and Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), for AEMT, Paramedic, and Community Paramedic that provides one or more of the following programs:
- EMT
- AEMT
- Paramedic
- Community Paramedic (CP)
- Community Health Worker (CHW)
Priority criteria for participation
- Located in rural RHT-designated areas
- Serving multi-county rural regions
- Demonstrated EMS/MIH workforce alignment
- Active partnerships with local agencies
Key Funding Details:
Because there is a limited number of entities eligible for funding, Workforce Development funding will NOT be awarded through a competitive application process. All eligible entities may participate.
You must use funding to expand the capacity of the EMS and/or MIH-CP workforce. You must use funding to increase the number of students certified or licensed to provide EMS and/or MIH-CP services, either to enter the workforce or for workforce advancement in the following programs:
- EMT
- AEMT
- Paramedic
- Community Paramedic (CP)
- Community Health Worker (CHW)
Funding priority will be given to training programs serving rural areas as identified in the RHT Hub regions, with priority given to rural training programs located in those geographic regions. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
We expect to award funding to training programs providing services that increase EMT and CHW certification. You may request up to $50,000 for the first year of the five-year period of performance and commit to enroll and graduate no fewer than 15 students per semester in either the EMT program, CHW program, or the two programs combined. Future funding will be available, contingent upon federal and state funding.
MEMSA anticipates future funding opportunities may be made available, subject to federal and state funding, program approval, satisfactory performance, compliance with award terms, and MEMSA’s discretion.
We expect to award an estimated $1.25 million in scholarship funding across multiple training programs that provide services to increase AEMT certification, paramedic licensure, and community paramedic licensure endorsement. Funding is based on a cost-based scholarship per student, multiplied by the number of students estimated to be enrolled and graduated from the program. The cost-based scholarship will be based on the cost of tuition, books, fees, and wraparound support for course completion and may include indirect, equipment, etc., but the total cost per student CANNOT exceed budgeted caps per program.
Note: Anticipated funding amounts, award ranges, per-student caps, and number of awards are estimates only and subject to change based on funding availability, final program requirements, application volume, applicant readiness, budget review, and applicable federal and state requirements.
Allowable costs may include indirect costs, equipment, supplies, instructional resources, and other approved program expenses, provided the total cost per student does not exceed the established budget caps for each program.
All eligible programs will receive outreach from the Missouri EMS Association about interest in participating. If interested, an agreement between the Missouri EMS Association and the training program will be initiated that outlines expected deliverables and funding commitments.
Resources for Your Application
- Map of RHT Hub Regions (Rural Counties)
- Workforce Training Program Agreement and Application (PDF for printing and review)
- Workforce Training Program Agreement and Application (online application)
- Student Scholarship Application (Word or PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Read this along with the RHT EMS Workforce Development and Sustainability Request for Application (RFA).
Workforce Development Services
What entities and personnel can deliver Workforce Development services?
Workforce Development services may be led by rural Missouri entities accredited to provide:
- EMT and A-EMT training and education to achieve certification
- CHW training and education to achieve certification
- Paramedic training and education to achieve licensure
- Community Paramedic training and education to achieve endorsement on licensure
If there is no rural entity capable of providing training in a specific rural area, an urban entity that has rural satellite services may be eligible to apply.
How must Workforce Development services be provided?
- For funding, you must provide education and training services each semester for a specified number of students, who, upon certification, licensure, or licensure endorsement, will serve in rural areas of Missouri. Services will be provided under contract by the Missouri EMS Association. You must document and report on services that follow federal standard reporting requirements.
- >70% successful course completion rate (CoAEMSP standard for AEMT and Paramedics, will adopt for EMT, CHW, and CP to remain consistent).
- Meet or exceed NREMT standards for national certification exam pass rates (EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic). NREMT Maps
- >70% licensure rate (CoAEMSP standard for AEMT and Paramedics, will adopt for EMT, CHW, and CP to remain consistent).
- >70% job placement rate (CoAEMSP standard for AEMT and Paramedics, will adopt for EMT, CHW, and CP to remain consistent).
- Track licensure via different regulatory authorities (BPL for CHW; NREMT for EMT, AEMT, Paramedic; BEMS for EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, and CP).
- Track job placement of those who completed the course and were successfully licensed.
- Remove Barriers to Entry. Provide full-spectrum support to students, including:
- Tuition coverage
- Books and supplies
- Certification and licensing fees
- Stipends (as appropriate)
- Establish a Rural Service Commitment Model. Require a 5-year rural service commitment for AEMT, Paramedic, and Community Paramedic graduates. Each training program must ensure that students participating in funded programs sign a student agreement committing to full-time employment in a rural area within Missouri. Templates for consideration or modification will be provided if your program is awarded funding. By signing the agreement, the student understands that repayment of the scholarship is a possibility if the commitment is not honored.
Who can benefit from Workforce Development services?
Many individuals in Missouri can benefit from workforce development services. RHT places a special focus on:
- Rural students
- Non-traditional learners
- Incumbent workforce upskilling
How will I report data on enrollment, completion rates, and work placement?
Reporting mechanisms are under development. It is anticipated that a portal will be developed and modeled much like CoA or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). More information on reporting processes will be shared as processes are developed and finalized.
Is this a 5-year grant?
Yes, this is a 5-year grant. However, it must be appropriated annually, and the budget will change each year. Training entities will be required to request the funding each year.
Will EMT funding be every semester or just in the Fall?
You will receive EMT funding for every cohort/semester. As long as you meet the minimum requirements per the contract.
For CoAEMSP and BEMS reporting, if the standards are not met, does the site lose the money, or are you using it for reporting purposes?
We will have the same standards as CoA and state. It will be used for reporting. Quality/process improvement plans will need to be put in place for those that fall below minimum standards.
Allowable Uses of Funds
What are some allowable uses of RHT Workforce Development funds?
Funding will focus on communities with the greatest need and be distributed by MEMSA through contracted agreements with educational institutions or training programs. Funds may be used for instructors, required supplies, curriculum delivery, and program capacity. Program funding should reduce barriers to entry and strengthen long-term rural workforce infrastructure. Examples of eligible use of funds include:
- Hiring or contracting with qualified educators
- Offering student scholarships for participation in the Advanced EMT (A-EMT), Paramedic, and/or Community Paramedic programs
- Developing promotion and recruitment materials.
- Purchasing supplies and wraparound supports that promote student retention through course completion.
- Assisting students with certification and licensure costs.
- Purchasing supplies/equipment needed to conduct training and education.
NOTE: The cost per student may not exceed the caps listed in the negotiated agreement.
Can I use Workforce Development funds to pay for health information technology (health IT)?
Yes, if it will support Workforce Development education and training opportunities. Examples include:
- Digital tools to improve student engagement, such as technology-supported education.
- Learning management software subscriptions for tracking and monitoring training and education-related data.
NOTE: The cost per student may not exceed the caps listed in the negotiated agreement.
Can I use Workforce Development funds to deliver online EMS education and training services in the EMS programs eligible for support?
Yes. Funds can be used to support the provision of education and training services through both online and in-seat programs, if programming meets federal and state education standards.
NOTE: The cost per student may not exceed the caps listed in the negotiated agreement.
Can I use Workforce Development funding for recruitment incentives to secure qualified personnel for this project?
Yes. For programs offering training and education for A-EMT, Paramedic and Community Paramedic programs, you may include recruitment incentives in a salary package that you support with Workforce Development funding. You should calculate these costs into the cost-based scholarship calculation per student.
NOTE: The cost per student may not exceed the caps listed in the negotiated agreement.
Budget Requirements
How much funding can I request in Year 1 of the RHT program?
For training and education programs offering training and education for EMT and CHW, you can request up to $50,000 in Workforce Development funding per course offered. The courses must commence within the RHT fiscal year (August 2026 through July 2027).
For training and education programs offering training and education for A-EMTs, you can request between $2,500 to $5,000 per student to provide scholarships to support the initial education of 25 current EMT-Basics to the level of Advanced EMTs. Scholarships must include funding for tuition, books, uniforms, and required supplies. Any student receiving a scholarship must commit to working in a rural county as defined by RHT for five years.
For training and education programs offering training and education for Paramedics, you can request between $12,000 to $20,000 per student for programs ranging from 18-24 months in length, to provide scholarships to support 100 current EMT-Basics or Advanced EMT’s to the level of Paramedic. Scholarships must include funding for tuition, books, uniforms, and required supplies.
For training and education -programs offering training and education for Community Paramedics, you can request between $1,000 to $2,000 per student to provide tuition assistance to support the training of 50 current licensed Paramedics to be eligible for their Community Paramedic license endorsement. Scholarships must include funding for tuition, books, uniforms, and required supplies. Any student receiving a scholarship must commit to working in a rural county for five years, as defined by RHT. The courses must commence
The full scholarship award will be paid directly to the education program upon student enrollment in the program. Note: Education Programs must invoice the Missouri EMS Association in a timely manner to ensure accountability and prompt payment. Future scholarship funding may be delayed if invoices for prior semesters have not be accounted for and invoiced. Any student receiving a scholarship must commit to working in a rural county for five years, as defined by RHT. Each training program must ensure that students participating in funded programs sign a student agreement committing to full-time employment in a rural area within Missouri. Templates for consideration or modification will be provided if your program is awarded funding. By signing the agreement, the student understands that repayment of the scholarship is a possibility if the commitment is not honored. The courses must commence within the RHT fiscal year (August 2026 through July 2027).
What equipment may I purchase with Workforce Development funding?
Funds can be used to support the purchase of education and training equipment for programming to meet federal and state education standards.
NOTE: The cost per student may not exceed the caps listed for each specific scholarship program. See question above: “How much funding can I request in Year 1 of the RHT program?”
Scholarships
Will students have to sign a contract to receive money?
The students will not receive any money. All money will be paid directly to the college. Yes, there will be a contract for Paramedics, Community Paramedics, and AEMTs to work in a rural area for a certain period. It will also request repayment if they drop after the drop date.
How is eligibility determined for rural scholarships?
- The student lives or works in the field of study in a designated RHTP rural county
- The student enrolls in an approved RHTP training program
- The student agrees they will work in their field of study in a designated RHTP rural county following completion of studies
If a student withdraws or otherwise becomes ineligible and must return the scholarship funds, to whom are the funds returned?
Since scholarship funds are awarded to the Training Center, the Training Center is responsible for collecting repayments from students for the course they withdrew from or failed to complete. If a student repayment is collected, the Training Center must issue the funds back to the Missouri EMS Association. If the Training Center is unable to collect the repayment, the Training Center must demonstrate to the Missouri EMS Association the attempts made to collect the repayment following the Training Center’s established policies. [updated 10/8/2026]
If a student lives in a Missouri metropolitan county (not an approved RHTP rural area), and works in a bordering state, are they eligible for RHT scholarship if they are attending an approved RHTP training center?
No. Missouri RHTP funds are intended to support students working in Missouri rural counties only. Students must also commit to working in a Missouri rural county for five-years if they are awarded a scholarship. [updated 10/8/2026]
If a student lives in a bordering state but works for a rural ambulance district/service in Missouri, are they eligible for scholarship funds from an approved RHTP training center?
Yes. A student residing in a bordering state but working in Missouri and who commits to working in a rural area of Missouri for five years is eligible for a scholarship from an approved RHTP training center. [updated 10/8/2026]
As an approved RHTP Training Center, should each scholarship recipient sign the Training Center’s normal student financial/enrollment agreement showing the full tuition amount and acknowledging responsibility for payment if their RHTP funding becomes unavailable, or the student withdraws/does not complete the training program?
The Missouri EMS Association does not have any influence over whether a Training Center initiates a repayment agreement with the student other than the student’s commitment to serve in a rural Missouri community for five years if awarded a scholarship. The Missouri EMS Association’s agreement for RHTP scholarship funding is with the Training Center. The RHTP funding will only be issued for the number of students that are enrolled in the program through the drop date for full refund. If a student drops following the full refund date, withdraws, or fails to complete the course, the Training Center is responsible for collecting the scholarship repayment from the student. If a student repayment is collected, the Training Center must issue the funds back to the Missouri EMS Association for reallocation through the RHT program. If the Training Center is unable to collect the repayment, the Training Center must demonstrate to the Missouri EMS Association the attempts made to collect the repayment following the Training Center’s established policies. [updated 10/8/2026]
Other
Will I undergo an audit as a result of funding?
You are encouraged to seek counsel from your CPA about whether any funding awarded from RHT will have an impact on your threshold for triggering a single audit. You are encouraged to explore further education on audit requirements, particularly if funding will trigger a single audit. You may also need to consider the costs of a single audit when applying for RHT funding.
When the agreement between MEMSA and the training program or institution is finalized, where will funding/payment(s) be sent?
The funding/payment will be sent to the authorized signer listed in the signed agreement between MEMSA and the training program or institution, unless otherwise stated in the agreement. Agreements are required to be signed by an authorized official. If the funds are to be sent to an individual other than the authorized signer, that information should be supplied in the agreement as the “Financial Contact” or “Business Services Contact”, with an email address and phone number provided for the individual. If the institution has a specific department for this purpose, this information should also be provided in the agreement. For example: Financial Contact: Jane Smith, Financial Aid Department, Jane_Smith@emailaddress.edu, (###) ###-####.
Find Technical Assistance / Contact Us
If you have a question about the following or the RHTP funding for Workforce Development & Sustainability, please send your inquiry to the attention of Shelby Cox, Program Lead, Workforce & Sustainability Pillar, at rhtp@memsa.org. Please use this address, as it is the official portal for RHTP inquiries.
Disclaimer
This webpage is intended as a summary only. The applicable Request for Application, award agreement, federal and state requirements, and any MEMSA-issued written guidance control in the event of any inconsistency. MEMSA reserves the right to modify, clarify, suspend, or cancel funding opportunities, requirements, award amounts, timelines, or allowable uses as required by law, funding availability, program requirements, or administrative need.
MEMSA may reject applications that are incomplete, nonresponsive, inaccurate, late, or inconsistent with program requirements. MEMSA may request clarifications, negotiate budgets, impose conditions, reduce requested amounts, or decline to fund any application. Applicants and awardees must comply with applicable conflict-of-interest, nondiscrimination, procurement, privacy, reporting, and record-retention requirements.