Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day delivers about 50 babies a year.

JOHN DAY — Area residents interested in becoming emergency medical technicians can sign up for a class that begins next week.

Blue Mountain Community College and the Blue Mountain Hospital District are teaming up to offer the EMT training course, which will be taught in John Day beginning Monday, Sept. 23.

This program offers a local opportunity for individuals to gain the skills and certification needed to enter the field of emergency medical services.

The EMT program will run for the fall and winter college terms, ending in March. Classes will be held from 5-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 8-11 a.m. Saturdays at Blue Mountain Hospital, 170 Ford Road.

There will be some flexibility for occasional virtual attendance on the weekday classes.

Options for tuition reimbursement and assistance are available. This includes the possibility of full tuition reimbursement from BMHD for students who complete the program, become certified EMTs, and commit to working or volunteering on the Blue Mountain Hospital District ambulance.

For more information about the EMT program, tuition assistance options, and the application process, contact Jesse Schaefer at Blue Mountain Community College-Grant County by phone at 541-575-1550 or by email at jschaefer@bluecc.edu.