Pella Career Academy to Offer EMT Training for High Schoolers

Partnership with Pella Ambulance will provide real-world emergency medical skills.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:23am

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The Career Academy of Pella is launching an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program for high school students, in partnership with the City of Pella. Pella Community Ambulance will provide the training, which will count toward a student's graduation following a full-semester program.

Why it matters

This program aims to address the nationwide shortage of EMTs and paramedics by providing hands-on training and certification for high school students, giving them a head start on a potential career in emergency medical services.

The details

The EMT curriculum will be the same as what Pella Community Ambulance teaches to adults, covering life-saving measures. There is a rigorous application process to ensure students are prepared for the subject matter and committed to completing the full semester. While based in the Pella School District, the class is open to any area private or public school.

  • The program will launch in the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Career Academy of Pella

A career and technical education program that provides high school students with hands-on learning opportunities.

Pella Community Ambulance

The local emergency medical services provider that will deliver the EMT training curriculum.

Adam Novac

A Critical Care Paramedic who will oversee the EMT training program.

Teri Vos

A representative from the Career Academy of Pella who manages the application process for the EMT program.

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What they’re saying

“The curriculum will be the same as what they teach to adults as it relates to life-saving measures.”

— Adam Novac, Critical Care Paramedic

“There is a fairly rigorous application process to ensure students are prepared for the subject and will stick through the semester.”

— Teri Vos, Representative, Career Academy of Pella

What’s next

The program will begin accepting applications from high school students in the Pella area in the spring of 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between the Career Academy of Pella and the local ambulance service provides a unique opportunity for high school students to gain real-world emergency medical skills and potentially jumpstart a career in the in-demand field of emergency services.