EMS major awarded Workforce Development Scholarship
Tyler Foust, 18, is graduating from Prior Lake High School in the Class of 2019. Tyler is set to begin his studies in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at Inver Hills Community College fall semester 2019 with the goal to earn his Traditional Track Paramedic Associate of Science (A.S.) degree and become a professional paramedic and firefighter.
Joining a wave of new students enrolling at Minnesota State colleges for fall semester 2019, Tyler received a $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarship. Minnesota State started the scholarship program in fall 2018 as a way to work with business and industry partners to supplement student scholarships in high-demand career fields.
New students earning an associate degree, diploma or certificate leading to employment in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services and information technology are eligible to receive the scholarship.
“I am honored to accept this scholarship,” Tyler said. “The funds will help pay for my schooling so that I can go on and help others in my community.”
Three words that describe you as a new college student:
EXCITED. HOPEFUL. DETERMINED.
Tyler chose Inver Hills because he liked the smaller-college feel and how helpful the staff were during his campus tour.
“I also have friends at Inver hills who enjoy the college and staff,” Tyler added. “Those students were also able to tell me how good the EMS program and professors are. Hearing this made me excited about the school.”
Tyler noted that when he looked into Inver Hills more in depth, he found that everything was well laid out—and that made getting started in his new program much easier.
“The admissions staff were helpful in every way,” he said. “They called me back to make sure I knew where all the information I needed was. That made me feel like they wanted me at their school, and they cared about my future education.”
Tyler competed in track and cross country in high school. He ran the 200 meter and 400 meter in track, clocking in at 51 seconds for the latter distance. He plans to work while going to college, holding a sales position at River Valley Running and possibly a camp leader role with the YMCA. His career goals are focused on working as a paramedic so that he can become a firefighter, ultimately a hotshot, but he’s open to working for an EMS service.
In his free time, Tyler enjoys hunting, fishing, running, rock-climbing, training with the Fire Explorers (Tyler was recently promoted to lieutenant), going to his cabin, and riding four-wheelers. He also helps out with volunteer groups. Tyler resides with his mom, dad and Abby, an 8-year-old black Lab in Prior Lake, Minnesota. His brother, Darrick, 24, works in the construction industry.
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
Care for sick and injured people in emergency situations.
WAGE
Seven-county Twin Cities metro
Median: $22.14/hour
High: $28.22/hourOUTLOOK
This career is currently in very high demand and is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. Growth rate is 13.5 percent, or well above the statewide average. There will be a need for about 4,221 new Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics to meet market demand between 2016–2026. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
More about EMS at Inver Hills…
First responders, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are primarily employed in the following locations:
- Public safety agencies
- Hospitals
- Private and public ambulance services
- Fire departments
Paramedics provide care in a variety of emergency medical and traumatic situations. With enough education or experience, EMTs and paramedics can become emergency service supervisors, managers, directors or executive directors. As a program graduate, you are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) written and practical exams to become certified nationally and in the state of Minnesota.
Learn more by visiting Emergency Medical Services.
Tyler Foust • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Running or rock climbing
Place you would most like to visit: 9/11 memorial in NYC- The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Going on missions trip with my best friends and getting to see so many new places and meet so many amazing people.
- First thing you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: Buy a huge ranch in Texas
- Favorite TV show you’re watching now: Chicago Fire
- Best movie you’ve seen lately: Only the Brave
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: To become a firefighter and paramedic, and help young kids find a love for it just like I have.
Your national bird if you could have one: Bald eagle- Dream occupation: Hotshot firefighter battling wildland fires
- Person you would most like to meet: Chris Kyle
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Lead climbing
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: People not loving each other—when this happens the rest fixes itself.
Learn more about the EMS program at Inver Hills by contacting:
Admissions Team
651-450-3000
College Center
Learn more about Workforce Development Scholarships by contacting:
Aaron Salasek
Director of Outreach and Recruitment
651-450-3611
Learn more about the Inver Hills Foundation by contacting:
Michelle Boe
Executive Director of Foundations & Community Relations
651-450-3519
Kimberly Shaff
Foundation Development Director
651-450-3512
