Media Contact:
Rebecca Tennille
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501–786-0525

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEMS Rookie 44 Class Begins Today

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 15, 2022) – Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) began its 44^th Rookie Class today. Fourteen recruits from across Central Arkansas made it through initial screenings and testing to begin the eight-week training program. This recruiting class includes two members of the North Little Rock Fire Department.

Through a partnership with South Arkansas Community College, MEMS offers college credit at its headquarters for EMT training.  MEMS EMT-B training, otherwise known as Rookie School, is usually held twice each year as staffing needs occur.  Classes and deadlines to apply will be announced prior to the anticipated start date. 

“This class is incredibly strong and diverse,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “This class is made up of ten new recruits, two MEMS Emergency Vehicle Operators and two North Little Rock Firefighters. It is very important for the health and safety of our community to have qualified EMT’s available, and I could not be prouder of this class.”

Rookies must meet the following minimum requirements in order to receive consideration for the MEMS EMT Rookie School:

1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
2. Possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license
3. Meet age requirement as defined by MEMS automobile insurance carrier, currently at age 19
4. Must have an acceptable driving record as defined by MEMS automobile insurance carrier and provide a Motor Vehicle Record from the Department of Finance and Administration
5. Must be physically fit at outlined on the Physical Agility Test, based on job specifics
6. Must take the Accuplacer test, consisting of writing, reading, and elementary Algebra
7. Must be admissible to the South Arkansas Community College
8. Must pass a drug test
9. Must have pass a criminal background check from the Arkansas State Police Headquarters

Suitable and qualified candidates are selected for Rookie School and are paid an hourly rate while going through our full-time, eight-week in-house EMT training. After successful completion and obtaining Arkansas and national licenses, students are extended full-time employment and are eligible to bid for a full-time shift and be a part of an ambulance crew.

Licensed EMT’s, with no experience, receive a starting base annual salary of $32,000 with full benefits and $34,340 after one year. (Hourly rate is calculated based on assigned shift.)

If you would like to be considered for Rookie School and have questions or need assistance completing the online application, please feel free to contact MEMS HR Department at 501.301.1468 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Front Row: Madison Jacobs of Little Rock; Kassidy Bowden of East End; Brittany Culpepper of Mabelvale; NLR Firefighter Nick Walker of Greenbrier.
Middle Row: Adrian Santos of Cabot; William Tennille of Little Rock; Cody Foster of Conway; Griffin Hopkins of Benton; Kara Hunker of Malvern;
Top Row: Clayton Huggs of Benton; Barney Clark of Little Rock; Aaron Beam of Little Rock; NLR Firefighter Mickey Dean of Little Rock; Jacob Harris of Vilonia.

About MEMS
MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. 

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