Sokolov launches paramedic training program with regional scholarship support

The Medical College (Vysoká škola zdravotnická) has launched a new paramedic training program in Sokolov to address the long-term shortage of healthcare workers in the region. The three-year bachelor's program combines theoretical instruction with 1,800 hours of professional practice.

To encourage graduates to remain in the Karlovy Vary Region, the regional government is offering a scholarship program. Up to 30 students per year can apply for funding that can cover up to 123,000 CZK over three years. In exchange, students must commit to working in the region for a period proportional to the scholarship received: one year of funding requires two years of local work, two years of funding requires four years, and three years of funding requires five years of service.

The regional government has allocated 1.23 million CZK for scholarships next year, with plans to increase this budget significantly through 2030. The program is designed to provide local access to higher education, allowing students to study without commuting, with many already working in medical facilities while pursuing their qualifications.