How to Start an NEMT Business in Pennsylvania: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-by-State Series
1 | Recruit the Right People for Your NEMT Team Focus on recruiting individuals who not only possess soft skills like having empathy and compassion, but also are familiar with Pennsylvania’s geography, from urban centers like Pittsburgh to rural areas like the Poconos. Local job boards, state workforce programs and networking at community colleges like Lehigh or Penn State can help you find the right candidates. You might also connect with specialized training programs or local vocational schools to find eager individuals who are ready to learn the ropes of NEMT services. By hiring locally, you can build a team that knows their way around and is passionate about serving the community.
2 | Provide Comprehensive Training With Pennsylvania’s varied weather conditions — from snow in the winter to hot, humid summers — your drivers need to be prepared for anything. Training should cover safe driving techniques, ADA compliance, and passenger care, including how to assist those with mobility challenges or medical needs. In addition, ensuring that your team is familiar with local healthcare facilities and understands long-haul routes — like trips between Scranton and Harrisburg — is essential. Provide sensitivity and customer service training, and foster empathy and patience to ensure your team makes passengers feel comfortable, cared for and, most importantly, valued.
3 | Create a Strong, Positive Team Culture The backbone of a successful NEMT operation is a supportive, motivated team. Keep communication lines open and encourage a culture of respect, recognition and teamwork. Offer incentives or recognition for jobs well done, and consider team-building activities that can help foster camaraderie, such as attending a Pittsburgh Steelers game or participating in a local charity event together. By creating a work environment that values both professional skills and interpersonal connections, you’ll retain talented employees and ensure a happier, more productive team. A positive workplace results in happy drivers and even happier passengers!
By assembling a team of skilled, compassionate professionals who are well-equipped to handle Pennsylvania’s diverse roads and weather, your NEMT business will be ready to take on any challenge.
Ready to take your NEMT business to the next level? In Part 7 , we’ll explore how to integrate technology into your operations to streamline your services across Pennsylvania. Or, head back to our Table of Contents for more insights on building your business in the Keystone State.
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