Overview
Saint Paul Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy is a tuition-free emergency medical technician (EMT) certification program. Candidates receive pay for training, learn about careers in public safety, and gain skills and certifications required to start careers in EMS. Upon completion of the 12 weeks of paid training, graduates earn National EMT certification, and job competency training.
The EMS Academy is designed for low-income, underrepresented communities, and women residents of Saint Paul or Ramsey County. Recruitment is targeted to youth of diverse ethnicity, linguistic ability, and cultural experience, with the goal of building an EMS workforce reflective of Saint Paul’s communities.
In 2026, the EMS Academy is celebrating its 17-year Anniversary and graduated its 27th class with 9 graduates in the 2026A class. In total the EMS Academy has had 395 graduates since starting in 2009. Graduates have gone on to paramedic school, worked in local hospitals and emergency rooms, been hired by the Saint Paul Fire BLS Division, or hired by other metro area ambulance services. 24 EMS academy graduates have gone on to be Saint Paul Firefighters
Pictured is the graduating class of 2026-A along with the people and organizations that made this class possible. This class was in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, Century College, and Blaze Credit Union.
To learn more about the EMS Academy, view our promotional video.
EMS Academy
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Future EMS Academy Class Offerings
Fall 2026: EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) class in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools for high school students. The EMR course will meet from 1:15 P.M. to 2:45 P.M. Offered in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools. Participation is open to high school seniors who receive approval from their school counselor.
Beginning February 1, 2027, the EMS Academy will offer the following courses through Saint Paul Public Schools:
Spring 2027:
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
The EMR course will meet from 1:15 P.M. to 2:45 P.M. High school seniors must receive approval from their school counselor to participate.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Students interested in the EMT course must meet PSEO eligibility requirements and receive confirmation and approval from their school counselor.
Summer and Fall EMS Academy Programs
The Summer and Fall EMS Academy programs are City of Saint Paul-run programs offered in partnership with Regions Hospital and Right Track.
The Summer EMS Academy will begin June 14 and run through August. Applications for the summer program will open in March.
The Fall EMS Academy will begin September 13th and run through November. Applications for the fall program will open in June.
Additional information regarding eligibility, application requirements, and program dates will be provided when applications open.
Application Criteria: Saint Paul residents ages 18-24, with a high school diploma or GED, from low-income or underrepresented communities, will have the opportunity to apply through Right Track and participate in this fall offering.
**For more information visit the Right Track website at: City of Saint Paul - RightTrack
*All course graduates receive 9 college credits or can receive articulation paperwork for credit. Right track and Ramsey County receive stipends as they are adult programs. All candidates must pass a DHS background check. EMS Academy is offered in partnership with Right Track, Saint Paul Public Schools, and Ramsey County.
