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 2025, the EMS Academy is celebrating its 16-year Anniversary, and graduated its 25th class. In total the EMS Academy has had 370 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. 21 EMS academy graduates have gone on to be Saint Paul Firefighters
Pictured is the graduating class of 2025-A. This class was in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools. The eight graduates represent six SPPS high schools.
To learn more about the EMS Academy, view our promotional video.
EMS Academy
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Future EMS Academy Class Offerings
January – March 2025: High School Senior in Saint Paul Public Schools, who have a 2.5GPA, have taken a PSEO course previously or who have taken an AP course with a passing grade will have the ability to participate in the EMS academy through school. Please see your High School Counselor for more information.
Fall 2025: ***Applications are now open for the 2025-B EMS Academy. Class will run September 3, 2025- November 12, 2025. Class days will be Wednesday-Friday. Here are important dates for this class:
- Applications open: June 2nd-July 18th
- Interviews held: July 29th and July 31st
- Selection Process: August 4th-August 8th
- Class acceptance communicated: August 9th
- Class runs: Wednesday-Friday, September 3rd-November 12th
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.
