The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Academy is a 14 week, 240 hour EMT certification and job competency program that produces graduates eligible to take the EMT certification test and the St. Paul Firefighter entrance exam.  This Academy was made possible through collaboration efforts of the Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Department YJC Program, SPFD, St. Paul HREEO Department & Inver Hills Community College. The EMS Academy is for applicants ages to 18 to 24.

                                          

The EMS Academy provides a unique opportunity for at-risk young adults to serve their community. Students accepted into the academy are given the chance to earn wages while being trained, something that is often a financial road block to furthering their professional career. Once they’ve graduated, the students fill the void of minimal diverse Emergency Medical Technicians in their communities. The added benefit of some of the students’ bilingual skills is invaluable to fire departments and the health care field. The 14 week program pays each student $7.50 an hour, for 16-20 hours a week. This provides a head start on filling their needs. Not only does this program educate and financially contribute to these students, it gives them the confidence in skills that are valuable to the community.