City Academy

Q: Are there any additional eligibility considerations?

A: In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, City Academy candidates will need to:

• pass a reading comprehension test, and
• be prepared to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) review.

Q: If I don't have a driver's license, can I get one before the program starts?

A: Boston EMS prefers candidates who already have their license. If you are in the process of getting a driver’s license and want to apply for the program, please contact City Academy staff at CityAcademy@boston.gov for more information.

Q: What is considered a "good" driving record for the purposes of the program?

A: Within the last FIVE (5) years, you can't have any "driving to endanger" or operating under the influence (OUI) violations, citations, or suspensions. Within the last THREE years, you can't have three or more:

• moving violations
• citations
• suspensions. or
• accidents assessed as a surcharge.

Q: What is the READing competency necessary to participate in the program?

A: Applicants will need to demonstrate English reading comprehension on the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) reading test. You can review information and practice test questions on the TABE testing tool found online. This is just one of many online resources you are welcome to use.

Q: Will the program accept a non-U.S. high school diploma?

A: Yes. However, as outlined above, participants will need to demonstrate English reading comprehension on the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education). If you have a translation of your diploma, please bring both a copy of the document and the translation when contacted for an interview.

Q: Is a high school senior who will be graduating in June eligible for the program?

A: Yes. As long as you are on track to graduate, you are eligible to apply for the program. Once you are contacted for an interview, please bring a signed letter from your high school guidance counselor that states that you are on track to graduate in June.

Q: Can a 17-year-old who will be turning 18 soon apply for the program?

A: Yes, but applicants must be 18 years old at the start of the class to enroll in the program.

Q: Are non-US citizens eligible for the program?

A: Yes, as long as you are legally eligible to work in the U.S. and able to produce an I-9 documentation.

Q: What does the program look for in the CORI review?

A: Boston EMS reviews CORIs on a case-by-case basis and takes into consideration the nature of the crime for which an applicant was convicted and how long ago the crime was committed.

Q: What is the application process?

A: The process consists of five steps:

1. Fill out an online application.

2. Take a reading comprehension test. 

3. Bring the following documentation to a screening interview. This will be scheduled by City Academy staff if you are determined to meet the eligibility requirements for the program:

• A current/valid MA driver’s license
• Proof of Boston Residency (Requirement may be waived)
• Documentation to complete an I-9 form. Find the list here.
• Proof of income
• Educational transcripts
• A current resume (if you have one)

4. Undergo drug testing and CORI review.

5. Begin training if selected for the program.

Q: How much does it cost to participate in City Academy?

A: City Academy is a free training program. However, participants are expected to make the appropriate time commitment to ensure they are prepared for the Boston EMS EMT hiring process.

Q: How long is the City Academy EMT training program?

A: The training is designed to prepare participants to be eligible for employment with Boston EMS within 12 months. The training includes:

• a bridge course (2 weeks)
• the Boston EMS Basic EMT Course (6 months), or
• the Cambridge College EMT course (3 months).

City Academy staff will offer follow-up support for a year after completion of the Basic EMT Course.

Q: What is the training schedule?

A: There are five components to the EMT training program:

1. Job Readiness Bridge Course:

The job readiness component of the training will take place two weeks before the start of EMT training. It will include approximately 20 to 25 hours of training.

2. Basic EMT Course:

For Boston EMT training: participants will begin the basic EMT course, which runs 7-10 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

For Cambridge College EMT training: participants will begin the basic EMT course, which runs 6-10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with seven Saturday classes from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3. Certification Process:

After completing the course, students start the NREMT and state EMT certification process. This includes:

• scheduling and passing NREMT practical and written exams, and
• after passing, submitting a certification application to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services.

4. Boston EMS Application and Recruit Academy:

Candidates who successfully pass all necessary state exams will be considered for a six-month EMT Recruit Academy, which is a full-time, paid position with Boston EMS and a prerequisite for all EMT hires.

Q: Are positions with Boston EMS guaranteed to City Academy participants?

A: No. City Academy participants will go through the same written and practical testing and interview process as other candidates that apply for an EMT position with Boston EMS. However, the training provided through City Academy will uniquely prepare participants to perform well in Boston EMS’s assessment and interview process.

Q: What benefits do EMTs receive as Boston EMS employees?

A: If you complete the Recruit Training Academy and become a full-time EMT with Boston EMS, your starting salary is approximately $69,000. Other benefits include:

• Chances for paid night and weekend differential
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick time
• Membership in a labor union
• Health insurance and dental coverage
• Life insurance and other optional insurance programs
• Participation in the State Boston Retirement System
• A Deferred Compensation Plan
• A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• An Employee Assistance Program
• An MBTA Pass Program

Q: Do EMTs hired by Boston EMS gain union membership?

A: Yes. When a candidate becomes a full-time EMT with Boston EMS, they gain membership in a labor union.

Q: Which union represents Boston EMS employees?

A: The Boston EMS department’s EMTs and Paramedics are represented by the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, EMS Division.

Q: After someone passes the National Registry EMT exam and certification process, how often do they need to renew certification?

A: When someone completes the national certification process between January 1 and June 30, they will receive an expiration date of March 31 two years in the future. Individuals successfully completing the national certification process between July 1 and December 31 will receive an expiration date of March 31 three years in the future.