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Career Opportunities

Do you have what it takes to be a Boston EMS EMT? At Boston EMS, you will discover an exciting and rewarding career. Join our team of medical professionals and embark on the adventure of your life.

Uniformed Positions

Working at Boston EMS is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Every day is different and every day is a challenge. As a Boston EMS EMT, you will have the opportunity to be a part of one of the best services in the country. Our members are at the forefront of every medical emergency, large and small, making life and death decisions that impact the lives of thousands of people each year. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, rigorous training programs and opportunities for growth. You will be trained to deliver complex medical care to the critically ill and injured, building a set of invaluable skills.

We leverage state of the art equipment and provide our personnel with exceptional training in-house, including monthly sessions and bi-annual refreshers. Boston EMS personnel are assigned to Field Operations, the Special Operations Division, the Boston Police Harbor Unit, bicycle teams, Dispatch Operations, the Training Division, and a variety of other specialty areas.

Note, Paramedics are promoted from within the Department only. Many of our EMTs are certified Paramedics but work for us as EMTs, gaining valuable experience until the opportunity for promotion arises.

Glenn Harding, EMT-P

"The era of 'ambulance drivers' is long gone. Today you can enjoy a career in EMS; a career that is a challenging, demanding, rewarding - one that is constantly evolving. It takes a special kind of person to do what we do here. If you are quick thinking, self motivated, flexible, and willing to put other people’s needs before your own; consider becoming a member of the Boston EMS family."
Michelle Chu, EMT-B

"In one shift I can witness the whole spectrum of life, from birth to death, and all the wild places in between. Thankfully, the top-notch training and education I’ve received at Boston EMS has prepared me for an experience that is constantly challenging and ever changing. Whether it's impacting someone's life forever or simply making someone's day a little bit better, I feel honored to serve and to make such a difference."
Roger Aiello, EMT-P

"In this business, you are automatically drawn to Boston EMS. It's a place to learn and get better. If you're into medicine, you're definitely trying to get your boots in the door here."
Denny Chan, EMT-B
"The part I like best about EMS is that you’re out there on the streets making decisions. In high school I was interested in nursing, but some people I met steered me toward EMS. There’s a little bit more freedom in this field. Being an EMT is an interesting job that is always exciting and rewarding.”
Captain Naomi Waters, EMT-B

"I've always been one to take on a challenge. The idea of not knowing what would be on the other side of a door or on the street and having to quickly gear up my thoughts for the best method of treatment to help a person is exciting."
Juli Nichols, EMT-P

"Why work anywhere else when you can work for the best? If you are going to do the job, why work for less money and not do emergency work? I wanted a real challenge and I found that in Boston EMS."
Janell Jimenez, EMT - B

"The best part about my job is the satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone. You'll save a few lives, but you'll make an impression on many more."
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Shea, EMT-P
"What I love about this job is that there is no routine to your day. You see people at their best and at their worst and you always find a way to help them. There's a real satisfaction in helping people and making a difference."

EMT FAQ's

+Expand All Answers

About EMT-Basic Certification

How do I become a certified EMT-Basic in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?: Candidates for EMT certification are required to complete a Massachusetts Department of Public Health / Office of Emergency Medical Services (MDPH/OEMS) approved training and pass a practical and written examination. Please visit the OEMS website to read more about the requirements and certification process.

About the Boston EMS EMT Hiring Process

When is Boston EMS hiring a new class of EMTs?: Boston EMS hires EMT recruits one to two times per year. Classes are not run concurrently, resulting in a minimum of six months between recruit classes. This page will be updated as soon as the next hiring date is confirmed.

What is the EMT interview and hiring process at Boston EMS?: As described above, interested parties must first complete an EMT application through the Boston Public Health Commission website. Upon notification from Boston EMS, applicants will be required to pass both a written and practical examination based on the current standards of the Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services Pre-hospital Treatment Protocols.
Emergency Medical Services Statewide Treatment Protocols »

Upon passing the written and practical exams, successful candidates will be scheduled for an oral interview with a panel of Boston EMS staff. The interview process may include scenario-based questions.

After the interview process is complete, we will establish a list of candidates who will continue in the pre-employment screening process for the next scheduled Boston EMS Recruit Training Academy Class.

What does the written examination entail?

The written exam will test the candidate’s knowledge of several key areas such as airway/breathing, medical emergencies, patient assessment, trauma, operations/special considerations, etc.

On the day of the written exam, applicants must be certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an EMT-Basic and bring the following:

An original or duplicate, current Massachusetts EMT certification card (photocopies not accepted)
A valid driver’s license
A current (not more than 30 days old) Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle (or home state of residency) driving record print out

In order to proceed to the practical exam, candidates must score 70% or higher on the written exam.

What does the practical examination entail?

The practical exam consists of three stations as described below.

EMT-Basic Trauma Assessment: Within a 10 minute time period, candidates must assess, appropriately treat and manage the transport of a patient in a traumatic injury scenario.
EMT-Basic Medical Assessment: Within a 10 minute time period, candidates must assess, appropriately treat and manage the transport of a patient in a medical illness scenario.
Patient Lift & Carry Task: Candidates must be able to climb 3 flights of stairs as well as carry a weighted mannequin or victim down 3 flights of stairs in a stair-chair device with a partner.

Does Boston EMS provide any preparation for the written and practical examinations?: Yes. Boston EMS typically offers free review sessions for both the written and practical exams. While these sessions are not mandatory, we strongly encourage candidates to take advantage of the training. Review sessions will likely enhance a candidate’s overall performance during the exam process. The written review sessions are held on multiple days and will help to refresh a candidate’s medical knowledge in preparation for the written exam. The practical review session provides a supervised practice opportunity as well as a review of equipment and scoring criteria.

What does the pre-screening process entail?: Employment with Boston EMS is contingent upon successful completion of all aspects of the pre-employment screening process including: a medical/physical examination, drug/alcohol screening, background investigation, and Criminal Offense Records Investigation (CORI).

Do I need to be a Boston resident to work at Boston EMS?: Yes. Boston residency is required no later than six (6) months after the date of hire.

Do I need to possess a valid driver's license to work as a Boston EMS EMT?: Boston EMS EMTs must possess a valid driver’s license.

Additionally, within the last three years from the date of taking the Boston EMS written exam, applicants cannot have had any combination of the following: moving violations, citations, suspensions or accidents assessed a surcharge. Further, within the last seven years from the date of the written exam, applicants cannot have had any driving to endanger or operating under the influence violations, citations, or suspensions.

Does Boston EMS hire Paramedics?: No. Boston EMS Paramedics are promoted from within the department only. Many of our EMTs are certified Paramedics but work for the department as EMTs, gaining valuable field experience until the opportunity for promotion arises.

About Working as a Boston EMS EMT

What is a typical day in the life of a Boston EMS EMT?: One of the most exciting things about working at Boston EMS is that there is no such thing as a "typical" day. As one of the busiest services in the country, the department responds to over 100,000 emergency incidents each year. Our members are at the forefront of every medical emergency both large and small.

The Department utilizes a two-tier response model offering Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services. BLS ambulances are staffed with two EMTs who are trained to evaluate and treat patients facing a variety of medical emergencies ranging from cardiac arrest, stroke, poisoning, burns, childbirth, fractured bones, obstructed airways, severe bleeding, etc. Our EMTs are responsible for treating, stabilizing, and transporting patients to area hospitals and delivering high-quality, compassionate care at all times.

What are the benefits and salary of a Boston EMS EMT?

At Boston EMS you will have the opportunity to be a part of one of the best services in the country. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunities for growth.

Starting salary of $47,236/yr (upon successfull completion of the Recruit Training Academy)
Opportunity for paid night and weekend differentials
10 paid vacation days
15 paid sick days
1 personal day
13 paid holidays
A choice of health insurance plans
Dental coverage (available through the BPPA Union)
Life insurance and other optional insurance programs
Participation in the State Boston Retirement System
Deferred Compensation Plan
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
Credit Unions
MBTA Pass Program
Excellent promotional opportunities

What type of training will I receive at Boston EMS?

Boston EMS is a leader in quality EMS education and operates a full-time accredited Training Academy. Our Training Division is responsible for the training and development of all Boston EMS field personnel.

The Recruit Training Academy: While the Commonwealth of Massachusetts only requires individuals to earn EMT-Basic Certification to serve as an EMT, Boston EMS requires its field personnel to complete additional training. Upon successful completion of the Boston EMS written and practical examinations and interview process, as described above, recruits are required to complete a rigorous 6-month training program that consists of classroom work, field instruction, exercises, and drills. Recruits must prove that they are physically and mentally prepared to deliver high-quality medical care to the citizens and visitors of Boston.
Continuing Education and Refreshers: Boston EMS provides its field personnel with regularly scheduled Continuing Education Classes and Refresher Training Courses. Classes are used to review case studies, new and existing treatment protocols, and the proper use of new equipment, among other things. All Refresher Training Courses and monthly Continuing Education Classes meet or exceed the recertification requirements of the State Office of Emergency Medical Services guidelines.

What are the opportunities for advancement and promotion at Boston EMS?: Our personnel can be assigned to Field Operations, Special Operations, the Boston Police Harbor Unit, the Bicycle Team, Dispatch Operations, the Training Division and a variety of other specialty areas. Individuals interested in promotional opportunities can pursue supervisory roles such as lieutenant, captain or deputy superintendent as well as pursue a career as a Paramedic.

Who can I contact for more information?: If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Boston EMS EMT, please email recruiting@bostonems.org or contact 617-343-1125.

Please continue to visit our website and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about future hiring opportunities.

Non-Uniformed Positions

A group of highly skilled and talented administrative professionals support Boston EMS uniformed staff members as they execute the mission of the Department. Our diverse team includes financial analysts, policy experts, management information system specialists and experienced managers committed to public service. Choose a career where you can make a difference. Join Boston EMS.

Apply Now

To view all open Boston EMS and Boston Public Health Commission job opportunities, please visit the Commission’s Job Opportunities Page.

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