Congratulations on wanting to become a part of the FDNY EMS Team. Below are detailed stepsthat will make it easier for you to learn more about how to become a FDNY EMS member. Paramedic is a promotional opportunity only available to FDNY EMS members.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
Anyone looking to become a FDNY EMT or FDNY EMS Trainee must make sure to meet all eligibility requirements.
All applicants to the FDNY EMS Command must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a motor vehicle driver’s license valid in New York State
Note: A valid license from another state is ok as long as driving privileges in New York have not been lost due to outstanding fines, judgments or more.
Requirements for EMT Candidates Only:
By the last day of the DCAS Civil Service Application Period, you must have:
- A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or Foreign high school equivalent)
- A valid NYS DOH EMT-B certification; or
- A valid NYS DOH EMT-P certification
*Please note that if you hold an EMT-P certification you will be hired to work as an EMT-B only!
Requirements for EMS Trainee Candidates Only:
- A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or Foreign high school equivalent); and
- Six months of full-time satisfactory employment; or
- Full-time U.S. Military service with an Honorable Discharge; or
- Graduation from the;
- FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety
- Clara Barton High School
- Institute for Health Professions at Cambria Heights
- Urban Assembly School for Emergency Management
- Academy for Health Careers
- Bronx Health Sciences High School
Step 2: Take Civil Service Exam When Offered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)
The civil service exam for EMTs and EMS Trainees is offered about once a year. It is scored based on education and experience. DCAS will contact each applicant regarding their official score and list number. Applicants will be put on the appropriate civil service list in list number order.
Step 3: Begin the Hiring Process
When a candidate’s list number is reached, EMT and EMS Trainee candidates will begin the hiring process:
- Physical Ability Test (see video below)
- Background/Character Investigation
- Medical and Psychological Testing
*All candidates must successfully complete all steps of the hiring process to be considered for the EMS Academy.
VIDEO: Physical Ability Testing for EMS Candidates
Step 4: Enter EMS Academy
- FDNY EMT – PES (Probationary EMS School) 13 weeks of intensive classroom instruction which includes FDNY ambulance rotations, Hazardous Material Training and EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course)
- FDNY EMS Trainee – PTP (Probationary Trainee Program) 16 weeks of intensive classroom instruction which includes the NYS EMT Certification exam, FDNY ambulance rotations, Hazardous Materials Training and EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operators Course)
FDNY EMS members receive an incredible benefits package and a competitive salary.
- Over 20 different health plans with family and domestic partner
- Overtime, shift differential and meal money
- Five-year pension vesting with full pension benefits after 25 years of service, deferred compensation and 401K plans available
- Excellent promotional opportunities
- Veterans’ credits for those who meet the requirements
*Base salary does not include overtime and other benefits. Salary and vacation time are subject to change.
EMT Salary Information:
| Number of Years | Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $39,386 – $47,016 |
| After 1 Year | $41,616 – $47,828 |
| After 2 Years | $42,357 – $61,580 |
| After 3 Years | $49,047 – $74,402 |
| After 5 Years | $59,534 – $76,472 |
EMS Trainee Salary Information:
| Number of Years | Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $36,330 |
| After 3 Months | $39,386 – $47,016 |
| After 1 Year | $41,616 – $47,828 |
| After 2 Years | $42,357 – $61,580 |
| After 3 Years | $49,047 – $74,402 |
| After 5 Years | $59,534 – $76,472 |
Paramedic Salary Information:
| Number of Years | Salary |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $53,891 – $60,796 |
| After 1 Year | $59,363 – $66,463 |
| After 2 Years | $61,783 – $69,395 |
| After 3 Years | $68,155 – $82,850 |
| After 5 Years | $75,872 – $92,635 |
The civil service exam for EMTs and EMS Trainees is offered about once a year. It is scored based on education and experience. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will contact each applicant regarding their official score and list number. Applicants will be put on the appropriate civil service list in list number order.
1What do EMTs do?
People in New York City depend on the quick reaction and attentive care of the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). They respond to thousands of emergencies each day, providing medical assistance to anyone in need.
Each day is different than the next - but never boring. EMTs can respond to emergencies ranging from automobile accidents to major fires. When they arrive at an emergency, they quickly determine the nature and extent of the patient’s condition. They provide emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient to a local medical facility.
EMTs are trained to provide basic life support (BLS) services in a pre-hospital setting, ranging from CPR to spinal immobilization.
Members typically are dispatched by a 911 operator and work closely with police officers and firefighters at the scene of an emergency.
2What is the difference between the FDNY EMT and FDNY EMS Trainee titles?
The EMT exam is designed for those who already possess a valid NYS DOH EMT card. The EMS Trainee title is for those who do not possess a current valid EMT certificate in any state. EMS Trainees obtain a NYS EMT certificate during academy training. These titles are divided into different academy classes. Upon graduation, every successful member is an FDNY EMT, operating in the same fashion with the same salary.
3Can I work for the Fire Department as an EMT with an out-of-state EMT-B or EMT-P certification?
No, all EMTs are required to possess a New York State EMT-B or EMT-P certification. If you possess an out-of-state certification you must file for reciprocity with the NYS DOH (Department of Health). You can begin the process by contacting the Reciprocity Unit of NYS DOH at 518-402-0996 or visit www.health.ny.gov
4Do I need to live in New York State to work as an EMT with FDNY?
No, FDNY EMTs are not required to live in New York as there is no residency requirements.
5What are the minimum and maximum age requirements for an EMT?
Although you can become a NYS certified EMT at the age of 17, you must be 18 by the end of the DCAS civil service application filing period to be considered for employment. There is no maximum age limit for FDNY EMS.
6Do I have to be a US citizen to be an EMT?
No, however, you must have a Social Security number.
7Do I need college credits to be an EMT?
No, FDNY EMS candidates are not required to have college credits.
8Do EMTs belong to a union?
Yes, they are represented by Local #2507 of District Council 37.
9Do I have to pay for my books, uniform, equipment and refresher programs after employment with FDNY?
No, as long as you remain an active FDNY EMS member, you will receive all training materials, uniforms, equipment, and refresher training at no cost.
10What promotional opportunities are available for EMTs within FDNY?
Promotion to FDNY Paramedic - After completing the EMT-B probationary period you may be eligible to file for the next available civil service promotional exam to Paramedic.
Promotion to EMS Lieutenant – After 3 years in title as an EMT, you are eligible to take the civil service exam for Lieutenant. * You must promote to Paramedic to be appointed to EMS Lieutenant
11What other promotional opportunities are available?
Eligible EMTs can take the “promotional” exam for NYC Firefighter. FDNY EMS members must meet all eligibility requirements for the Firefighter title.
12Do you offer part time employment? Can I work summers only?
No, all FDNY EMS employees work a full-time schedule.
13Do I get to choose where and what time I work?
No. FDNY EMS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Assignments are based on Department needs.
14I filed for the most recent EMT or EMS Trainee exam, where do I get my results?
If you filed for the most recent EMS exam you can get your results on the DCAS Online Application System by visiting https://data.cityofnewyork.us/widgets/vx8i-nprf or you can wait to receive your official results in the mail from DCAS. *You can also call the DCAS automated phone system at 212-669-1357.
*You will be asked for your social security number and 4-digit exam number.
15How can I get more information?
Phone: 718-999-FDNY (3369)
E-mail: Recruitment@fdny.nyc.gov
Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays*
