The Curriculum

A three-year pathway to certification.

The Cadet EMT program is a credit-earning high school curriculum, not an extracurricular. Students earn real credentials while providing real emergency coverage for their community.

Nashoba Cadet EMT student practicing on a simulation mannequin with a Bolton Fire instructor
Year One

EMT Foundations

A rigorous 200-hour EMT course delivered in partnership between Nashoba Regional High School and the Bolton Public Safety Building.

  • Open to high school sophomores and juniors
  • 200 hours of classroom and practical instruction
  • Taught by certified EMS professionals
  • Eligible to sit for Cadet EMT certification at age 16.5
  • 15 positions available per incoming class
Nashoba Cadet EMTs responding to a simulated patient emergency during Year 2 training
Year Two

Active Response

Continuing education deepens clinical knowledge while students begin responding to real emergency calls alongside Bolton Fire-EMS.

  • Weekly 3-hour continuing education classes
  • Cadets carry pagers during the school day
  • Leave class to respond to active emergency calls
  • Work directly with Bolton Fire-EMS professionals
  • Opportunity to train as certified First Responders
Cadets with Stow Fire ambulance
Year Three

Leadership & Transition

Senior Cadets refine their skills, mentor incoming students, and prepare for the transition to full EMT-Basic certification upon turning 18.

  • Weekly 3-hour continuing education
  • Active call response continues
  • Mentorship of Year 1 Cadets
  • EMT-Basic certification eligibility at age 18
  • Pathway to careers in EMS, medicine, and public safety
Program Milestones

A clear path from
sophomore year to career.

Every Cadet follows the same progression, from their first day of training to a full state license. Here's what that journey looks like.

Any

First Responder Certification

The first step in the program. Before formal EMT training begins, students train and test for First Responder certification, building a foundational clinical skillset and establishing the baseline required to advance into the Year 1 EMT course.

First Responder Certified
15.5

Year 1 Training Begins

Sophomore year students who are at least 15.5 years old are eligible to apply for the program and begin the 200-hour Year 1 EMT course. This is where the journey starts, classroom instruction, hands-on skills practice, and preparation for state certification exams, all delivered at Nashoba Regional High School and the Bolton Public Safety Building.

Sophomore Year, Application Open
16.5

Full EMT Certification

To earn their EMT certification, Cadets must complete the 200-hour Year 1 course, pass the Massachusetts state practical exam, and pass the National Registry cognitive exam. Upon passing both, students receive a full Massachusetts EMT certification, the same credential held by adult EMTs statewide. The only distinction is an age designation reflecting the Cadet's status as a minor. This certification authorizes Cadets to respond to active emergency calls alongside Bolton Fire-EMS professionals.

State Practical + National Registry Cognitive Exam
18

Standard Adult EMT Certification

Upon turning 18, the Cadet age designation is removed and the certification converts to a standard adult Massachusetts EMT license, no additional testing required. The credential they earned at 16.5 is the same one they carry into their career.

Massachusetts EMT, Standard Adult License