NAVAC Cadet Program

Your Future in EMS Starts Here

Explore healthcare, learn lifesaving skills, and serve your community. NAVAC's Cadet Program connects students ages 16-18 with classroom learning, practical skills, and supervised experience alongside EMS professionals.

Recruiting for the September 2027 cadet class.

NAVAC Ambulance Cadet Program patch

Learning. Serving. Leading.

What You'll Learn

Practical skills. Strong teamwork. Meaningful service.

Build practical skills in CPR/AED, first aid, bleeding control, basic anatomy, patient assessment, communication, and EMS equipment. Learn how the 911 system and emergency response work while developing teamwork and professionalism.

Lifesaving Skills

Learn by Doing

Practice CPR/AED, first aid, bleeding control, patient assessment, and the safe use of EMS equipment.

EMS and Emergency Response

Understand the System

Learn how 911 calls, ambulance response, communication, and coordinated emergency care work together.

Teamwork and Service

Grow as a Professional

Develop confidence, accountability, communication, compassion, and the professional habits expected in EMS.

Joining and Schedule

A clear path to the September 2027 class.

The program is intended for motivated students ages 16-18. Specific dates and meeting details will be announced as recruitment progresses.

  1. June 2027Informational meetings
  2. July 2027Cadet interviews
  3. August 2027Cadet and parent orientation
  4. September 2027Classes begin

Training Schedule

Cadet classes meet twice monthly. Phase 1 meets on the first and third Wednesdays. Phase 2 uses a flexible schedule coordinated around cadet availability; exact days and times will be announced.

Information for Parents

School comes first.

NAVAC provides a structured learning environment with supervised experience, attendance expectations, and clear requirements before a cadet may accompany a designated crew.

Education and Attendance

Cadets must maintain passing grades and submit academic updates each marking period for review by the Program Coordinator. Participation should not interfere with school responsibilities or academic progress.

Ride Supervision

Cadets ride only with a Field Training Officer specifically trained to work with cadets, understand their restrictions, and apply those restrictions during participation.

Health Requirements

Before entering the program or beginning ambulance ride time, cadets must submit NAVAC's required physician-completed health clearance form. Cadets must also remain up to date on school-required vaccinations.

Completed medical forms should not be sent through the general interest email. Submission instructions will be provided directly to participating families.

Pathway to EMT Training

After eight months, eligible cadets may be sponsored for EMT training at no cost. New York State college credits may also be available upon successful completion of the EMT course. All applicable certification requirements must be met.

Two NAVAC cadets wearing gloves practice tourniquet application on training simulators at a table.
NAVAC cadets practice tourniquet application during the November 4, 2026 training session.
Nov 04 2026

Cadet Update

Cadets Practice Lifesaving Bleeding Control Skills

NAVAC cadets practiced bleeding control and tourniquet application using training simulators during their November 4 training session. Hands-on practice helps cadets build teamwork, confidence, and practical emergency care skills.

Express Interest

Start the conversation.

Contact the Youth Training Coordinator to ask about eligibility, upcoming informational meetings, schedules, and program expectations.

Email About the Cadet Program
John G. Roziock Paramedic / FTO Youth Training Coordinator NAVAC Ambulance 603 North Main St North Syracuse, NY 13212 jroziock@navac.org 315-458-7514