There are over 30 colleges in California that offer EMT Training. Each college offers courses that are 2 years long and courses offered include certificate programs and associate’s degree programs.
Program options include:
- EMT Basic
- EMT Paramedic
- Emergency First Responder
- Fire/emergency Technology
- Paramedical Technician
- EMT Re-certification Course.
Career Requirements:
The state of California requires that all EMTs to complete state-approved programs and pass the NREMT examination for certification. Students are also required to pass criminal background checks.
The state offers three levels of EMT training; EMT Basic, Advanced and Paramedic. However, applicants need to note that EMT Advanced training isn’t common in California and they may only be able to apply for Basic and Paramedic training.
Students require Basic training and certification before they can apply for any higher level of EMT Training.
EMT Training Centers in California.
These schools are aimed to prepare students for EMT Basic or Paramedic registry exams.
American River College.
Located in Sacramento and provides EMT Basic and Paramedic Programs. Skills taught in the EMT Basic training include appropriate emergency care and pathophysiology. Students may also earn a paramedic certificate or an associate’s degree.
City College of San Francisco.
This school in San Francisco offers an EMT certificate program including 13 credit hours of theory and practical courses. An EMT refresher courses is also offered for students who need to complete continuing education. The college also offers Paramedic programs and an associate’s degree program. Classes include, trauma management, drugs and human systems.
East Los Angeles College.
Located in Monterey Park, offers an EMT skills certificate and refresher courses in EMT first responder and paramedic training. Students may also complete a first responder certificate program which is similar to an EMT program.
El Camino College.
Situated in Torrance. Courses offered are fire/emergency technology and paramedical technician associate’s degrees and certificates. The fire/emergency option provides courses on hazardous materials, fire equipment etc. The paramedic program concentrates more on advanced techniques and courses in trauma emergencies, pre-hospital care and so on. The college also offers an EMT Basic refresher course.
Fresno City College.
This college in Fresno offers an entry-level paramedic care certificate program, students learn about basic and advanced emergency care matters. Field and clinical internships are required.
Mt. San Antonio College.
Located in Walnut, offers various EMT programs; EMT Basic Certificate, a paramedic certificate and an EMS associate’s degree program. Skills taught in the EMT Basic certificate program are medical care and trauma injuries. The paramedic program provides several weeks and hours of theoretical and practical learning. Students also learn about emergency cardiac care and pharmacology. An EMT 1 refresher course is also available at the school.
Palomar College.
This college in San Marcos has EMT Basic and Paramedic programs. The Basic Certificate program teaches students numerous skills including CPR procedures and Basic Life Support (BLS). The Paramedic program trains in trauma and proper medical care. An EMT Re-certification course is also offered for those who want to continue education credit.
Saddleback College.
Situated in Mission Viejo and offers an EMT Basic and Paramedic program. The EMT Basic course teaches medical emergencies and students complete theoretical and practical learning. The paramedic program covers medical terminologies and others.
Santa Rosa Junior College.
A college in Santa Rosa and offers a number of EMT training programs such as EMT level 1 certificate, EMT level 1 refresher course, Paramedic certificate and Paramedic Associate in Science.
This college also offers an option where students applying for the Paramedic program are not required to have EMT Basic certification. Alternatively, students are required to complete one semester of EMT Basic anatomy.
Southwestern College.
Found in Chula Vista, this college provides various EMT programs; an EMT Basic Certificate course where students learn about pre-hospital care, an EMT Basic refresher course, a Paramedic Certificate and a Paramedics associate’s degree program. Both paramedic programs offers courses like human anatomy and arrhythmia. The refresher course is aimed at students who wish to renew their licenses through continuing education.
- Absolute Safety Training Inc. – Chico, CA
- Bakersfield College– Bakersfield, CA
- Butte College – Oroville, CA
- California State University – Sacramento, CA
- College of the Redwoods – Arcata, CA
- Crafton Hills College – Yucaipa, CA
- Cuesta College – San Luis Obispo, CA
- Foothill College – Los Altos Hills, CA
- Imperial Valley College – Imperial, CA
- Moreno Valley College – Riverside, CA
Tuition and Fees for EMT colleges in California.
College | In-state | Out-of-state |
American River College | $1,104 | $9,247 |
City College of San Francisco | $1,238 | $6,270 |
East Los Angeles College | $1,220 | $7,746 |
El Camino College | $1,144 | $6,520 |
Fresno City College | $1,140 | $6,780 |
Mt. San Antonio College | $1,164 | $6,060 |
Palomar College | $1,328 | $5,224 |
Saddleback College | $762 | $4,694 |
Santa Rosa Junior College | $1,278 | $6,652 |
Southwestern College | $1,338 | $6,602 |
School Reviews:
El Camino College.
El Camino College is very affordable and flexible for those who want to work while attending college. There are about 4 places where food is available and although it’s a big campus, it’s not difficult to get around.
Saddleback College.
Saddleback is a very diverse community college and very student friendly. Saddleback caters to all needs including free tutoring and counselling.
EMT Training Online – California
Online training is a learning method designed to enable students to work at their own pace and flexibility. It is a great help for students who are working or parenting during the week.
The Application Process:
You can apply for the online training program in four simple steps;
- First, you’ll need to complete the online application form.
- Next, hand in a scanned copy of your government issued photo ID / a national identity such as a driver’s license.
- Then, you will need to provide proof of your high school graduation or GED.
- Lastly, you will need to make the tuition payment before you can begin classes.
How does it work?
There are 3 parts of the online training. There’s a didactic/informative portion, the hands-on skills portion and clinical rotations.
The didactic portion: Gives students 6 months from the time they begin to complete all aspects of this course. It is the theory part and students are required to complete 140 hours of didactic portion online.
The hands-on skill days: There are usually 2 days out of the six months used for skills practice and at least one day for the National Registry Skills Testing. These dates are usually given in advance in order to accommodate all students’ schedules.
Clinical Rotations: These are provided by several major hospitals across the state of California and throughout the United States. Students will complete 48 hours of EMS with at least 6 emergency patient transports and 24 hours of Emergency Department time.
FAQs.
How long does it take to get my EMT license? An EMT-B program can take from three weeks to several months to complete. EMT-I takes up to 300 hours to complete and the Paramedic program takes 6 months to 2 years to complete.
What is the difference between the NREMT certification test and the assessment exam?
The NREMT certification test allows you to receive a certification of accomplishment and is accepted in all states. The results of assessment exams are only made available to the state you are testing for.
How long are my exam results valid for? A paramedic applicant must have passed the NREMT at least within the last 2 years for it to be considered valid.
Where can I find an approved EMT training program? California approved training programs can be located from the EMS Authority’s training program database.
What if I fail the exam? The passing score is 75%. You are permitted to retake the exam a maximum of three times. If you must repeat the course, a discounted rate can be offered.