Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
You can get the experience and training it takes to become an EMT right here at Contra Costa College—and most people do it in just one semester!
At CCC, you’ll learn how to monitor vital signs, administer oxygen, perform CPR, and other life-saving procedures using our new, state-of-the-art equipment. The department even has its own ambulance. To make sure you’re ready for the national registry test, we use a comprehensive simulation that tells you exactly what you’re getting right and what you need to work on. You’ll even get to ride along with local first responders, for real-life experience treating patients.
Our program keeps up-to-date and connected to job openings through ties to those professionals, including an active board of advisers from hospitals, fire and police departments, ambulance providers, and county Emergency Medical Services authority.
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EMTs are in extremely high demand. Job growth both locally and nationally is expected to far outpace the average for all occupations in the coming years.
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Emergency Medical Technician Program Maps
California state law (CCR. Title 22, Division 9, Ch. 2, §100078) allows for an individual to challenge an EMT course by examination to obtain a course completion certificate if they meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible for EMT course challenge, an individual must meet one or more of the following criteria:
(1) The individual is currently licensed in the United States as a Physician, Registered
Nurse, Physician Assistant, Vocational Nurse, or Licensed Practical Nurse.
(2) The individual provides documented evidence of having successfully completed an emergency medical service training program of the Armed Forces of the United States within the preceding two (2) years that meets the U.S. DOT National EMS Education Standards (DOT HS 811 077A, January 2009). Upon review of documentation, the EMT certifying entity may also allow an individual to challenge if the individual was active in the last two (2) years in a prehospital emergency medical classification of the Armed Services of the United States, which does not have formal recertification requirements. These individuals may be required to take a refresher course or complete CE courses as a condition of certification.
The course challenge examination consists of a competency-based written and skills examination to test knowledge of the topics and skills as prescribed by the California Code of Regulations.
Anyone interested in challenging the EMT examination process can contact the EMT program director for more information.
About the Program
- Enrollment eligibility: interested candidates for the EMT program must first apply to become a student at CCC. The class is filled on a first come, first served basis.
- Interested parties are encouraged to register as soon as possible to reserve a spot.
- CCC EMT course name: EMED-110
- Course length: the CCC EMT program can be completed in one semester, spring or fall.
- Class schedule: the class meets two evenings per week and there are three mandatory Saturday training sessions.
- Location: classes are held in-person on the CCC campus.
- Prerequisite: Instructor-led American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider CPR certification. No other CPR certifications will be accepted.
- There are no other prerequisite courses or certifications required to register.
- BLS classes can be completed at CCC (class name EMED-109) or through other training organizations.
- Cost: estimated cost to take the course: $500 – $1000. Costs to take this course include: 8 College units @ $46/unit, textbook, online assets, certification courses, uniforms, background check, and any immunizations that need to be completed.
- Financial aid is available through the college’s financial aid department.
- Hospital and ambulance clinical experience is completed during the course. Clinical providers require background checks and proof of immunization for the following:
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (TDaP)
- Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Completion of an EMT training program is the first step toward becoming certified as an EMT, but does not guarantee certification or employment.
- Upon completion of an EMT training program, graduates must complete the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) computer-based certification exam, then apply to a local or state EMS agency.
Been out of work a while? If you’re eligible, WIOA can help pay your tuition, lab fees, books and other costs. Learn More.
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