Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
NOTE: CSUSB does NOT have an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program. Please refer to the resources below for where you can pursue an EMT certification.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained healthcare professionals who provide immediate medical care in emergencies. EMTs respond to 911 calls and deliver basic life support, including CPR, bleeding control, oxygen administration, splinting, and patient assessment. EMTs often work alongside paramedics in ambulances. Those who want to become certified EMTs must successfully complete an EMT program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
Students can earn their EMT certification along with their bachelor’s degree, making it a flexible option for gaining clinical experience. EMT programs are typically offered through community colleges, adult schools, private training centers, and some universities. For pre‑health students, EMT experience offers hands‑on patient interaction, exposure to high‑pressure clinical environments, and opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, and critical‑thinking skills. Many professional programs, including MD, DO, PA, and nursing, recognize EMT work as valuable patient care experience.
What’s the difference between EMS, EMT, and a Paramedic?
EMS (Emergency Medical Services) is the umbrella system that provides emergency medical care and transportation. EMS includes dispatch, ambulances, fire departments, air transport, and all levels of emergency medical providers.
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is an entry-level EMS provider. EMTs deliver basic life support, including CPR, bleeding control, oxygen administration, splinting, and patient assessment. EMTs work under medical direction and often alongside paramedics.
Paramedics are the most advanced pre-hospital providers. Paramedics receive significantly more training and can perform advanced procedures such as IV medication administration, cardiac monitoring, airway management, and advanced life support interventions.
- EMS = the overall system
- EMT = basic life support provider
- Paramedic = advanced life support provider
How to become an EMT
- Certificate: Certification from an EMT program approved by the EMS agency of the county where you intend to work/reside.
- Time: EMT program lengths vary by institution, typically ranging from 8 weeks to 1 year. Some programs may offer both accelerated and standard‑paced schedules to accommodate different student needs and availability.
Prerequisites:
Certain programs can vary in prerequisites
- Current American Heart Association BLS (CPR) certification
- High school diploma/GED
- Pass the EMT-specific NREMT exam to be certified to practice
NOTE: Program length, cost, prerequisites, schedules, and other factors vary by institution. Be sure to research your top EMT program options so you can compare details and determine which program best fits your needs. If the information you need can't be found on the program's website, consider contacting them directly for more information.
What is the specific NREMT exam?
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is a branch of the EMS certification organization that ensures all EMS clinicians (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) have both the knowledge and skills needed to provide proficient care. The NREMT exam focuses on EMTs and provides the necessary exam for certification.
Before being able to practice and obtain an EMS license, nearly all U.S. states and territories require National Registry certification.
To learn more about the EMT NREMT exam, the different pathways for certification, and the exam's specifics, visit this website (specifically for Emergency Medical Technicians).
EMT Programs in California
Below is a list of EMT programs and EMS agencies in California:
- CA Emergency Medical Services Authority: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
- CA.gov CAEMSA: Local EMS Agencies
Frequently Asked Questions:
Program lengths vary by institution. Some offer accelerated courses that can be completed in 6-8 weeks, while others follow a standard schedule that may take longer to accommodate those with busier schedules.
Costs vary widely depending on the institution. Many programs range from $1,000-$2,500, including tuition, textbooks, uniforms, equipment, and certification fees. You may ask each program if they have any grants/scholarships/waivers to offer, but many typically don’t.
EMT work is widely recognized as hands-on, direct patient care and is highly valued by MD/DO, PA, nursing, and other clinical programs that require Patient Care Experience (PCE). However, PCE requirements vary by program. Students are encouraged to review each program’s admissions criteria and, if needed, contact programs directly to confirm whether EMT experience is accepted toward their PCE requirements.
EMT work provides direct clinical experience in emergency care, where EMTs learn to assess patients, identify urgent conditions, and provide time‑sensitive interventions within their scope of practice. Because EMTs care for patients across a wide range of medical and trauma situations and communicate directly with nurses, paramedics, and physicians, many MD/DO, PA, nursing, and other clinical programs consider EMT experience to be great PCE.
You can locate official AHA‑approved BLS courses through the American Heart Association’s BLS page. It explains the course options & has a location-based search tool, which lists certified courses by region. This is the most reliable way to find valid, up‑to‑date AHA BLS classes in your area.
Not always. An Ambulance Driver Certificate (ADL) is only required if an EMT will be driving an ambulance. EMTs working in non-driving roles, such as event medical coverage, emergency departments, or as third riders, do not need an ADL. However, some employers may require it.
This decision is solely based on the student’s needs and if the student feels like they can handle working as an EMT while completing their coursework at the same time. Pre-health students who are looking to become EMTs to gain Patient Care Experience (PCE) hours may choose to work while in school and/or take a gap year to complete their PCE. Many EMTs work part-time or per diem, and EMT shifts typically come in 12-hour or 24-hour formats, which can offer flexibility for students balancing coursework.
- Pass the NREMT exam
- Apply for certification at your local EMS agency. The EMS agency will inform you of additional requirements, such as paying a fee and undergoing a background check using their agency form. It is a good idea to call ahead and find out what additional requirements exist.
NOTE: The EMT program you attend should be able to provide guidance on what your next steps should be.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about maintaining your EMT certification, please visit the CA Emergency Medical Services Authority EMT website.