How Do I Become an EMT in California?

EMT Training in California

California EMT training is structured to teach necessary lifesaving skills that an Emergency Medical Technician will need to master during their careers. These skills will form the basis that will empower emergency care providers to greatly improve the pre-hospital survival chances of the patients they treat. Becoming an EMT in California is not as simple as filling out a job application. Emergency medicine is a licensed profession and as such, has to subscribe to guidelines both on the state and federal level. All EMT’s are required to have received training as detailed in the https://www.ems.gov/pdf/811077a.pdf. Each state is allowed to dictate how and where EMS students will be taught as long as they follow the minimums prescribed by the above education standards.

In California, all EMT students must receive training from a state-approved training course. This course will include classroom instruction as well as practical, hands on, skill training. Emergency Medical Technician training in California is divided into three main categories.

  1. EMT Basic- Basics are taught basic life support and prehospital trauma care. They are also taught how to recognize life threats and correct them with a limited scope.

  2. EMT Intermediate or AEMT-  Advanced EMT’s have a training level beyond the Basic. Their scope of practice is greater and they are able to assist Paramedic level responders in advanced level life support care. AEMT’s learn how to start IV’s and place a patient on a monitor.

  3. EMT Paramedic- Paramedics are advanced life support providers that are the highest license that an emergency responder can obtain in pre-hospital care. Paramedics are able to read ECG’s, provide medications, start IV’s and provide limited surgical intervention in the field. They are also capable of running a full cardiac arrest code in the field in the same manner that would be run in an Emergency Department. https://emttrainingstation.com/how-to-become-an-emt-paramedic/

Beginning a career in EMS will require the future first responder to complete an EMT basic course before they will be allowed to attend a course to become an ALS (Advanced Life Support) Provider. After the student passes their class they will have to go through the licensing process. https://emttrainingstation.com/how-do-i-become-an-emt-in-california/

Check out this exact program at: https://www.esgvrop.org/

Requirements

The requirements to gain a job as an EMT are as follows:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license.
  3. Must be a US Citizen or legal alien.
  4. Prospects must also have completed High School and Possess a Diploma or GED.
  5. English fluency is a must for EMTs.
  6. It is imperative to pass a criminal background check and must not have any convictions.
  7. Those seeking EMT training have to be physically and mentally able to do the job.
  8. Students will have to provide proof of immunization including:
    1. Hep-B
    2. Measles
    3. Mumps
    4. Diphtheria
    5. Tetanus
    6. Rubella

Immunization Proof can be obtained through a primary care provider. If unable to locate childhood vaccines then the prospective student can obtain a https://www.bloodtiters.com/ to provide proof of immunization.

Duration & Fees of EMT Training

    1. EMT Basic- The duration of EMT Basic class on average will be 4 Months. There are academy style programs that can take as little as 2 months to complete. The type of training and program length will be dependant on the training site. Expect to pay anywhere from 800 to 1800 dollars for EMT Basic Class. Typically training centers have classes that can fit any schedule. Basic Students will have to complete a minimum of 48 clinical rotation hours in addition to class time.
    2. EMT Intermediate or AEMT- Duration of intermediate level training can take 8-16 weeks. It is important to note that a student does not have to complete AEMT in order to progress into medic and this level is often skipped in favor of EMT Paramedic Training. Expect around 1500-3000 dollars in course fee depending on the training site.
    3. EMT Paramedic- Paramedic level instruction will take a student 16 months to 2 years. The class is difficult, with a lot of information provided in a manner that will challenge the student. In addition to class time, a student will be expected to complete at least 500 hours of clinical rotations.

The information provided should give prospective EMTs a general idea of what to expect. Many classes are offered during nights as well as 1 or 2 days a week. Many candidates entering the field are working adults and many programs cater to these individuals.

Further information can on how to decide where to attend classes can be found here: https://emttrainingstation.com/how-to-decide-where-to-attend-emt-school-for-ems-training/

A Brief Overview of EMT School Course Curriculum

The basic coursework/curriculum of EMT programs includes:

  • Basic knowledge about the human body
    • Students will learn about the Anatomy and Physiology of:
      • The Respiratory System
      • The Cardiovascular System
      • The Nervous System
      • The Endocrine System
      • The Gastrointestinal System
      • The Immune System
  • Medical and legal issues
  • Vital signs
    • Students will learn how to assess:
      • Blood Pressure
      • Respirations
      • Pain
      • Level of consciousness
      • Blood Oxygen Percentage
  • Properly lifting and moving of the patients
    • An essential skill to master. The potential for back injury is a reality for EMS personnel.
  • Airway management
    • Students will learn airway maneuvers such as:
      • Head Tilt Chin Lift
      • Jaw Thrust
    • Use of medical devices to secure and preserve a patient’s airway such as:
      • OPA, NPA placement
      • Kingtube and Combitube Placement
      • Paramedics will learn how to place an Endotracheal Tube, or perform an emergency cricothyrotomy
    • Techniques to clear the airway such as:
      • Heimlich Maneuver
      • Finger Sweep
      • Medics will learn how to use the Magill Forceps
  • Patient assessment
    • Students will learn how to assess patients for both medical and trauma-based emergencies. This will entail learning how to perform both quick total body exams as well as focused exams.
  • Handling of respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetic or poison emergencies
    • Candidates will learn how to identify different emergencies as well as how to treat them in an emergency setting.
  • Obstetrics/Gynaecology
    • Be prepared to learn how to deliver a baby in the field.
  • Shock and bleeding management
    • Future responders will learn about the stages of shock as well as the types of shock. Students will become proficient in bleeding control as well as bandaging and the use of a tourniquet.
  • Head, neck or spinal injuries
    • This will deal with the assessment and care of spinal trauma. Students will learn how to extricate a crash victim as well as apply a C-Collar and Backboard.
  • Infants and children
    • Pediatric patients will present differently than adult patient and require alternative care when dealing with the approach and management of various illness.
  • Ambulance operations or transportation management

The NREMT Exam

In California, the process for certification in the EMS field involves the National Registry. The Registry is a testing body that provides a standard of testing and many states use this body as a way to certify that an individual is qualified to possess an EMT or Paramedic level medical license in that state. If you are considering a career in the field of Emergency Services then you will most likely need to familiarize yourself with the NREMT Exam.

What does NREMT stand for? The acronym stands for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and embodies all level of the profession from Medical First Responder all the way to the level of Paramedic. The NREMT is an organization that validates the training of EMS personnel and a benefit of belonging to this Registry is that in many cases it allows for easy transfer of licenses between states that use the Registry as their preferred validation method.

Additional information on the NREMT Exam can be found at the following links:

https://emttrainingstation.com/what-is-the-nremt-exam/

https://www.nremt.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Registry_of_Emergency_Medical_Technicians

California Emergency Medicine Contact Information:

https://www.emsa.ca.gov/

10901 Gold Center Drive, Suite 400 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

  • EMSA Main Phone Number: (916) 322-4336
  • FAX: (916) 322-1441
  • Paramedic Licensure: (916) 323-9875
  • Licensure Fax: (916) 324-2875

State of California Approved EMT Training Centers:

Prospective EMTs and Paramedics will have to attend classes at a state-approved location. Often times the decision as to where to attend class is as important as passing the course and gaining licensure. Those needing help in deciding which program is right for them can read:

https://emttrainingstation.com/how-to-decide-where-to-attend-emt-school-for-ems-training/

The article discusses the difference between attending class at a trade school or at a college or university level program.

Below you will find a list of state-approved locations:

  • American River College Address: 4700, College Oak Drive, Sacramento, California- 95841 Contact Number: (916) 484-8011 Official Website: https://www.arc.losrios.edu/

  • City College of San Francisco Address: 50, Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, California- 94112 Contact Number: (415) 239-3000 Official Website:https://www.ccsf.edu/

  • East Los Angeles College Address: 1301, Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, California- 91754-6099 Contact Number: (323) 265-8650 Official Website: https://www.elac.edu/

  • El Camino College Address: 16007, Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance, California- 90506 Contact Number: 310-532-3670 Official Website:https://www.elcamino.edu/

  • Fresno City College Address: 1101, East University Avenue, Fresno, California- 93741 Contact Number: (559) 442-4600 Fax: (559) 489-2281 Official Website: https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/

  • Mt. San Antonio College Address: 1100, North Grand Avenue, Walnut, California- 91789 Contact Number: 909-274-7500 Official Website:https://www.mtsac.edu/

  • Palomar College Address: 1140, West Mission Road, San Marcos, California- 92069-1487 Contact Number: 1-760-744-1150 Official Website:https://www.palomar.edu/

  • Saddleback College Address: 28000, Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, California- 92692 Contact Number: (949) 582-4500 Official Website: https://www.saddleback.edu/

  • Santa Rosa Junior College Address: 1501, Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, California- 95401 Contact Number: (707) 527-4011 Official Website: https://www.santarosa.edu/

  • Southwestern College Address: 900, Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, California- 91910 Contact Number: (619) 421-6700 Official Website: https://www.swccd.edu/

  • Bakersfield College Address: 1801, Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, California- 93305 Contact Number: 661-395-4011 Official Website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/

  • University of Antelope Valley Address: 44055, North Sierra Highway, Lancaster, California- 93534 Contact Number: (661) 726-1-911 Fax: (661) 726-5158 Official Website:https://www.uav.edu/

  • Butte College Address: 3536, Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, California- 95965 Contact Number: (530) 895-2511 Official Website:https://www.butte.edu/

  • Sacramento State College of Continuing Education Address: Napa Hall, Sacramento State, 3000 State University Drive East, Sacramento, California- 95819-6103 Contact Number: (916) 278-4433 Fax: (916) 278-4865 Official Website:https://www.cce.csus.edu/catalog/course_group.asp?root_heading_id=83&heading_id=130

  • Crafton Hills College Address: 11711, Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa, California- 92399 Contact Number: 909-794-2161 Official Website: https://www.craftonhills.edu/

  • Cuesta College Address: P.O. Box- 8106, San Luis Obispo, California- 93403-8106 Contact Number: (805) 546-3100 Official Website: https://www.cuesta.edu/

  • Imperial Valley College Address: 380, East Aten Road, Imperial, California- 92251 Contact Number: 760-352-8320 Official Website:https://www.imperial.edu/

  • Los Angeles County Health Services Address: 10100, Pioneer Boulevard, Suite- 200, Santa Fe Springs, California- 90670 Contact Number: (562) 347-1500 Fax: (562) 941-5835 Official Address:https://ems.dhs.lacounty.gov/

  • Mendocino College Address: 1000, Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California- 95482 Contact Number: (707) 468-3000 Official Address:https://www.mendocino.edu/

  • National College of Technical Instruction Address: 333, Sunrise Avenue, Suite- 500, Roseville, California- 95661 Contact Number: 916-960-6284 Official Address:https://ncti.edu/

  • UCLA Center for Prehospital Care Address: 10990, Wilshire Boulevard, Suite-1450, Los Angeles, California- 90024 Contact Number: (310) 267-5959 Fax: (310) 312-9322 Official Website: https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu/

  • Ventura College Address: 4667, Telegraph Road, Ventura, California- 93003 Contact Number: (805) 289-6000 Official Website:https://www.venturacollege.edu/

  • Victor Valley College Address: 10, Commercial Boulevard, Suite- 204, Novato, California- 94949 Contact Number: (415) 506-0234 Official Website:https://www.vvc.edu/

  • Foothill College Address: 4000 Middlefield Road Suite I, Palo Alto, CA  94303 Contact Number: (650) 949-6955 Official Website: https://foothill.edu/bio