Frequently Asked Questions
- What is required for admission?
- How does a prior conviction affect my eligibility for licensure?
- How much do the programs cost?
- How long does it take to complete a program?
- What types of financial aid and loans are available?
- What is the CPR requirement?
- What is required for admission?
- How does a prior conviction affect my eligibility for licensure?
- How much do the programs cost?
- How long does it take to complete a program?
- What types of financial aid and loans are available?
- What is the CPR requirement?
The Paramedic Studies program requires a high school diploma or GED, mathematical aptitude equivalent to elementary algebra, and anatomy & physiology. For a complete list of requirements for Paramedic Studies, see Programs, or drop by the counseling office or Health Sciences, located in the O-building.
Any felony will prevent an applicant from obtaining any license in California. Generally, any misdemeanor results in denial of licensure, but in rare cases the licensing agency may consider an appeal if the misdemeanor was not related to a violent act or to drugs. Usually, infractions (other than for marijuana) do not affect eligibility for licensure.
Financial aid, loans, and Board of Governors' Waivers and Grants can help offset this cost for exceptional candidates. The Paramedic Studies program can cost $600 to $1600, depending on whether you decide to pursue the associate's degree option.
The Emergency Medical Technology programs range in cost from $400 to $800. Again, financial aid, loans, Board of Governors' Waivers and Grants can help with costs.
Current and former students can give the most up-to-date information on costs and dealing with them. Don't hesitate to get more information.
The Paramedic Studies program alone requires one year (more than one year if pursuing the associate's degree). The Emergency Medical Technology programs are all one-semester programs. However, all these programs have prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to enrolling/applying.
The Financial Aid office helps academically capable students by offering grants, loans and work-study employment to those with demonstrated financial need. Financial need is determined by comparing student resources (family contribution, student assets and student earnings) with the cost of attendance. Due to limitations in funding, financial assistance is not always able to fulfill all student needs, but efforts are made to help eligible students.
Students may receive an enrollment fee waiver from the Board of Governors (BOGW). Grants are awarded when exceptional financial need is demonstrated. They do not have to be repaid as long as the student fulfills requirements for eligibility. Loans allow students to defer costs by borrowing money and repaying it with interest after graduating or withdrawing from college. Work-study enables students to earn a portion of their financial aid through part-time employment.
All students entering a program in the School of Prehospital and Emergency Medicine are required to have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for health care providers (American Heart Association) or professional rescuers (American Red Cross). You can contact local hospitals, the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross for information about classes. In addition, Ventura College offers CPR classes the week before school begins. Please consult the Schedule of Classes for HED V84, CPR for Professional Rescuers. Once a person has completed the initial CPR course, recertification courses are required annually or biannually.
