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Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide urgent care in any location or while transporting patients in ambulances or helicopters. As first responders in the delivery of emergency services, these men and women apply life-saving medical techniques to the injured. EMTs possess the ability to manage both physical and psychological distress in challenging situations. EMTs receive varying levels of certification depending on their cumulative training and experience. In California, paramedic is the highest level of EMT certification.

Employment of EMTs is expected to be above the average growth for all occupations primarily because of the rapidly expanding aged population. Recent surveys show that there is more demand for paramedics, who are usually placed as soon as they complete required certification because of their advanced training and experience.

To practice as an EMT in California, you must be certified by meeting educational and examination requirements. The programs offered by the School of Prehospital and Emergency provide exceptional academic and functional preparation while guiding students through the entire licensing process.

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Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are skilled medical workers who respond by ambulance or helicopter to medical emergencies for the injured and ill. They are sent to emergencies by specially trained dispatchers who maintain radio contact or patch them through to medical professionals for ongoing instructions. Following instructions, they examine victims to determine the nature and extent of injury or illness and administer first aid and emergency basic life support, such as giving oxygen and doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (heart/lung revival). They continue basic life support treatment during transport to hospitals. They help the emergency room staff do pre-admittance treatment and obtain medical histories. EMTs are trained on ambulance operations and procedures. They drive emergency vehicles with special communication and medical equipment, check their vehicles daily, and keep them in excellent condition, well stocked with medical supplies. EMTs are certified by the county Emergency Medical Services authority. Upon completing educational and examination requirements, EMT students receive the EMT-I certification.

The very important work of EMTs not only saves many lives, but also deals with human suffering and, often, tragedy. EMTs cope with all kinds of emergencies involving many people, from victims of heart attacks to multiple vehicle accidents or natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Technicians must deal with both upset or distraught victims and excited bystanders while controlling the scene with calmness and a reassuring manner.

Consult the Programs page for specific requirements.

Paramedic

Paramedics are the most highly trained type of EMTs and are skilled medical care givers, trained in all phases of emergency, pre-hospital care, including emergency advanced life support treatment. They give immediate help to victims of accident or sudden illness at the scene and continue during ambulance transport to hospitals. Under the direction of a physician, paramedics can administer some drugs orally or by injection, insert breathing-aid devices, use stomach suction equipment, use and interpret heart monitoring equipment and perform other emergency medical procedures. Paramedics are certified by the State Emergency Medical Services authority. Upon completing educational and examination requirements, paramedic students receive the EMT-P certification, the highest available for EMTs.

Students may concurrently pursue an Associate of Science degree with a major in Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Studies. This option augments the standard paramedic curriculum with general education courses in natural and social sciences, humanities, English, and physical education. Graduates gain the satisfaction and benefits of achieving both a high-level professional certification and a college degree.

Consult the Admissions and Programs pages for admissions and course information.