1. Complete an Approved EMT Program

• Successfully complete Cabrillo College's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, which includes classroom instruction, skills training, and clinical experience.

2. Pass the National Registry Exam

• After completing the program, pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive examination.

3. Apply for California EMT Certification

• Submit your application through your local EMS agency, complete a background check, and provide proof of CPR certification and NREMT certification.

4. Meet Employer Requirements.

• Most employers also require:

  • Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certification

  • A valid driver's license

  • Medical clearance and required immunizations

  • Drug screening and background check

5. Apply for EMT Positions

• Once certified, you can apply for jobs with ambulance providers, fire departments, hospitals, industrial employers, and other emergency medical services throughout California.

We offer the EMT Program:

• Spring Semester

  • 16 week course

• Summer Semester

  • 9 week course

• Fall Semester

  • 16 week course

Program Requirements:

• CPR Certification: Hold a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers - Level CPR Certification or equivalent prior to class start

  • Need to Get Your CPR Certification? Here are a few options:

    • American Red Cross (Most Recommended)

    • Lifework in Aptos

    • Safety Training Seminars

• Hold a High School Diploma or GED

• Must be 18 years old or older by the end of the Program

• Minimum grades must be met in both lecture and lab components

• Must be able to carry 75lbs

Program Length:

• Fall & Spring Semester: 16 weeks

• Summer Semester: 9 weeks

Format:

• Lecture + hands-on skills lab

Title 22 Requirements:

• Minimum 146 hours of didactic instruction and skills lab

• The program includes 24 hours of supervised clinical experience. Students must complete and document a minimum of 10 patient contacts, demonstrating patient assessment and other EMT skills under evaluation. All clinical placements are scheduled by the Program Director.

Materials Fee:

• There is a $23 material fee for this course

Lecture Suggested Dress Code:

• Recommended Attire:

  • Business casual clothing

  • Button-down collared shirt

  • Navy blue work pants

• Please avoid wearing:

  • Shorts of any kind

  • Jeans

  • Tank tops

  • Low-cut tops

  • Yoga pants or leggings

  • Dresses or skirts

  • Flip flops

  • Crop tops or exposed midriff

  • Jewelry

  • Additional Guidelines:

    • Long hair must be pulled back and kept out of the face

Lab Suggested Dress Code

• Recommended Attire:

  • Navy Blue exercise shorts

  • Navy Blue exercise shirt

Enrollment in the EMT Program follows the standard Cabrillo College registration process and does not require a separate program application. Students must first apply to Cabrillo College, receive a registration date, and then register for the EMT course when enrollment opens.

How to Enroll

1. Apply to Cabrillo College

2. Receive a registration date

3. Register for FT 183 and FT 183L, no other classes are required.

   1. Provide Proof of CPR BLS for Healthcare Provider Certification

   2. Provide Proof of Age

• Academy-style structure focused on discipline, teamwork, and readiness

• Hands-on training in patient assessment, trauma response, and medical emergencies

• Emphasis on real-world scenarios to build confidence and competence

• Meets California Title 22 regulations and prepares students for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam

• Certifications earned are recognized by most public and private emergency service agencies

• Patient assessment, trauma care, airway management, and medical emergencies

• Disaster response, team-based drills, and real-world simulations

• Title 22-aligned instruction that prepares you for the NREMT exam

• Team Building

• Communication

• Leadership

• Certifications

  • Active Shooter - (IS-907)

  • Blue Campaign First Responder Training - (IS-1152 )

  • Incident Command System

    • Introduction to the Incident Command System - (IS 100.C)

    • Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response - (IS 200.C)

  • Introduction to the Standardized Emergency Management System and the National Incident Management System - (EPO-1011)

  • National Incident Management System

    • An Introduction to the NIMS System - (IS 700.B)

    • National Response Framework - (IS 800.D)

  • WMD/Terrorism Awareness for Emergency Responders - (AWR 160)

• Eligibility: NREMT + California EMT Licensure

Upon certification, EMTs are eligible for roles in:

• Private and public ambulance services

• Fire departments and law enforcement

• Special event medical teams

• Disaster response organizations

• Academy-style discipline and readiness

• Expert instructors with real-world EMS experience

• Title 22 and NREMT exam-ready curriculum

• 911 Emergency EMT

• Patient Transport EMT

• Event EMT

• Emergency Room Technician

• Firefighter

• Paramedic

• Flight Medic

• Physician Assistant

• Nurse

• Search and Rescue Specialist

• Respiratory Therapist