⚠️ System Notice: Ellucian Application Unavailable
The Ellucian application is currently experiencing an outage. Please note that applications submitted starting on May 7th are currently backlogged, and we do not yet have an estimated processing timeline. We understand this may impact your ability to access services and appreciate your patience as the issue is being addressed. Updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.
Fire Technology Department

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program

Train to Save Lives. Prepare for a Fast-Paced Career in Emergency Services.

Our EMT Program is delivered in an academy-style format that emphasizes physical agility, team dynamics, and effective communication—key skills used daily by emergency medical professionals. This immersive, fast-paced program prepares you to provide emergency care, respond to disasters, and support critical life-saving operations in the field.

Ariel Image from MCI

Learn More

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

    • 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 the EMT course (FT183 and FT183L)

    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

Featured Careers

Well-paying, in-demand positions are available in state and federal agencies and private industry

  • 911 Emergency EMT

  • Patient Transport EMT

  • Event EMT

  • Emergency Room Technician

  • Firefighter

  • Paramedic

  • Flight Medic

  • Physician Assistant

  • Nurse

  • Search and Rescue Specialist

  • Respiratory Therapist