EMT Paramedic Programs in California

How to Become an EMT-Paramedic in California and EMT-Paramedic Programs in California

"How to become an EMT-Paramedic in California" is a challenging and rewarding question to ask. EMT-paramedic programs in California provide some of the highest medical standards of any in the country. To become a fully-fledged paramedic in the state, you will have to take an approved course and apply for certification within two years after that completion. Approved training programs in California have historically tended to be longer than those in other states thanks to the high standards of conduct and professionalism required. However, the growing need for paramedics -- expected to see a 33% to 40% growth in California until 2020 -- has shortened some programs.

Most approved California EMT programs will be offered at a community college or satellite of the University of California system. During such a program, a candidate will learn life-saving medical skills, including CPR. As in most other states, EMTs are considered emergency first responders and will be expected to retain CPR skills and certification alongside their EMT certification. To be eligible for a paramedic license, candidates will complete over 1,100 hours of field training in hospital and clinical training and a field internship. At this point, they become eligible to take the NREMT California written and practical examinations, which must be completed with high marks.

The California EMT Authority uses a nationwide exam provided by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, so you will be able to study for it even if you are not a California resident at the time you seek your license. In-state EMTs will pay $250 to become licensed; out-of-state licensees will pay a slightly higher fee. Candidates must pass all of California's licensing tests and standards after no more than three retries. Once they obtain licensure, they become eligible to serve as a paramedic in the state of California. In California, EMTs and ambulance drivers are considered to be separate occupational categories that do not overlap.

In California, paramedics receive a rate of compensation higher than their counterparts in most other states. The median income for an EMT in California is $31,000. Ambulance drivers, who typically serve while handling their licensure requirements, make a mean salary of about $26,000. Starting salary for a California paramedic tends to be close to the median salary. In order to advance to higher levels of compensation, the paramedic will have to gain tenure by maintaining their licensure and professional standards. Strict continuing education requirements are involved. EMTs who serve in major metropolitan areas may also receive higher pay and a bonus on the basis of calls responded to.

EMT Paramedic Schools Near You & Online in California

College of the Redwoods

  • 220 F Street Arcata, CA 95521
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (707) 822-3353

Bakersfield College

  • 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield, CA 93305
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, LVN, Radiography, RN
    (661) 395-4011

National College of Technical Instruction

  • 240 E. Highway 246 Buellton, CA 93427
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (916) 960-6284

Absolute Safety Training Inc.

  • PO Box 906 Chico, CA 95927
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (530) 521-6520

Palomar Community College

  • 1951 E. Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92026
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (760) 744-1150 x 8153

Fresno City College

  • 1101 E. University Avenue Fresno, CA 93741
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, Health Information Management-Associate, Radiography, RN
    (559) 442-4600

Fresno City College Consortium

  • 1221 Fulton Mall Fresno, CA 93721
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (559) 445-3387

Imperial Valley College

  • 380 E. Aten Road Imperial, CA 92251
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, LVN, RN
    (760) 352-8320

UCLA Center for Prehospital Care

  • 333 North Prairie Ave Inglewood, CA 90301
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (310) 674-7050

University of Antelope Valley

  • 44055 N. Sierra Hwy Lancaster, CA 93534
    Programs: CNA, EMT Paramedic
    (661) 726-1911

National College of Technical Instruction

  • 7543 Southfront Road Livermore, CA 94550
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (510) 772-9246

Saddleback College

Napa Valley College

  • 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway Napa, CA 94558
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, LVN, RN
    (707) 253-3000

Butte Community College

  • 3536 Butte Campus Drive Oroville, CA 95965
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, LVN, RN
    (530) 895-2511

Foothill College

  • 4000 Middlefield Road, Suite I Palo Alto, CA 94303
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (650) 949-6972

Moreno Valley College

  • 16888 Bundy Avenue Riverside, CA 92518
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (951) 571-6100 x 4600

National College of Technical Instruction

  • 333 Sunrise Avenue #500 Roseville, CA 95661
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (909) 841-6297

American River College

  • 4700 College Oak Drive Sacramento, CA 95841
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, RN
    (916) 484-8011

California State University at Sacramento

  • 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, EMT Paramedic, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (916) 278-6011

National College of Technical Instruction

  • 2655 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (619) 241-9351

Southwestern College

  • 8100 Gigantic Street San Diego, CA 92153
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (619) 216-6167

WestMed College

  • 3031 Tisch Way 1st Floor, Suite 8PW San Jose, CA 95128
    Programs: EMT Paramedic, LVN
    (408) 236-1170

Emergency Training Services, Inc.

  • 3050 Paul Sweet Road Santa Cruz, CA 95065
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (831) 476-8813

Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency

  • 10100 Pioneer Blvd Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (323) 890-7506

Emergency Medical Sciences Training Institute

  • 1801 E March Lane Stockton, CA 95210
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (209) 461-5550

Ventura College

  • 4667 Telegraph Road Ventura, CA 93003
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, RN
    (805) 654-6400

National College of Technical Instruction

  • 800 College Avenue Weed, CA 96094
    Programs: EMT Paramedic, LVN
    (530) 938-5555

Santa Rosa Junior College

  • 5743 Skylane Boulevard Windsor, CA 95492
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (707) 836-2919

Crafton Hills College

  • 11711 Sand Canyon Road Yucaipa, CA 92399
    Programs: EMT Paramedic
    (909) 389-3220