Program: Certificates & Degrees

Welcome! Our program prepares students for certification and employment as an Emergency Medical Technician. Upon successful completion students are eligible to take the National Registry EMT examination. The course meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National EMS Education Standards (DOT HS 811 077A, January 2009).

We have an outstanding record of first-time pass rates for the National Registry of EMTs certification exam and most graduates find employment within two months of graduation.

COC EMTs: 

• Have the ethical foundation and critical thinking skills to become leaders
• Effectively and respectfully navigate diverse cultural environments
• Attain the academic and practical knowledge to further their education and advance in the workforce
• Are part of a community the supports their success at every stage of their career

• Tuition
  Our EMT Program is a 9.5 credit college course. EMT students must be enrolled as a current COC student to take it. Enrollment at the college includes paying tuition and fees, and the costs vary depending on your individual situation. For detailed information on costs and additional requirements see our EMT Orientation page, linked below.
• Length
  The course is one semester long (approximately 4 months) and is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters (August-December and February-June; exact dates vary). It is taught in person since approximately half the course involves hands-on skills. Students also complete approximately 30 hours of clinical rotations in hospital emergency rooms and on ambulances in addition to classroom time. Students must have their own transportation to and from clinical sites.
• How To Start

  If you’re new to COC or to college, start here. All students must be a current COC student and have a my.canyons.edu email address to enroll in the EMT program.

  If you’re a veteran, we’d recommend talking to the Veteran’s Resource Center first. They’ll be able to explain how to use your benefits and help you access entitlements on campus, such as early registration.

  If you’re a current military medic, a current California EMT trying to renew your certification, or a lapsed California EMT (your certification expired), check the LA County EMS website and FAQ for your next steps.

• Course Progression

  We strongly recommend taking Medical Terminology (HLHSCI 249), Emergency Medical Responder (HLHSCI 046), and a biology or anatomy and physiology course before attempting EMT. COC offers a Certificate of Specialization for EMTs completing the full course sequence.

  Fire Technology students should take EMT in their last semester of the program.

  The EMT course may be repeated for continuing education credit. COC also offers a 24-hour EMT refresher program. Check the COC Schedule of Classes and Course Catalog for more information.

• Additional Requirements and Expenses

  EMT students work clinical shifts in hospitals and on ambulances during the course. Those companies have additional requirements for all students:

  • Students must be fully vaccinated for Covid by the first day of class.
  • Students must pass a physical (done on our forms), and a background check and a drug test (done through our company). 
  • Students must be at least 18 years old on the first day of class, and must have the emotional maturity and physical stamina to work on the ambulance and in the emergency room. 
  • California requires EMTs to have a valid social security number and a clean criminal record. 
  • Students must complete three online courses through the Federal Emergency Management Agency by the first week of class. 
  • They must also obtain an American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR card and a blue LA County Fire Safety card by the third week of class. 
  • In accordance with State and County accreditation requirements, students cannot miss more than 2 days (9 hours) of the course for any reason and cannot miss any of the final exams during the last two weeks of the semester.

  For current detailed information on additional requirements, including downloadable forms, visit our EMT Orientation page in Canvas. Enrolled students can print forms for free at ASG on Valencia campus. 

  Some requirements MUST be completed within a specific timeframe: background check, physical, and labwork cannot be completed more than 6 months before the first day of class. The drug test and one TB test must be completed no earlier than 30 days before class starts (if class starts February 1st, the tests cannot be done before January 1st).

• Additional Resources

  The COC Financial Aid office offers information on loans, grants, and scholarships.

  The Basic Needs Center (BaNC) on campus has resources that help many students with the additional costs of the course. The BANC can assist many EMT students with the costs of uniforms, textbooks, equipment, and medical expenses. You can contact a BaNC representative through their website. Make sure to tell them you’re taking an EMT course so they can match you with the right assistance programs.