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EMT Program FAQs
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EMT Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
I’ve seen other EMT programs in the area; how is the CSUDH EMT Training Program different?
According to Instructor Jess Nalley: “We don’t throw you in the deep end and see if you sink; we practice, practice, practice.”
That practice involves the following:
- We have a high pass rate of students completing the course and going on to take and pass the certifying exam.
- We have a fully functioning ambulance stocked and available for live scenario training.
- We provide real-world experience and immersion opportunities.
- We have a variety of ride along partners – 911, interfacility, city fire departments included.
Is the EMT Program at CSUDH approved?
Yes, the program is approved by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency.
How is the program conducted: in-person, online, or hybrid?
The program is conducted in-person.
Can I take this program if I work full-time?
Yes, we offer a Saturday/Sunday cohort. Check the program schedule to see when our next weekend offering will be.
How much is the EMT Training program at CSUDH?
The course fees are available on the program schedule.
Is the tuition fee due up front? What are some options for tuition payment?
Yes, payment is due at the time of registration. However, payment plans are available; connect with our registration staff for more information.
- You can also apply for a private student loan through Sallie Mae or other private student loan services.
- CSUDH EMT Training course is eligible for funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- Many ambulance companies are currently offering bonuses and reimbursement to new-hires. View our information packet for current job flyers! Download EMT Training Course Info Kit ►
- Please Note: the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Course does not qualify for federal student financial aid.
What does the tuition include?
The tuition includes the following:
- Course enrollment fee
- Course textbook (Electronic Access)
- FISDAP Course Assessment package
Are there additional costs outside of the tuition?
- Before program application:
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support training: AHA BLS Card
- TB Test (available at CVS and other providers)
- Hepatitis B Vaccine (available at CVS and other providers)
- During EMT course:
- Uniform and boots
- Parking at CSUDH
- The Anatomy Coloring Book (optional)
- After:
- Fee for NREMT Certification Exam (Cognitive Exam Fee: $104 (Per exam attempt)
- Fee to apply for licensure with certifying entity ($190 Los Angeles County)
- Background check (if not previously completed)
When do students wear the required uniform?
Students wear the required uniform to each class session as well as to ride along shifts.
When do students purchase the uniform?
Instructions for purchase at LA Uniform is provided during the initial class session. Payment will be made by the students directly to LA Uniform.
How is fieldwork scheduled?
Fieldwork shifts are scheduled by the program instructor at one of CSUDH’s EMT ride-along partners. Shifts are scheduled according to student and site availability and are typically 12-hour shifts.
Does the certificate show “CSUDH”?
The certificate of completion is issued by CSUDH and reflects program approval by Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency. The course completion is also reflected on the CSUDH Official Transcript.
How often is the CSUDH EMT Training course offered?
The EMT course at CSUDH is offered 3-4 times each calendar year. Sign up for our mailing list to receive announcements about new course offerings!
How long is the course in terms of weeks?
The Spring and Fall offerings are typically 15-16 weeks and the Summer offering is approximately 10 weeks.
Admissions & Application
Do I have to be admitted to California State University, Dominguez Hills to apply for the EMT Training Program?
No, anyone may apply directly to the EMT Training Course at CSUDH without university admission.
I am a student at CSU Dominguez Hills. Does the EMT program qualify as part of my course load? Will the EMT course qualify me for continuous enrollment at CSUDH?
No, the EMT Course at CSUDH is a non-academic program and does not count toward course load or continuous enrollment.
What are the physical requirements for working as an EMT?
Physical requirements include the ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds, and to walk, bend, and stoop on uneven terrains.
Should I build up my strength before starting the EMT Training Program at CSUDH?
Our program teaches lifting techniques throughout the duration of the program. When it comes to lifting a gurney, we’ll show you how to lift smarter, not harder.
Do I need a high school diploma to take the EMT Training Program at CSUDH?
You can start the program while still in high school, but need to obtain and be able to show proof of a high school diploma before the end of the course.
I know I want to take the EMT Training Course at CSUDH. What are my next steps?
- Obtain required vaccinations and medical tests
- Obtain AHA BLS card
- Submit application and required documentation
- Receive approval from CSUDH EMT Training Program, and enroll in EMT Course
What is an AHA BLS card, and how can I obtain one?
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings. Note: EMT Program Applicants are highly recommended to take the in-person session for maximum benefit.
Find A Classroom: sign up for a 1-day BLS course near you ►
How long does a BLS card take to obtain?
Full BLS Provider Course takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete, including skills practice and skills testing. BLS Renewal Course takes approximately 3 hours to complete, including skills practice and testing.
How and where can I get tested for Tuberculosis? How and where can I get my hepatitis B vaccine?
Both the Tuberculosis test and the Hepatitis B vaccine can be obtained through your primary care provider. However, they can also be completed at many pharmacies such as CVS. Negative TB test results must be dated within 6 months of class start.
What if I won’t complete the Hepatitis B Vaccination Series before the application deadline?
Hepatitis B vaccine is an important source of protection for healthcare workers and is a requirement for many ambulance companies. It is important to have the Hepatis B series started at the time of application.
Can I take the class without a Social Security Number?
Yes, you could take the class. However, you would not be able to pursue certification and/or employment.
Is a Social Security Number required to certify as an EMT in California?
Yes, a social security number is required by California law to complete the EMT certification process in CA. The Central Registry regulations require that this information be collected by the certifying entities, documented in the Registry and available for certification action if necessary (https://emsa.ca.gov/emt).
Course Experience
How many hours can I expect to spend on coursework outside of class?
Expect to spend 10-14 hours per week for reading and activities, depending on existing familiarity with EMS/medical terminology. Daily practice with coursework is recommended.
What type of work is expected outside of class?
EMS practice activities, videos, scenarios, quizzes, readings to ensure students come to class prepared. Book work is assigned within the digital textbook with assignments to complete.
What is a day in the course like?
- A lot of hands on hands-on training – practice, practice, practice!
- Lecture in the morning and skills in the afternoon after lunch – skills have scenario training with a fully functional ambulance - we stage an incident and student squads address the situation as they would in a real-world situation
- Practice skills – splinting, gurney management, patient assessment
Why is it important to spend ample time practicing skills and running scenarios?
- Lifelike, prepare for what the situation would be like.
- You are being prepared for success on the job, not just to pass the course.
How hands-on is the training program?
Our program includes live-scenario skills training that mimics what can happen in real life and prepares you for your future career.
Are you trained to do paperwork in the program?
Yes. Our live-scenario skills training includes training on the paperwork that is required to be filled out after each call. The paperwork is evaluated by the course instructor and feedback is provided.
Program Completion
What are the steps to becoming an EMT?
- To become an EMT in California, complete an EMT course from an approved EMT Training Program.
- Second, pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT computer-based testing.
- Third, apply for EMT certification with ONE California local EMS Agency, aka “certifying entity”.
What is the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)?
The National Registry of EMTs is an independent, not-for-profit organization. National EMS Certification is not a license to practice, but is the process utilized to validate competent practice by EMS professionals. For information about licensure, contact the Office of EMS in the state you desire to work.
What is the NREMT exam that must be passed after successfully passing the CSUDH EMT Course?
The NREMT exam (a computer adaptive test) is held at a testing center. It will use as many questions as needed to either pass or fail the participant. Often, it includes around 70 questions and takes under an hour to complete; it could be extended longer with up to 125 questions if a high number of wrong answers were provided.
What happens after I take the course? Am I required to take any classes after the EMT NHGH 905 course?
Students who wish to become qualified EMTs are required to take and pass the NREMT exam. (*Our passage rate is high!)
There are no other courses to take in the program.
How soon after completing the EMT Training Program should I take the certifying exam?
It is recommended that right after completing the course, you take the exam... That’s when the information is most fresh.
Where can I work as an EMT after completing this program?
- To become an EMT in California, complete an EMT course from an approved EMT Training Program.
- Second, pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT computer-based testing.
- Third, apply for EMT certification with ONE California local EMS Agency, aka “certifying entity”.
How much time do I have to pass the NREMT exam and apply for EMT certification?
You must apply for certification within two years of being issued an EMT course completion record. In certain cases, if course completion is greater than two years old, but NREMT certification has been maintained, the two-year rule may be waived.
How can I learn more about working as an EMT in Los Angeles County?
Visit the Los Angeles County EMS Agency ►
Other Southern California EMS Agencies:
- Kern County: (661) 868-5200
- Orange County: (714) 834-3500
- Riverside County: (951) 358-5029
- San Bernardino County (ICEMA): (909) 388-5823
- San Diego County: (619) 285-6429
- Santa Barbara County: (805) 681-5274
- Ventura County: (805)981-5301
Do I have to have a driver's license to work as an EMT?
A driver’s license is not required to complete the EMT Course and certify as an EMT in California. However, individual employers may have requirements for employees to hold a valid driver license.
Getting Hired as an EMT
What are some of the job opportunities after the program?
We partner with several ambulance companies that are eager to hire our students!
What is the starting pay for an EMT?
Starting pay rates for EMTs can range from $18–21 per hour.
Why does the pay for EMTs seem low for all the training requirements?
According to EMT professionals, the hourly rate is deceptive if you are looking at that alone; hourly work is different: it provides a more compact schedule, and overtime is a large factor in increased wage earnings. Benefits include health insurance and time off.
There is a high need for EMTs right now, meaning there are a lot of competitive opportunities with upward career mobility.
What does a typical EMT work schedule look like?
Work schedules as an EMT depend on the employer. Shifts can be 8, 10, 12, or even 24 hours. MedReach and other ambulance companies are committed to flexible scheduling for college students.
What other jobs can I get besides working at an ambulance company?
Here are just a few examples:
- Event staffing/first aid
- Theme Park first aid
- ER Tech
- Lifeguard
- Caregiving
- Fire department
- Entry level position for nursing (CNA, LVN)