Emergency Medical Technician
Program Features
At-a-Glance
Through this course participants will receive the following:
- BLS Provider Certification (American Heart Association)
- ICS-100 Certification (FEMA)
- IS-1152 Certification (FEMA)
- At least 24 hours of ride-along time on an ambulance observing a professional EMT
- Quality instruction from trained professionals in the EMS field
- Opportunity to network with those who are interested or already working in the EMS field
- Preparation on how to take the National Registry Written Exam
Overview
In this nine-week course, students will receive basic life support training skills needed to become a certified EMT. The classroom structure is divided into lecture and lab time where students get a hands-on learning experience to practice rescue scenario skills.
Students will have a primary lead instructor on lecture days. During lab time, students will break into groups with several skills instructors who will provide basic life support training on the particular lessons learned that day. Students will learn from practicing EMTs and Paramedics who work in the field everyday.
Please note: This is an accelerated course that requires ample study time outside of class. Please refer to the sample class schedule to get an idea of the workload each week.
The EMT course is approved as a provider by the Sacramento County Emergency Medical Services Agency.
Audience
This program is ideal for:
- People interested in joining the EMS industry (EMT or Paramedic)
- Students who are considering Nursing, Physician’s Assistant, or Medical programs
- People interested in becoming a Firefighter
Licensure / Certification
Completing the EMT Course does not guarantee that students will obtain National Registry Certification (NREMT) or a State EMT certification. The NREMT/State requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, NREMT requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number), or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet NREMT/State certification requirements.
The CSU will not refund course fees, or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to enrollment that they cannot meet certification/license requirements.
Prerequisites
Students must be at least 18 years of age to register for the EMT course. There are no prerequisites for this course; however, passing CPR during the EMT course is required.
Career Possibilities
EMT-Basic is an entry-level position in the EMS industry. Completing the EMT-Basic course is the first stepping stone into the medical field, offering the basic skills that all clinicians need. An EMT can find employment opportunities in the following areas:
- Fire departments
- Private ambulance companies
- Law enforcement
- Hospitals
- Life guards
- Park rangers
Costs
The cost of the course is $1,700 (includes uniform polo and BLS certification). Students will need to purchase the course textbook prior to the first day of class. Links to the specific book and required online access will be emailed by the program coordinator. The estimated cost of the textbook is $230.
Students can expect to spend around $2,000 on course fees, textbook, and uniform pants.
First Responders Scholarship
The First Responder Fund at Sacramento State now offers a scholarship to assist with course fees for the EMT Program. The scholarship is available for the January, June, and September class sections each year (depending on fund availability).
- January 2027 Scholarships – Applications accepted between Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2026.
Thanks to generous donors, the First Responder Fund has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to EMT students since January 2023.
Scholarship Application Process
Applications are currently being accepted for EMT scholarships. Please download the First Responders Scholarship Application and submit it via email to cceparamedic@csus.edu.
The deadline to apply for a January 2027 scholarship is Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.
We will notify all applicants whether or not they have been awarded a scholarship on Friday, Oct. 23.
Important Info:
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- This scholarship is intended for the January 2027 EMT classes.
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- If selected, recipients will have until Friday, Nov. 6 to accept the scholarship and pay the remaining balance of their course fees ($1,200).
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- Selected students will receive a survey link that must be completed by the deadline. All students must submit a Thank-You letter, a photo of themselves, and a signed photo release.
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- If a selected student has already registered for the class and paid the course fee, they will receive the scholarship in the form of a $500 refund.
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- The scholarship award can be transferred to a March 2027 class.
If you have any questions about this application or scholarship, please email or call us at (916) 278-5984.
How to Register
Class capacity is 36 students. Our waitlists are capped at 75 students. This web page will be updated accordingly based on the class and waitlist status.
If you are planning on using your VA Benefits for this program, you do NOT need to register online. Please email CCE’s Veterans Student Support & Compliance Specialist and include your full name, phone number, and the course section you’d like to register for.
*CalVet Fee Waiver is NOT ACCEPTED for any CCE Programs, including the EMT Basic Course. Please visit CCE Veterans Affairs Benefits for more information.
All in-person sessions take place at:
McClellan Sac State Paramedic Classroom
4931 Arnold Ave, Ste 150, McClellan Park, CA 95652
Sections Available
Sept. 14 – Nov. 10, 2026 (26F EMS 600 10) – CLASS FULL, WAITLIST ONLY
Classes meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays (in-person).
Note: No class on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Mandatory make-up class on Tuesday, November 10.
$1,700
Sept. 15 – Nov. 12, 2026 (26F EMS 600 11) – CLASS FULL, WAITLIST OPEN
Classes meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (in-person)
$1,700
Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2026 (26F EMS 600 12) – CLASS FULL, WAITLIST OPEN
Classes meet from 6 – 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (virtual) and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays (in-person).
$1,700
Upcoming Dates
- January 2027 registration will open on Oct. 15, 2026.
- March 2027 registration will open on Dec. 15, 2026.
- June 2027 registration will open on March 17, 2027.
- September 2027 registration will open on June 16, 2027.
Meet Our EMT Lead Instructors
FAQ
What are the prerequisites for the course?
There are no prerequisites (aside from being at least 18 years old) for this course; however, passing CPR in our EMT course is a requirement to pass. Students are not required to have their CPR certification prior to enrolling in the EMT class as BLS certification is included in the course. You must be 18 years old to take the NREMT written exam (www.nremt.org).
Am I required to apply to Sacramento State as a student?
No, students are not required to apply to the university or meet the Sac State admissions criteria. Students can register directly for the course online at www.cce.csus.edu/ems
How long is the course?
The EMT course is nine weeks long. We typically offer three sections of the course with different schedules to accommodate the needs of our students (other classes, work, etc).
What is the refund policy?
Please refer to our Non-Credit Registration and Refunds page. The drop deadline for a full refund (minus $10 for processing) is seven calendar days before the class starts.
Is there a payment plan available?
No, students must pay the course fee at the time of registration.
Are financial aid and student loans eligible for this course?
No, unfortunately, this course does not qualify for financial aid or student loans. Payment for the course will need to be made at the time of registration. No payment plans are available.
Do you accept VA/GI Bill funding?
Yes, we accept VA/GI Bill benefits. Please refer to the Veterans Affairs Benefits webpage to learn more about the benefits accepted by CCE and how to start the registration process. Students using VA benefits do NOT register online – you must contact the VA Benefits Specialist to be registered for the course.
Can I use my Americorps scholarship or Department of Rehabilitation benefits to pay for this course?
Yes, you may use Americorps funds or DOR benefits to pay for the EMT course. However, you must contact Non-Credit Registration FIRST before submitting any paperwork to Americorps. The email is cceonlinereg@csus.edu.
For DOR students, please contact cce-dor@csus.edu to start the registration process.
How can I request academic accommodations for the EMT course?
EMT students are able to receive academic accommodations from the Sac State Disability Access Center. Students enrolled in noncredit classes must first request an enrollment confirmation from CCE at cceonlinereg@csus.edu and email that enrollment confirmation to dac@csus.edu to request accommodations.
Accommodations and services are determined based on enrollment status, available documentation, and an interactive collaboration with students. To review more information about accommodations, visit the DAC website.
I have to miss a day of class, can I still enroll in the course?
It is not recommended that students miss any days of the class as it is an accelerated program. Although the CA State requirement is 170 hours, our program only allows for a maximum of 8 hours missed. More than 8 hours missed will result in dismissal from the EMT program.
What am I required to bring with me to class?
Students are required to bring either a laptop or tablet with them to class in order to take quizzes online during class time.
Am I required to receive any immunizations prior to the course?
The CSU COVID-19 vaccination policy strongly recommends that all students and employees receive their booster as soon as they become eligible. You can visit Sacramento State’s COVID-19 Information page for FAQs and more information.
Which textbook do I need to purchase?
Students must buy the 13th edition of “Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured”.
Students will need to purchase one of the “Advantage” package options two weeks prior to the first day of class. You will be emailed more information (including links to where to purchase the package) from the program coordinator upon registering for the course.
Note: buying the textbook from Amazon is NOT recommended. Amazon does not sell the “Advantage” package, which is REQUIRED for the course.
Do students have to pay to park?
No, parking permits are NOT required at our McClellan classroom facility located at 4931 Arnold Avenue, McClellan Park, CA 95652.
Is the coursework transferable to another college or university?
No, unfortunately, the EMT Basic course is not transferable. The Sac State EMT course is a non-credit certificate program. There are no academic units granted for the course.
Are students required to wear uniforms?
Yes, students are required to wear a uniform to class. Students will need to purchase Navy Blue EMS-style pants. Students will be given a Sac State EMT polo which is worn every class meeting along with the EMS-style pants, and black shoes (a pair of black boots is recommended for the ride-a-longs for foot protection).
Do you provide assistance in obtaining work after completing the course?
We do not provide job placement. However, you will get a chance to network with other students, as well as your instructors who all have careers working as a paramedic, EMT or firefighter.
I’m also interested in the Paramedic Program at Sacramento State, who can I contact?
For more information about the Paramedic Program, you can visit our website at www.cce.csus.edu/paramedic.
Are you on social media?
Yes! Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram or Twitter at @SacStatePHE!
When will you be offering the course next?
We typically offer the course in January, March, June and September each year; however, this may change depending on circumstances. Please check back on our website periodically or follow us on social media for updates on when registration will open for the next EMT course.
When did you begin offering the EMT course at Sac State?
The Sacramento State EMT course began in October of 2009.
Your donation to support future first responders provides scholarships to program applicants, as well as critical supplies and training equipment for the program. The EMS student you support today may be the first responder who saves your life in the future.