EMS Training Programs

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Programs 

EMT training programs provide foundational instruction for individuals to qualify for EMT certification in California. All programs also include EMT refresher courses that grant 24 hours of continuing education credits, which can be used for renewal or reinstatement. Additional courses may include California State EMT Skills Testing, which is necessary to renew or reinstate California EMT certificates. 

After completing the initial training, EMT candidates must pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) cognitive exam. Successfully completing the EMT initial training and gaining NREMT certification qualifies an individual for California EMT certification (more information about EMT certification here).

EMT training programs may also provide EMT Challenge Examinations for individuals who are already licensed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, or Medical Doctor. Reach out to the program closest to you for more detailed information and class schedules.

All EMT training Programs operating within San Diego County must be approved by San Diego County EMS. All approved EMT Programs are listed on the California EMSA website. More information about EMT training program approval can be found in San Diego County EMS policy B-351.

Paramedic Training Programs 

Paramedic training programs offer comprehensive education to prepare students for California Paramedic licensure. After completing the initial training, paramedic candidates must pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam at the paramedic level.

Individuals with an NREMT-Paramedic certificate must be licensed by the EMS Authority and then accredited by the Local EMS Agency to practice as a paramedic. More information about state licensure can be found here, along with details about accreditation here.

In California, paramedic training programs are approved by the local EMS agency in the County in which the training program is located. Additionally, paramedic training programs in California are required to be accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). All approved Paramedic Training Programs are listed on the California EMSA website. More information about Paramedic training program approval can be found in San Diego County EMS policy P-301.