The Certificate of Achievement in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is designed for students who are entering the field of emergency medical services. The courses in this certificate prepare the student to render prehospital basic life support at the scene of an emergency, during transport of the sick and injured, or during interfacility transfers within an organized Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.

The certificate provides instruction in medical ethics, anatomy, physiology, basic life support, effective communication, patient assessment, trauma care, and transport of the prehospital patient. The EMT Program is approved by the Ventura County EMS Agency, the State of California, and the National Registry of EMTs.

Students must complete a total of 8.5 units in two specified EMS courses to earn this certificate.

Recommended Courses

In addition to the required courses listed above, it is recommended that students who seek to obtain additional insight into this field of study consider taking one or more of the following courses: ​

• BUS V27A Beginning Medical Terminology (Units: 3)
• MATH V35 Intermediate Algebra and Applications for Health Care Personnel (Units: 5)
• PSY V15 Introduction to Abnormal Psychology (Units: 3) 
• PSY V30 Multicultural Psychology (Units: 3).

​Please note that although the above supplemental courses may be of value to the student, they do not satisfy the requirements for this certificate.

Emergency Medical Technician Program Requirements

Eligibility to participate in the clinical experience (EMS V10L) is contingent upon the student meeting all of the following mandatory requirements by the specified deadline. Students who do not complete the requirements for clinical participation by the dates provided at the beginning of the term will be unable to complete the course.

• A physical exam documented on the Ventura College Physical Examination & Immunization Requirements form, which indicates that the student is free from communicable diseases (proof of immunity to measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, & varicella), has tuberculosis clearance, and is able to function in a prehospital and hospital settings.
• A criminal background check and drug screen clearance, paid by the student and through an agency approved by the Ventura College Health Sciences Department.
• Provide proof of age in the form of a government-issued identification card.
• Provide proof of current CPR training equivalent to the current American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care at the Healthcare Provider level as a prerequisite for admission to an EMT course. 
• Provide proof of health insurance.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate eligibility to take the National Registry EMT cognitive exam.
  
  
• Perform as a competent, entry-level EMT in accordance with CA Title 22, providing life-saving care during emergent and non-emergent incidents that involve victims of illness or injury.