The Certificate of Achievement in Pre-Paramedic is designed for practitioners in the field returning to study for recertification and career advancement. The courses in this certificate prepare students 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 integrates medical ethics, anatomy, physiology, basic life support, communication skills, patient assessment, trauma care and transport of the prehospital patient. The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program is approved by the Ventura County EMS Agency, the State of California, and the National Registry of EMTs.

Students must complete 13.5 units in courses specified in the Program Requirements 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). Although these supplemental courses may be of value to the student, please note that they do not satisfy the requirements for this degree

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.
• 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 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 maintain EMT certification per CA Title 22, providing life-saving care during emergent and non-emergent incidents that involve victims of illness or injury.
• Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of all human systems and medical terminology in written and oral communications with other healthcare professionals.