By enrolling in the EMT certificate program beginning in Fall 2022, students can now receive 6 units of elective, academic credit for just an additional $99 dollars. Earning these units for course HHS 288 will count towards CSULB’s newly offered Minor in Emergency Management if the student earns a passing grade in the EMT program. For more information, contact Cindy.Nathan@csulb.edu.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) care for the sick or injured in emergency settings, and people’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs respond to emergency calls and care for patients while transporting them by ambulance to a hospital. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The EMT training program at CSULB prepares students for the job and makes them eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
The CSULB EMT program will help you learn how to become an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles and Long Beach, and prepare for medical careers as nurses, firefighters, and other first responders. Students will prepare for these types of careers by practicing with a working ambulance, allowing them to gain real life experience by staging scenarios that make the curriculum come to life.
Emphasis is placed on patient assessment, communication, ambulance operations, and patient care in accordance with the California State and Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agencies. Students who complete this program receive a course completion record.
Individuals who want to become Emergency Medical Technicians or paramedics
Individuals who are considering careers in law enforcement or public health
Individuals who are considering careers as lab technicians, dental assistants, medical assistants, and surgical technologists
Emergency medical services personnel
Military personnel
Emergency managers
Public health practitioners
Earn an 80% average in the class
Score at least 80% on the final examination
Meet attendance requirements
Successfully pass all skills examinations
Complete 12 hours of hospital clinical experience and 12 hours of ambulance ride-along experience with at least 10 documented patient contacts
Students who receive a CSULB EMT Course Completion Record are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Once students successfully pass the NREMT exam, they become eligible for California State Emergency Medical Services EMT certification.
California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Click here for more information about Accreditation and State Authorization.
A valid certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers offered through The American Heart Association (AHA) is required prior to the first day of class.
This course also has a minimum required age of 18 years old.
The EMT program uses MyLab, which includes an e-book (with audio) for each student, along with homework assignments and study tools like videos and diagnostic modules that help you understand key concepts. When you purchase access to MyLab for a one-time fee of $99.99, you can choose to upgrade and receive a print version of the book shipped to you.
Emergency Medical Technician Program
This program has greatly contributed to my role as an Emergency Medical Assistant. The program is structured to prepare each student to pass the course and the national exam. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in becoming a nationally certified EMT.
Meghan Shea
Emergency Medical Assistant, St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach
Emergency Medical Technician
Taking the EMT course at has given me a great educational foundation in helping me pass my National Registry Certification as well as my pursuits in the medical industry. The instructors and faculty did a great job in preparing and encouraging me to learn.
Stephen R. Metz
EMT program graduate
Program Outline
The EMT program consists of the following courses:
Topics Include:
EMS systems research
Workforce safety documentation
EMS systems communication
Therapeutic communication
Medical legal and ethics
Topics Include:
Anatomical planes
Directional terms
Movement terms
Anatomical positions
Standard anatomical terms
Body systems
Fundamental elements and issues
Topics Include:
Anatomical terms
Medical terms
Standard medical abbreviations and acronyms
Topics Include:
Composition of ambient air
Patency of the airway
Respiratory compromise
Alteration in regulation of respiration due to medical or trauma conditions
Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratio and mismatch
Perfusion and shock
Microcirculation
Blood pressure
Alterations of cell metabolism
Topics Include:
Newborn
Infant
Toddler
Preschool
Teen
Adult
Topics Include:
Local public health
Role of EMS personnel
Topics Include:
Principles of pharmacology
Medication administration
Emergency medications administration
Intravenous medication
Medications for Los Angeles County EMT scope of practice
Topics Include:
Airway management
Respiration
Artificial ventilation
Supportive oxygen therapy
Ventilating advanced airway adjuncts
Suctioning
Topics Include:
Scene size-up
Primary assessment
History taking
Secondary assessment
Detailed focused exam
Reassessment (on-going assessment)
Monitoring devices
Topics Include:
Medical Overview
Neurology
Abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders
Infectious (communicable) diseases
Immunology
Oncology
Endocrine disorders
Psychiatric
Cardiovascular
Toxicology
Respiratory
Hematology
Genitourinary/renal
Gynecology
Non-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders
Disorders of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat
Topics Include:
Trauma overview
Bleeding
Chest trauma
Abdominal and genitourinary trauma
Orthopedic trauma
Soft tissue trauma
Head, facial, neck, and spine trauma
Nervous system trauma
Special considerations in trauma
Environmental emergencies
Multi-system trauma
Inhaled injuries
Topics Include:
Obstetrics
Childbirth
Neonatal care
Birth defects
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
There will be an exam review during the last two class sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform medical services, and transport patients to medical facilities.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. Their work is physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and patients who are suffering.
All EMTs and paramedics must complete a formal training program. All states require EMTs and paramedics to be licensed; requirements vary by state. The first step in becoming an EMT is to enroll in an approved EMT training program.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $36,650 in May 2020.
Employment of EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 20,700 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over that decade.
The single most important goal of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is to offer assurance that EMS personnel providing treatment to patients—at their highest moment of need—are competent. The NREMT accomplishes this goal with a staff that includes highly qualified EMS experts who understand what is involved in treating patients in the out-of-hospital setting. They are responsible for implementing a process that involves meeting specific requirements. This is necessary due to the sensitive nature of the EMS profession and the level of trust placed on EMS personnel.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 261,300 people were employed as EMT's in 2020.
Most EMTs and paramedics work full-time and receive benefits. About one-third worked more than full-time in 2010. Because EMTs and paramedics must be available to work in emergencies, they may work overnight and on weekends. Some EMTs and paramedics are volunteers and have varied work schedules.
Yes, academic credit is offered for an additional $99 per 6 units.
Individuals who want to become Emergency Medical Technicians or paramedics
Individuals who are considering careers in law enforcement or public health
Individuals who are considering careers as lab technicians, dental assistants, medical assistants, and surgical technologists
Emergency medical services personnel
Military personnel
Emergency managers
Public health practitioners
CSULB EMT faculty work as practitioners in hospital settings. EMT skills instructors work as practicing Emergency Medical Technicians.
There is no enrollment deadline but you should enroll as soon as you know you want to join the program. Class size is limited, so enroll early. If the program fills up, you can ask to be placed on a waiting list or enroll in a subsequent semester.
Classes are small and students receive individualized attention. Currently, we are enrolling only about 20 students in the program each semester. Small classes help faculty adapt to the needs and interests of students more easily, making students more interested in learning. If a student has difficulty with a particular concept, they are much less likely to fall through the cracks. In addition, smaller classes promote better faculty/student relations, which encourage students to seek help when they need it.
Yes. You will need to complete 12 hours of hospital clinical experience plus 12 hours of ambulance ride-along experience during the course, with a total of 10 documented patient contacts. Before you will be permitted to participate in these hospital and ambulance clinical activities, you will need to meet the following requirements.
Students are required to have a current completion card for an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Healthcare Provide course or American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescuer course. Include a copy of both the front and back of the card.
Students must submit proof of the following by the third week of class:
Health clearance - A signed and dated form from a physician within six months before the start of class specifying that you can participate in the clinical portion of the EMT program without physical limitation. Print and use the form called Physical Clearance Form provided in Section #8 of this booklet.
Hepatitis B Vaccine, titer or declination
Influenza vaccine or declination
Current measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) immunization or titer
Tuberculosis (TB) screening – annual
Current combined Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine – Td/Tdap
Current varicella (chicken pox or VZV) immunization
Proof of health insurance (copy of front and back of card)
Completion of HIPAA privacy and security rules module (this is a homework assignment)
You can meet most of these requirements on campus through University Student Health Services.
Yes. See above. For proof of medical/physical requirements, students may use their own physician or they may use the services of the University Student Health Services (SHS). As of fall 2012, non-credit students pay $15 per visit plus the cost of services, such as immunization shots. If using Student Health Services, you must bring a government issued photo ID or College ID to all appointments. More information is available on the SHS website.
No. Students do not need to provide evidence of having current health insurance.
Yes. EMT students can receive discounted rates for professional liability insurance. You can search for providers on your own. However, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has endorsed the Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) for liability insurance (about $20) per year for EMS Basic students. More information can be found on the HPSO website.
Only Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification offered through the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider is accepted.
Information Sessions
Potential students interested in learning more about the EMT program are encouraged to attend a free information session. The information sessions include short presentations by a program representative, designed to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the program's benefits.
Upcoming online-only Information Sessions are below. Click on each date to register for the Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
CSULB's EMT program was worth every penny spent on it! The material was taught in an easy-to-understand manner, there was plenty of practice time for hands-on skills, and the instructors were some of the most qualified and helpful that I've had throughout my entire college career. I now feel ready to start working as an EMT, and I definitely would recommend this class to anyone interested in pursuing an EMS career.
Greg Yotsov
EMT program graduate
As an aspiring Physician's Assistant I was looking for a way to fulfill the paid clinical experience requirement. What stuck out to me most about the CSULB EMT program was that it was more affordable than others, and took place on Saturdays (I work full-time during the week) at a university. Needless to say, I have no regrets and thoroughly enjoyed this program, especially the instructors and my fellow students. I also recently passed the National Registry Exam.
John V. Enverga
EMT program graduate
As a non-traditional student, I was looking for a program that was reputable, and that would quickly get me started on the path of my career change into medicine. The instructors want the students to succeed, and are very willing to help. I especially enjoyed my clinical experience in the pre-hospital setting, and in the emergency room. I’m glad I found myself at The Beach. CSULB’s EMT program was a great discovery!
Erin Lacorte
Spring 2018 EMT Student
Job Opportunities
Position: Principal Instructor, CSULB EMT Training Program Emergency Medical Technician (Non-General Fund, Non-Benefit position) Effective Date: December 21, 2021 Reference: Los Angeles County DHS Ref. 906 – EMT Training Program Approval Salary: $50.00 per hour – Principal Instructor Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fridays, or Fridays & Saturdays 8 hours, 8:00am – 5:00pm (Break from 12:00 - 1:00pm) *Days and hours are subject to change upon semester class dates.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum of forty (40) hours of previous teaching methodology instruction in areas related to methods, materials, and evaluation of instruction
Minimum of two (2) years of academic or clinical experience in the practice of emergency medicine or prehospital care in the last five (5) years
Certified BLS for Healthcare Providers – American Heart Association
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated effectiveness and excellence for teaching/training students, or health/medical professionals
Emergency medical experience as a healthcare provider within Los Angeles county
Previous teaching experience as a Principal Instructor
Previous teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant (aka Skills Instructor)
Experience with using online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, BeachBoard, Canvas, or other management software
Additional certifications such as: ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, NRP, etc.
Associate’s degree or higher
Duties:
Teach the following subjects:
Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) which include ambulance operations and scenarios such as MCI, ICS, Hazmat, etc.
Documentation, legal, and ethical issues.
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
Assessment and treatment/transport decision-making (interventions, pharmacology, etc.).
Medical emergencies (respiratory, cardiac, neurological, psychological, etc.).
Traumatic emergencies (high-impact, low-impact, multi-trauma, penetrating vs. blunt, etc.).
All interventions/practices set forth by Los Angeles County DHS Ref. 802 – EMT Scope of Practice
Manage and supervise classroom activities and provide additional information or assistances to foster an effective and successful learning environment
Lecture on subjects described in previous section
Demonstrate and instruct students on the application of equipment
Evaluate student performance of practical and/or assessment skills
Maintain student advocacy throughout the learning process
Provide and engaged a safe learning environment
Ensure course requirements and objectives are met
Adhere to the CSULB’s Code of Conduct
Utilize CSULB available online platform resources such as Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, BeachBoard, etc.
How to Apply - Required Documentation:
Curriculum Vitae/Resume (Limit to One Page)
Proof of Certified BLS for Healthcare Providers – American Heart Association (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Completed FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100 training certification course (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Completed FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 700 training certification course (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
NAEMSE Instructor Course Level 1 certificate (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Current California state certification/license as a: EMT-B, EMT-I, Paramedic, Physician, or Registered Nurse (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Evidence of teaching methodology/experience(s) (i.e., course evaluations, instructions)
Proof of Associate’s degree or higher (if applicable)
Certifications such as: ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, NRP (if applicable)
Application Deadline:
Position open until January 15, 2022. Review of applications to begin immediately.
Applicants should request information or apply and submit all required documentation in one PDF file via e-mail to: Cindy Nathan, Associate Director, Professional and Workforce Development cindy.nathan@csulb.edu
CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to race or ethnicity (including color or ancestry), nationality, religion or religious creed, gender (or sex), gender identity (including transgender), gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran or military status. CSULB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position: Teaching Assistant, CSULB EMT Training Program Effective Date: Ongoing Reference: Los Angeles County DHS Ref. 906 – EMT TRAINING PROGRAM APPROVAL Pay: $30.00 per hour – Teaching Assistant (aka Skills Instructor) Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, Fridays, or Fridays & Saturdays 4 hours – 1:00pm – 5:00pm *Days and hours are subject to change upon semester class dates.
Teaching Assistants will assist/demonstrate instruction on the following subjects:
All interventions/practices set forth by Los Angeles County DHS Ref. 802 – EMT Scope of Practice.
Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) which include ambulance operations and scenarios such as MCI, ICS, Hazmat, etc.
Documentation, legal, and ethical issues.
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
Assessment and treatment/transport decision-making (interventions, pharmacology, etc.).
Medical emergencies (respiratory, cardiac, neurological, psychological, etc.).
Traumatic emergencies (high-impact, low-impact, multi-trauma, penetrating vs. blunt, etc.).
Duties:
Candidate may/will be evaluated by other CSULB EMT staff (chosen by the EMT Program Coordinator) to demonstrate ability to present accurate and appropriate subject matter, manage student activities and behavior, display professionalism, and provide additional information or assistances required to foster an effective and successful learning environment.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: demonstrate/instruct students on the application of equipment and performance of practical and/or assessment skills, maintaining student advocacy throughout the learning process, making an engaged and safe learning environment, assist Principal Instructor with achieving course requirements and ensuring objectives are met.
Supervise classroom activities in accordance with CSULB’s Code of Conduct.
Use CSULB online platform resources such as Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, BeachBoard, etc.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum of six (6) months of academic or clinical experience in the practice of emergency medicine or prehospital care within one (1) year.
Desired/Preferred Qualifications:
Emergency medical experience as a healthcare provider within Los Angeles county.
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant (aka Skills Instructor) or similar position.
Demonstrated effectiveness and excellence for teaching/training students, or health/medical professionals.
Experience with using online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, BeachBoard, Canvas, or other management software. Additional certifications such as: ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, NRP, etc.
Required Documentation:
Updated curriculum vitae/resume. (Please limit to one page.)
Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification. (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Completed FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 100 training certification course. (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Completed FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) 700 training certification course. (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Current California state certification/license as a: EMT-B, EMT-I, Paramedic, Physician, or Registered Nurse. (Required Qualification and complete before hire)
Application Deadline:
Position is open on an ongoing basis. Review of applications to begin immediately.
Application, required documentation, and/or requests for information should be addressed to: Cindy Nathan, Associate Director, Professional & Workforce Development, cindy.nathan@csulb.edu
CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to race or ethnicity (including color or ancestry), nationality, religion or religious creed, gender (or sex), gender identity (including transgender), gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information, age, veteran or military status. CSULB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.