Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Certificate Program

By enrolling in the EMT certificate program, 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 Robin.Stevenson@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 become a certified California State and Local Emergency Medical Technician, and prepare for medical careers that include nursing, firefighting, and other first responder positions. 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. 

Emergency Medical Technician Program

  • Individuals who want to become Emergency Medical Technicians or paramedics
  • Individuals who want to become firefighters
  • 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) or American Red Cross (ARC) is required prior to the first day of class.
  • This course also has a minimum required age of 18 years old.

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