Types of EMTs
The EMT (or EMT-I) represents the first component of the emergency medical technician system. An EMT trained at this level cares for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. The EMT-Basic has the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies. They help the emergency room staff do pre-admittance treatment and obtain medical histories.
The EMT- Advanced (or EMT-II) has more advanced training. In addition to basic duties, they may insert intravenous catheters, administer intravenous glucose solutions or a limited number of drugs, and obtain blood samples for laboratory analysis. In certain emergencies, EMT-IIs may be approved to perform advanced life support procedures.
The EMT-Paramedics provide the most extensive pre-hospital care. In addition to carrying out the procedures of the other levels, Paramedics may administer drugs orally and intravenously, insert breathing-aid devices, use stomach suction equipment, interpret electrocardiograms, and use monitors and other complex equipment.
Important Qualities To Have
Compassion. EMTs and paramedics must be able to provide emotional support to patients in an emergency, especially patients who are in life-threatening situations or extreme mental distress.
Interpersonal skills. EMTs and paramedics usually work on teams and must be able to coordinate their activities closely with others in stressful situations.
Listening skills. EMTs and paramedics need to listen to patients to determine the extent of their injuries or illnesses.
Physical strength. EMTs and paramedics need to be physically fit. Their job requires a lot of bending, lifting, and kneeling.
Problem-solving skills. EMTs and paramedics must evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer appropriate treatments.
Speaking skills. EMTs and paramedics need to clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others.
Covid-19 Vaccination requirements
Per the requirements of our clinical site partners, all EMT students are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) prior to beginning any externship. No exceptions will be made.
New! NCCRS College Credit
More than 1,500 cooperating colleges and universities (including most California Community Colleges and Cal State Universities) will consider granting college credit based on NCCRS credit recommendations. Additional colleges may also award college units for SICE Medical Career Courses. Please visit our Credit Recommendations FAQs page for more info.
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
EMT
Upon successful completion of coursework and final examinations, students will receive an EMT-1 Course Completion Certificate from Simi Institute and will be eligible to take the computerized National Registry Exam to be a California EMT-1. Live Scan (fingerprinting) and current immunizations are required prior to clinical experience.
Note: A CPR class will be offered for EMT students needing to obtain a CPR card. BLS-CPR certification must be obtained prior to clinical ride-alongs.
SPRING 2023
Classroom Dates: January 24 - June 3, 2023
Clinical Ride-Along Dates: April 30 - May 26, 2023
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Time: T, Th: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Sat: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Room: 508
NCCRS Credits: 6
Fee: $1,185, includes EMT polo shirt, clinical ride-alongs & textbooks. (Students must provide their own required shoes, pants, and belt. Live Scan fingerprinting and current immunizations are required prior to clinical ride-alongs.)
Prerequisite: Valid CPR card: "Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals" card from the American Heart Association; or "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" card from the American Red Cross, prior to clinical ride-alongs.
Medical Program Requirements: All SICE medical courses include required textbooks, supplies, and uniforms (unless otherwise noted). Students in all SICE medical programs should be 18 years or older, and speak, read, and write at a minimum 10th grade level.
Clinical Requirements: A Social Security or tax ID number, background check, medical exam, vaccinations (including Covid-19), drug screening, government-issued picture ID, N95 mask fitting, CPR, TB test, and Fire Card (for Los Angeles if applicable) are mandatory for those SICE medical programs that require clinical exernships at partner facilities. Other clinical requirements may exist. Clinical externships included in SICE medical programs are unpaid educational experiences.
Licensing Requirements: In addition to program completion and clinical requirements, proof of U.S. High School diploma or equivalent, passing licensure exam score, and additional items may be required for licensure in California.
EMT Accelerated
Upon successful completion of coursework and final examinations, students will receive an EMT-1 Course Completion Certificate from Simi Institute and will be eligible to take the computerized National Registry Exam to be a California EMT-1. Live Scan (fingerprinting) and current immunizations are required prior to clinical experience.
SUMMER 2023
Classroom Dates: July 10 - August 11, 2023
Clinical Ride-Along Dates: August 1 - August 7 (including Saturday & Sunday)
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (plus 1 Sunday)
Time: M, T, W: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; Sat: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
NCCRS Credits: 6
Fee: $1,185, includes EMT polo shirt, clinical ride-alongs & textbooks. (Students must provide their own required shoes, pants, and belt. Live Scan fingerprinting and current immunizations are required prior to clinical ride-alongs.)
Prerequisite: Valid CPR card: "Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals" card from the American Heart Association; or "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" card from the American Red Cross, prior to clinical ride-alongs.
Medical Program Requirements: All SICE medical courses include required textbooks, supplies, and uniforms (unless otherwise noted). Students in all SICE medical programs should be 18 years or older, and speak, read, and write at a minimum 10th grade level.
Clinical Requirements: A Social Security or tax ID number, background check, medical exam, vaccinations (including Covid-19), drug screening, government-issued picture ID, N95 mask fitting, CPR, TB test, and Fire Card (for Los Angeles if applicable) are mandatory for those SICE medical programs that require clinical exernships at partner facilities. Other clinical requirements may exist. Clinical externships included in SICE medical programs are unpaid educational experiences.
Licensing Requirements: In addition to program completion and clinical requirements, proof of U.S. High School diploma or equivalent, passing licensure exam score, and additional items may be required for licensure in California.
EMT Refresher
This four-day class meets the 32-hour classroom refresher requirement and the skills refresher requirement for the State of California and its Counties, as well as portions of the National Registry’s reregistration requirements for Emergency Medical Technician Basics.
There may be additional requirements to be eligible for recertification or reregistration if your certification has lapsed depending on the County and State of your certification.
Note: Skills completion certificates are only valid for 12 months or as allowed by the ruling regulatory agency or authority. All students must bring a copy of their current or most recent EMT certification card and a current Healthcare providers level CPR card to the class for the instructor.
Dates: April 12 - 15, 2023
Days: Wednesday - Saturday
Time: Weds & Thurs: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am 4:30 pm, Sat: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Room: 508
Fee: $325. Additional fees for recertification and reregistration may apply.
Prerequisite: Valid CPR card: "Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals" card from the American Heart Association; or "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" card from the American Red Cross, prior to first day of class. All students must bring a copy of their current or most recent EMT-1 certification card (expired no more than 30 days) on the first day of class. Per the requirements of our clinical site partners, all EMT students are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) prior to beginning any externship. No exceptions will be made.
EMT Skills Only
Students interested in skills testing only may enroll for EMT Skills Only which will take place on the last day of the refresher. Skills practice will be at the discretion of the instructor. If offered, it may be the same day prior to testing. Please check with the school for availability.
Date: April 15, 2023
Days: Saturday
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Room: 508
Fee: $75
Prerequisite: Valid CPR card: "Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR & AED Training for Healthcare Professionals" card from the American Heart Association; or "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" card from the American Red Cross, prior to the first day of class. All students must bring a copy of their current or most recent EMT-1 certification card (expired no more than 30 days) on the first day of class. Per the requirements of our clinical site partners, all EMT students are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) prior to beginning any externship. No exceptions will be made.
A background check may be required for externships, clinicals and licensing, certification or registration with the appropriate governing board.
Job Duties
EMTs and paramedics typically do the following:
- Respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or bandaging a wound
- Assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment
- Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients
- Transport patients safely in an ambulance
- Transfer patients to the emergency department of a hospital or other healthcare facility
- Report their observations and treatment to physicians, nurses, or other healthcare facility staff
- Document medical care given to patients
- Inventory, replace, and clean supplies and equipment after use
When transporting a patient in an ambulance, one EMT or paramedic may drive the ambulance while another monitors the patient’s vital signs and gives additional care. Some paramedics work as part of a helicopter’s or an airplane’s flight crew to transport critically ill or injured patients to a hospital. EMTs and paramedics also transport patients from one medical facility to another. Some patients may need to be transferred to a hospital that specializes in treating their particular injury or illness or to a facility that provides long-term care, such as a nursing home. If a patient has a contagious disease, EMTs and paramedics decontaminate the interior of the ambulance and may need to report the case to the proper authorities.
Work Environment
About half of all EMTs and paramedics work in ambulance services. About one third work in local government, excluding education and hospitals. Others work in hospitals. 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. EMTs and paramedics are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and lifting while caring for and moving patients. They may be exposed to contagious diseases and viruses, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Sometimes they can be injured by combative patients. These risks can be reduced by following proper safety procedures, such as waiting for police to clear an area in violent situations or wearing gloves while working with a patient.
Work Schedule
Most paid EMTs and paramedics work full time. About 1 in 3 work more than 40 hours per week. Because EMTs and paramedics must be available to work in emergencies, they may work overnight and on weekends. Some EMTs and paramedics work shifts in 12- or 48-hour increments.
