The Field
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) care for sick and injured people before they arrive at a medical facility. They might rush to help deliver a baby, treat a sudden medical problem or help out after an accident.
Once at the scene, they assess the situation, remove patients from danger and perform life-saving procedures like CPR and bandaging wounds. Sometimes they use specialty equipment like electrocardiograms (EKGs), defibrillators and bag valve resuscitators. Other times, they rely on nothing but their own knowledge and skill. Whatever the situation demands, they do.
During or after all of this, they usually transport the patient to an appropriate medical facility. Most work from ambulances, but others operate out of planes, helicopters, or even boats. Along the way, they comfort patients while documenting and communicating the situation to make sure that dispatchers, doctors and other personnel know what’s going on.
Every day, EMTs do fast-paced, important work; solving problems to save lives. So, to succeed as one, you’ll need to have a strong work ethic, be an excellent communicator, be able to think quickly in a crisis, and have a strong memory, since you won’t always be able to immediately write down every detail people need to know.
The Outlook
EMTs are in extremely high demand. Job growth both locally and nationally is expected to far outpace the average for all occupations in the coming years.
Check out our online Career Coach for more information about work as an EMT, like how many jobs are available and how much they typically pay. You can also use it to learn more about other jobs you can gain with more experience and training, like paramedic.
Our Program
You can get the experience and training it takes to become an EMT right here at Contra Costa College—and most people do it in just one semester!
At CCC, you’ll learn how to monitor vital signs, administer oxygen, perform CPR, and other life-saving procedures using our new, state-of-the-art equipment. The department even has its own ambulance. To make sure you’re ready for the national registry test, we use a comprehensive simulation that tells you exactly what you’re getting right and what you need to work on. You’ll even get to ride along with local first responders, for real-life experience treating patients.
Our program is fully accredited and keeps up-to-date and connected to job openings through ties to those professionals, including an active board of advisers from hospitals, fire and police departments, ambulance providers, and county Emergency Medical Services authority.
And, most importantly, we’re here for you. We have counselors and a career center if you need a little extra support. We offer night and weekend classes, in case you have daytime obligations. We might even have scholarships specifically for this program.
So why not check out the program, see if we can help you pay for college or even get the ball rolling and apply now?