Fast-track your EMT career in just three terms
Become an emergency medical technician (EMT) in as little as nine months with Clackamas Community College's Emergency Medical Technician Career Pathway Certificate program. This focused program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to launch a rewarding career as a first responder.
Get ready to make a difference
EMTs play a vital role in emergency medical services, providing critical care to patients in their time of need. This program is ideal for individuals who are:
- Driven to make a difference: You will be the first line of care for people experiencing emergencies.
- Ready for action: You will develop the ability to stay calm under pressure and perform life-saving interventions.
- Balancing school with a busy schedule: The focused curriculum allows you to fit your classes into your busy life. This is an excellent program for students changing careers!
Eligibility for national certification
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. NREMT certification is a requirement for employment as an EMT in Oregon.
Your path starts here
This program provides a strong foundation for your EMT career. You can enter the workforce immediately upon obtaining your certification, or use it as a stepping stone to pursue further education in para-medicine or other health care fields.
Required classes for the Emergency Medical Technician Career Pathway
A career path filled with opportunity
The demand for skilled emergency medical technicians is growing nationwide. When you graduate, you will be prepared to choose from fulfilling careers in a variety of settings, from ambulance services to fire departments and hospitals.
Gain essential skills to save lives
Our program equips you with the hands-on skills and knowledge to act as a vital part of the emergency medical care system. Upon successful completion you should know how to:
- Assess patients accurately: Identify critical signs and symptoms to effectively evaluate a variety of conditions.
- Perform life-saving interventions: Administer CPR, oxygen therapy and control bleeding according to EMT protocols.
- Make sound decisions under pressure: Base your actions on clinical knowledge, guidelines and ethical standards.
- Communicate effectively: Build trust and rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Uphold professionalism and ethics: Maintain a high standard of conduct in all situations.
- Commit to lifelong learning: Stay up to date on the latest practices to continuously improve your skills.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. Here is a summary of the estimated costs for this program:
Estimated program costs | |
College tuition and fees | $2,085 |
Program course fees* | $800 |
Textbooks | $66-$132 (dependent on rented, used or new) |
Extra supplies and materials | N/A |
Total costs | $2,951-$3,017 |
*Course fees cover the following items: Background check, drug screening, lab supplies, uniform
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab
Applying to the EMT Career Pathway
Ready to get started? Applying to this program is a simple 3-step process.
We recommend you meet with a health science advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer pre-requisite program requirements.
Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, academic advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131
Phil Reid, academic advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623
For more information on the application process and program requirements, view the advising guide linked below.
Preparation before entering the program ensures success
- 18 years of age (by the time you take EMT-102)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hep B, COVID-19, flu)
- Tuberculosis test
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- EMT-105 Introduction to Emergency Medical Services (online course)
- WRD-098 or Placement into WR-121Z Composition I
- MTH-060 Algebra I or Placement into MTH-065 (or higher)
Essential functions
- Strength and mobility: EMTs should be able to lift at least 125 pounds and push at least 50 pounds. They must have the stamina, endurance and flexibility to repeatedly lift, bend and kneel.
- Balance and coordination: EMTs should have excellent fine motor skills and steady hands. They should be able to move around and perform tasks in small areas. EMTs climb and descend stairs while carrying patients and provide care in a moving vehicle.
- Communication: EMTs must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with their patients and other health care providers.
- Sensory: EMTs must have good vision and hearing to assess, treat and safely transport patients.
- Health: EMTs must stay current with all immunizations, pass a basic physical assessment and drug screening.
- Mental skills: EMTs need to have a good memory, focus without getting distracted for more than an hour. They must be able to critically think using logic, judgement and reasoning to apply proper care to patients.
Frequently asked questions
Starting a new adventure can be an exciting time. We also understand you may have several questions about our EMT program. Here are some of the most common questions we receive.
Don’t see your question listed? Please contact us for more information.
What is an EMT?
An EMT, or emergency medical technician, is a health care professional trained to provide emergency medical care in prehospital settings. EMTs are often the first responders to medical emergencies, such as accidents, injuries and sudden illness. They play a critical role in stabilizing patients and transporting them to medical facilities for further treatment. EMTs typically work in ambulances but they may also be found in fire departments and hospitals. EMTs perform a variety of medical procedures including administering CPR, controlling bleeding, treating for shock, splinting broken bones, managing spinal injuries, providing oxygen therapy and administering life-saving medications.
How competitive is CCC’s EMT program?
Admission to CCC’s EMT program is limited entry. We have two cohorts of 24 students each per year. Start by meeting with an advisor who can help you develop a course schedule, connect you to financial resources and answer any questions you may have. Complete the prerequisite classes and submit an application during the open application period. If you are still taking pre-requisite courses, you may be conditionally accepted, as long as you complete all pre-requisites and a mandatory orientation before the program starts.
What modality is the EMT program delivered in?
CCC has two EMT program options. The EMT Career Pathway Certificate is a part-time program with 12 credits taught over two terms. The EMT one-year certificate is a 51-credit program that allows students the flexibility to take classes part time or full time. Classes are offered online or hybrid with in-person class sessions held at the Harmony campus in Milwaukie.
Is the EMT program accredited?
The EMT program uses an approved curriculum from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. We are accredited by the Oregon Health Authority, EMS and Trauma Systems. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. NREMT certification is required before you can apply for a license to practice as an EMT.
I am interested in the EMT program but don’t know how to apply. Who can I talk to?
The EMT program is housed under the Health Sciences Department, which is a part of the Health Professions Educational Focus Area. They have two dedicated academic advisors who are knowledgeable in the EMT application process and are available to assist you with any questions related to transfer credits, academic requirements to apply and the application process itself. You can schedule an appointment with an advisor here. Or you can reach out to the advisors via email:
- Tracy Pantano-Rumsey: tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu
- Phil Reid: philr@clackamas.edu
What additional requirements are needed to join the program?
The EMT program follows the guidelines for Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Requirements for students in clinical practicum (409-030-0110). This includes required and recommended immunizations: Hep B, MMR, Tdap, COVID-19 and seasonal flu. It also includes a required 10-panel drug screening (to be completed after orientation into the program). A complete list of the 10-panel drug screening information can be found here. A Tuberculosis screening and criminal background check (to be completed after orientation into the program) are also required. Students must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
I am an employer looking to hire a recent graduate of the EMT program. Does CCC have a job board for students and alumni?
Yes, thank you for reaching out with employment opportunities for our students. Please find a job board to post job notices for students and alumni here: https://www.collegecentral.com/clackamas/. You will have to sign up as an employer and complete the posting, but this will share your job with a wider audience.