Emergency Medical Technology

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Become an EMT

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings and lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care.

The EMT program at Skyline College provides the student with a broad foundation of knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and emergency care procedures in addition to didactic and skills training, observation in a local hospital Emergency Room and a ride-along rotation with a local ambulance company.

an EMT student practices taking a pulse on another EMT student

An EMT has the skills to assess a patient’s condition and to manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies.

The Field

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings and lives often depend on their quick reaction and competent care. EMTs respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities, as well as non-emergency calls.

In order to succeed as an EMT, students must demonstrate grace under pressure and strong communication and problem-solving skills. EMT work is physically strenuous and can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and patients who are suffering so students should be prepared to enter this challenging work environment.

The Program

The EMT Program at Skyline College represents the first phase of training in the Emergency Medical Technician career structure. The program provides the student with a broad foundation of knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and emergency care procedures in addition to didactic and skills training, observation in a local hospital Emergency Room and a ride-along rotation with a local ambulance company. The program meets National EMS Education Standards and 2010 AHA guidelines. View the program approval by the County of San Mateo Health System.

In coordination with the Educational Access Center (EAC), reasonable accommodations will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. For more assistance, please visit EAC in Bldg 5, Room 5132 or call (650) 738‑4280.

Career Outlook

Becoming an EMT provides a strong foundation for students entering other careers involving pre-hospital emergency medical care such as para-medicine, fire-fighting, or law enforcement and also provides pertinent education for those considering other health fields including medicine, nursing, and physician assisting.

EMTs and paramedics are expected to see a 7 percent job growth rate over the next decade, on track with other job growth in the country. On average, EMTs and paramedics in California make an annual wage of $42,420 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?

Check out the current class schedule.

All Courses

EMC. 400 Emergency Medical Responder (2.5 units)

Develops manipulative and problem solving skills necessary for the initial evaluation and stabilization of victims of emergency illness or trauma. First Responder-level training for fire service, emergency, law enforcement, civil, and industrial personnel. Upon completion, student receives an American Red Cross CPR for Healthcare Provider card and a Skyline College course completion certificate.

EMC. 410 Emergency Medical Technician (8 units)

The first phase of training in the Emergency Medical Technician Career Structure. Covers all techniques of emergency medical care presently considered within the responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician, as well as all operational aspects of the job the EMT will be expected to perform. Meets National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards and 2020 American Heart Association guidelines. Students must be at least 18 years old on or before the first class session, proof of age required.

EMC. 415 EMT Refresher (1.5 units)

Provides 24 hours of CE -continuing education-required for Emergency Medical Technician certificate renewal. Students will receive a Continuing Education Certificate upon completion of the course. Students must attend the scheduled twenty-four hours to be eligible for the CE certificate.

EMC. 425 CPR: Health Care Provider (0.5 units)

Qualifies students with CPR certification for health care providers. Includes instruction pertinent to adult, child and infant CPR.

Program Type Total Units
Emergency Medical Technology CC 8 Units
Name Title Institution
Raymond Hernandez SMCCCD Covid-19 Safety Officer SMCCCD
Judith Crawford EMC Program Coordinator, Adjunct Faculty Skyline College
Jarod Middleton EMC Program Faculty Skyline College
Brian Daniel Respiratory Care Program Faculty Skyline College
    San Mateo County EMS
    San Mateo County EMS
Eleanor Woodhouse Registered Nurse Sequoia Hospital
Class Representative - Varies Recent EMT student graduate/s Skyline College
Class Representative - Varies Instructional Aide/s Skyline College

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competency in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains when providing emergency medical care.
  • Pass their final written exam, which is comprehensive.
  • Pass their National Registry written exam, which is administered off-site.
  • Pass their National Registry Skills Exam.
Office Information
Location: Building 7
Email: crawfordj@smccd.edu
Summer 2023 Courses  |  Fall 2023 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
Day Class   OPEN for Waitlist EMC. 410 - 54241 - Emergency Medical Tech I
EMC. 410 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (8)
Hours/semester: 96-108 lecture/96-108 lab/16-18 hours by arrangement /semester. Prerequisite: Completion of EMC. 425 or a valid Healthcare Provider CPR card.
This course represents the first phase of training in the Emergency Medical Technician Career Structure. The course covers all techniques of emergency medical care presently considered within the responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician, as well as all operational aspects of the job the EMT will be expected to perform. Meets National EMS Education Standards and 2010 AHA guidelines.

M W 10:00am-4:15pm Crawford, J
Day Class   OPEN for Waitlist EMC. 410 - 54241 - Emergency Medical Tech I
EMC. 410 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (8)
Hours/semester: 96-108 lecture/96-108 lab/16-18 hours by arrangement /semester. Prerequisite: Completion of EMC. 425 or a valid Healthcare Provider CPR card.
This course represents the first phase of training in the Emergency Medical Technician Career Structure. The course covers all techniques of emergency medical care presently considered within the responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician, as well as all operational aspects of the job the EMT will be expected to perform. Meets National EMS Education Standards and 2010 AHA guidelines.

T Th 10:00am-4:15pm Crawford, J
Evening Class   OPEN for Waitlist EMC. 425 - 54576 - CPR: Health Care Provider
EMC. 425 CPR: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER (.5)
(Pass/No Pass.)
Hours/semester: 8-9 lecture.
This course will qualify students for CPR certification for health care providers. Includes instruction pertinent to adult, child and infant CPR. Transfer credit: CSU.

M T 6:00pm-10:00pm Miller, R
Evening Class   OPEN for Waitlist EMC. 425 - 54577 - CPR: Health Care Provider
EMC. 425 CPR: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER (.5)
(Pass/No Pass.)
Hours/semester: 8-9 lecture.
This course will qualify students for CPR certification for health care providers. Includes instruction pertinent to adult, child and infant CPR. Transfer credit: CSU.

M T 6:00pm-10:00pm Miller, R

Registration for EMC 410:

Complete an application if you are not already a Skyline College student via regular College registration procedures.

Before enrollment, the following prerequisites must be met:

In addition to the required enrollment fees, students should be prepared to pay the following estimated course fees:

  • Books: approximately $200.00
  • Medical Supplies: approximately $75.00

Fees are subject to change without notice and current books and supply costs can be found on the Skyline College Bookstore website.

Clinical Sites Requirements:

All students admitted to the program are required to have:

  • a health care provider complete a Health Report which includes a satisfactory physical examination and immunization documentation verifying freedom from communicable disease
  • a social security referenced background check and drug test

Personal costs will be associated with these tests, and upon acceptance into the program, students will receive detailed instructions and deadline dates to successfully complete these items. If you are in need of current vaccinations, please contact the Skyline Health and Wellness Center directly for costs, hours of operations, and services offered. Students must submit the Health Report by the deadline provided by the course director. Those who do not comply with this requirement will not be eligible for their state-required clinical rotations.

California EMT Certification Eligibility Requirements:

  • EMC 410 course completion certificate
  • Successful completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/EMC 410 Skills Final exam. After successfully completing the course, students must then take and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written exam to be eligible for a state EMT license. For more information on these tests, visit The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians website.

Primary Contact

Judith Crawford
Judith Crawford (Adjunct Faculty)
Science|Math|Technology-Emergency Systems Technology (EMC)
crawfordj@smccd.edu More details »

Department Faculty

Rick Miller
Rick Miller (Instructor)
Science|Math|Technology-Emergency Systems Technology (EMC)
millerr@smccd.edu More details »
Jarod Middleton
Jarod Middleton (Assistant Professor)
Science|Math|Technology-Emergency Systems Technology (EMC)
middletonj@smccd.edu More details »

Division Contacts

Shruti Ranade
Shruti Ranade (Program Service Coordinator)
Science|Math|Technology-STEM Division
ranades@smccd.edu More details »