Emergency Medical Technology
Apply NowBecome 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.
The application is open now till July 10th! Learn how to apply now.
An EMT has the skills to assess a patient’s condition and to manage respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies.
Ready to take the next step? Take the Readiness Quiz to see if you've got what it takes to be an EMT!
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 AHA guidelines. Click here to view the program approval letter 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.
The Program Application
Students are admitted into the program twice a year, during the fall and spring semester. Since students are admitted in cohorts and will start and finish the program together, we cannot accept applications during the rest of the year.
Apply within April 10 – July 10 for the Fall Semester Course. Fall Semester is from mid-August to mid-December.
Apply within Oct 10 – Dec 10 for the Spring Semester Course. Spring Semester is from mid-January to mid-June.
Students need to complete an online application to apply for the Emergency Medical Technology Program. Up to thirty (30) applicants are accepted per year. To be considered for the program, students must meet Skyline College admission requirements, meet the program requirements, submit the online program application, and pass a Social-security referenced background check and drug test.
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 classes offered in upcoming semesters?
Check out the current class schedule.| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology | CS | 8 Units |
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.
Location: Building 7, Room 7-115
Phone: (650) 738-4310
The application is open now till July 10, 2026 for the Fall 2026 Semester Course.
Fall Semester is from mid-August to mid-December.
Emergency Medical Technology Program Application
Thank you for your interest in the Emergency Medical Technology Program at Skyline College!
Students are admitted into the program twice a year, during the fall and spring semester.
Since students are admitted in cohorts and will start and finish the program together, we cannot accept applications during the rest of the year.
Apply to Start in Fall
- Application is available April 10 – July 10
- Fall Semester is from mid-August to mid-December
Apply to Start in Spring
- Application is available Oct 10 – Dec 10
- Spring Semester is from mid-January to mid-June
Program Eligibility
To be considered for the EMT program at Skyline College, students must:
- Meet Skyline College and EMT program admission requirements,
- Enroll at Skyline College,
- Submit the online EMT program application,
- And pass a Social Security referenced background check and drug test.
Up to thirty (30) applicants are accepted per year, and fifteen (15) are placed on a waitlist. Please refer to our Program Lottery Protocol for more details on admissions.
EMT Program Admission Requirements
The following prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline:
- You must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of class.
- You must have a current and valid American Heart Association BLS Certificate
- You can meet this requirement by taking and passing EMC 425
- Please note that we can only accept this specific American Heart Association BLS certificate. If you upload a different certificate, your application will be incomplete.
Application Process
Admission into the Emergency Medical Technology Program is by special application only. The application is a 2‑step process: complete the Skyline College Application and the Online EMT Program Application.
Step 1: Enroll at Skyline College
- Complete the Skyline College application.
- Take note of your Skyline College student ID (G#) when received through email.
Step 2: Complete the EMT Program Application
- Complete the Emergency Medical Technology Program Application.
- Please be prepared to answer all questions in one sitting. The application will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Step 3: Check Your Email for Next Steps
- To determine your specific General Education requirements, applicants are encouraged to make a counseling appointment.
- Please check your email for further details, especially near the end of the application period.
After Acceptance
If you are accepted to the EMT program, you will be notified via email for next steps.
Paying Fees
In addition to college enrollment fees, students should be prepared to pay the following estimated course fees:
- Books: approximately $200.00
- Medical Supplies: approximately $75.00
- Clinical Requirements: approximately $150.00
Fees are subject to change without notice and current books and supply costs can be found on the Skyline College Bookstore website.
Completing Clinical Affiliate Requirements
After acceptance into our EMT program, students must successfully complete the following:
- A Physical Exam completed by a health care provider.
- Students must bring this Health Report form with them to the physical exam appointment and have the physician/doctor/nurse complete and sign the form.
- Verification of all immunizations pertinent to health care personnel
- TB (Tuberculosis)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Covid-19 (optional, but recommended)
- Cleared social security referenced background check
- Cleared drug testing
Ambulance agencies and hospital affiliates have several safety and health requirements to ensure patient safety. As such, these requirements are mandatory upon acceptance to the program. Do not send any of these documents until you are requested to do so.
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. 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
To become certified as an EMT in the state of California, you must meet the following 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.
For further information, please contact:
Shruti Ranade, Program Services Coordinator, at ranades@smccd.edu