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.
Master 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. You will learn 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-121 English Composition
- MTH-060 Algebra 1 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.