EMT Program | Prerequisites | Required Materials | Finances & Scholarships | FAQs
Enrollment
Do I have to fill out an application for the EMT course or be a UCLA student to be eligible?
No, there is no application for our course. Enrollment is open to the public and completed here.
I am on the waitlist. How do I know if I will be enrolled in the class?
If space becomes available in a course, we send an email to everyone on that waitlist. The email will let you know the course has an opening and the course has been posted back to the website. The opening will be filled by the first person to enroll. Please note, our waitlists are small and while seats do become available for our classes on occasion, it is rare for a seat to become available within 14 days of the course starting.
How do I enroll in the course?
You can enroll online, over the phone, or by coming into the office. Please see our page on payment methods for the forms of payment we accept and our Contact Us page for more information on when our offices are open to the public.
I found the course I wanted to enroll in listed previously but now it’s no longer there. Can I still enroll?
The only classes available for enrollment are listed on the website. If a course is no longer listed, it has likely reached its maximum enrollment and can no longer accept additional students. If the waitlist button is shown, you are welcome to join the waitlist or choose from other available classes.
What happens after I enroll?
You will receive an email confirming enrollment with specific details about the program. It is important to review this email as it includes important course information and links for the course schedule, required account setup instructions, and the online orientation. Additional communication will come from your instructor as the course approaches. Hybrid students will also receive an email from Adobe Connect with their login information a day or two prior to the class starting.
Prerequisites
Is the EMT Preparation course required?
EMT Prep is not required, though many EMT students find medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology to be challenging subjects. EMT Prep gives students a head start with this content.
What are the prerequisites for the course and when are they due?
To see the complete list of medical and documentation prerequisites for the course, please visit the EMT course prerequisites page. Students are unable to complete ride-along shifts until all prerequisites are satisfied. These documents can be uploaded via Complio where they are confidentially verified.
Is there a language requirement for the course?
The course is taught in English and the certifying exam is only in English, thus students should be able to read, speak, and write fluently in English.
Coursework
How much time outside of the classroom should be dedicated for the accelerated course?
Students report spending approximately one hour outside of the classroom for each hour in the classroom. This accounts for most of the rest of the week, however with the accelerated pace of the class, students should plan to dedicate their focus to becoming an EMT for the 4 weeks they are in class. Students are provided study guides, graphic organizers, podcasts, and practice tests to help target studying and guide students through the learning process. Time outside of class can fluctuate based on the student’s previous knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
How much time outside of the classroom should be dedicated for the hybrid course?
Students report spending 4-5 hours preparing for each of the online sessions that take place on Mondays and Wednesdays. The majority of studying happens prior to the online sessions, and students should follow the schedule to keep up with the fast-moving class. The online sessions for the hybrid class are an overview of the content and provide opportunities for the students to dive deeper into the topics that the textbook and other study resources cover. Students are provided study guides, graphic organizers, podcasts, and practice tests to help target studying and guide students through the learning process. Time outside of class can fluctuate based on the student’s previous knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
How many exams are there in the class?
There are 6 unit exams, a practice final exam, and a final exam. Students are also required to complete the skills portfolio, practice quizzes, and ride along shifts for successful course completion. The passing scores and grading policy will be shared with you during online orientation and are listed in the course policy manual.
Is it possible for me to work or take other classes while taking the EMT Course?
Our hybrid course is designed for working professionals and those taking classes during the day. While the course will take time both in class and outside of the class studying, many students are successful in the hybrid course while working and taking classes. On the other hand, the accelerated class will take most of your time during the 4-week course and working or taking outside courses is not recommended to help ensure you have adequate time to sleep, study, and attend class.
Attendance
What is the attendance policy for the accelerated course?
Accelerated students are required to be in class for the scheduled dates of the course. Absences exceeding 8 hours result in the student being ineligible for course completion.
What is the attendance policy for the online/hybrid course?
Hybrid students are required to attend 1 live lecture (Monday or Wednesday) per week and may listen to the other lecture as a recording which is posted online. Hybrid students are required to attend skills sessions and may only miss one 10-hour skills session (Saturday & Sunday skills sessions) or up to two 4-hour skills sessions (Tuesday/Thursday skills course). Absences exceeding this result in the student being ineligible for course completion.
How will my attendance be verified?
For onsite courses, students will sign in at the beginning of each session. For online courses, attendance is monitored through sign in and active participation.
Ride-along information
Where do I complete my ride along shifts?
Ride along shifts are completed with several high-performing affiliated ambulance agencies throughout the Los Angeles area. We work with agencies throughout Los Angeles which offers students the opportunity to choose an agency near where they want to complete their ride along shifts. Minimum requirements include 24 hours and 10 patient contacts. You will receive more information on this once the course has started and your prerequisite paperwork has been verified through Complio.
How much time do I have to complete my ride along shifts?
You have 30 calendar days from the last day of class to complete your ride along shifts and submit the required paperwork.
Is there a uniform required for ride along shifts?
To see complete details regarding dress for ride-along shifts, please visit our EMT required materials page. Students are to wear required attire, name badge, neatly trimmed facial hair, hair that is longer than shoulder length needs to be pulled back, and a wristwatch. Required clothing cannot be purchased from the Center for Prehospital Care.
During the classroom portion, students need to be dressed appropriately to perform all skill activities conducted in class.
Certification and job placement
When can I take the National Registry Exam (NREMT) certifying test?
The skill exam portion of the NREMT is completed on the final day of class. You may schedule the cognitive examination after you have successfully completed the program. You may apply for certification testing by creating an account and completing the online application at www.nremt.org. This application will be verified by the EMT Program Director. You will receive more information on this during the course.
What is our success rate on the National Registry exam?
In 2020, the UCLA first attempt pass rate on the NREMT cognitive exam was 96%.
What do I do after I pass the National Registry exam?
You can then apply for certification from the State of California which is done by the Local EMS Agency.
How do I become licensed in Los Angeles?
There is an application, fee, and background check. More information can be found here: https://dhs.lacounty.gov/emergency-medical-services-agency/home/certification-and-accreditation/emt-info/
Can I apply for licensed in a county other than Los Angeles County?
With a UCLA EMT course completion certificate, a student may attempt to attain state licensure anywhere in California. This is done through a local certifying agency; normally, the Local EMS Agency or LEMSA. You will only apply for licensure in one county in California but may work in multiple counties.
Is my license good in other states?
EMTs must be licensed within the state where they take the initial EMT course. Upon becoming California State certified, an EMT may apply for reciprocity in another state. Most states recognize the NREMT but may require additional documentation or fees.
Do you offer job placement?
While we do not offer specific job placement, however, do offer all students a comprehensive virtual career board with local agencies’ information.
Course Fees/Financial Assistance
What materials or textbooks are required for the course?
Students must purchase online course materials and have clothing suitable for the ambulance ride along shifts. Please see the Required Materials page for details.
Are there any additional items I will have to pay for?
Parking fees for the course may be incurred depending on how students plan to get to class. Additionally, the NREMT Cognitive exam is $98.
Does the EMT course offer federal financial aid?
The EMT course does not participate in Title IV Federal Financial Aid Programs. Please see our Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.
Will the EMT course accept my GI Bill® (Veteran’s Administration Assistance)?
The EMT accelerated course is eligible for Veterans Benefits; the online EMT course is not. Please email our Veterans Bill Coordinator, CJ Pia cpia@mednet.ucla.edu for details on using your GI Bill benefits.
Does the EMT course offer a payment plan?
The EMT program offers a payment plan option that allows students to secure a seat with three monthly payments prior to the course start date. Please see our page on payment plans for more information.
What is your refund policy and how do I request a refund?
Refunds must be requested in writing at least 14 calendar days before the first day of class. Please see our Refunds & Transfers page for more information.
Contact information
Whom should I contact if I have other questions?
Prospective students may contact our Main Office at 310-267-5959 or email our student services department at cpc@mednet.ucla.edu.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.