Are you considering a career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives, often in their most critical moments? The field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) offers a rewarding and challenging path for those dedicated to helping others. Foothill College provides comprehensive Ambulance And Emergency Care Programs designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this vital profession. From Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) to Paramedics, our programs offer a progressive pathway to advance your career in emergency medical care.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Training: Your First Step in Emergency Care
For individuals looking to enter the world of emergency medical services, or for those who want to be prepared for emergencies in their communities or workplaces, our Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course is the ideal starting point. This foundational course is now a prerequisite for our Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, ensuring all students begin with a strong base in emergency response.
Our Spring Session EMR class, starting April 7, 2025, offers both credit and non-credit options. Classes are conveniently held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30pm-9:20pm at our Sunnyvale Center. In this course, you will gain essential knowledge and hands-on skills to effectively manage the initial moments of a medical or traumatic emergency. You’ll learn how to sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the impact of injuries or sudden illnesses until more advanced medical professionals arrive on the scene.
While EMR certification itself doesn’t qualify you for ambulance employment in California, it’s a valuable qualification for volunteers, sports enthusiasts, workplace responders, and anyone wanting to be prepared to assist family and community members in emergencies. It also serves as an excellent introduction to the broader field of medical care and a mandatory first step towards becoming an EMT at Foothill College. Exceptions to the EMR prerequisite for the EMT program may be considered under specific circumstances at the program director’s discretion. Contact us to discuss your situation if you have any questions.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program: Become a Frontline Emergency Care Provider
Building upon the EMR foundation, our Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is a demanding but highly rewarding two-quarter course. Upon successful completion and certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), you will be prepared to work as an EMT, responding to 911 calls and providing critical pre-hospital care.
The EMT program at Foothill College incorporates a comprehensive approach, combining classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and real-world clinical training in various pre-hospital and hospital environments. Our curriculum emphasizes realistic scenario-based training to ensure you are ready to handle the pressures of emergency situations. We adhere to the National Education Guidelines set by the Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ensuring our program meets the highest standards.
Graduates of our EMT program are highly employable in a range of settings where emergency patient care is paramount, including hospitals, urgent care centers, fire and rescue services, and ambulance services. An EMT certification is your gateway to a career on the front lines of emergency medicine.
Paramedic Program: Advanced Emergency Medical Care Expertise
For experienced EMTs seeking to advance their careers and provide the highest level of pre-hospital care, our Paramedic program at Foothill College offers a challenging and fulfilling path. This accredited 15-18 month program is designed for dedicated individuals with a passion for emergency care and a strong desire to deliver advanced medical interventions.
Becoming a Paramedic requires not only physical stamina but also essential personal attributes such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, resilience, and the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure. Paramedicine is a rapidly evolving, highly technical field that places you at the cutting edge of ambulance and emergency care, providing advanced life support to medical and trauma patients.
Career Opportunities in Ambulance and Emergency Care
Training in EMS opens doors to various fulfilling careers, many directly related to ambulance and emergency care. Beyond working as an EMT or Paramedic on an ambulance, your skills and knowledge are highly valuable in roles such as:
- Firefighter
- Ambulance Attendant
- Lifeguard
- Park Ranger
- Search & Rescue Team
- Nurse (further education required)
- Ski Patrol
- Security Guard
- Law Enforcement
These roles demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available to individuals trained in emergency medical services, highlighting the versatility and demand for professionals in ambulance and emergency care.
Program Options and Accreditation
Foothill College offers different program types to suit your career goals:
- Associate in Science Degree
- Certificate of Achievement
- Certificate of Completion (Non-Credit)
Our Paramedic program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) based on the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). We integrate the high standards of CoAEMSP into all our EMS programs, ensuring quality and excellence in education.
Take the First Step Towards Your EMS Career Today
Foothill College’s ambulance and emergency care programs provide a clear pathway to a rewarding career in emergency medical services. Whether you are starting with our EMR course or advancing to our Paramedic program, you will receive comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and the qualifications to make a difference.
APPLY for Admission to Foothill College and explore our EMS Course Catalog and Schedule of Classes to find the program that’s right for you.
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Contact our Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support team for any inquiries:
Health Sciences and Horticulture Career Support
650.949.7643
Building 5200, Sunnyvale Center
For specific program questions, reach out to:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM CONTACTS
| EMS Office: Sunnyvale Center |
|—|—|
| Glenn Kurisu, BSEMS Program Director | 408.745.8055 | [email protected] |
| Nancy Cheung, MPA, Division Dean | | [email protected] |
| Health Science & Horticulture Division | | |
