For students at the College of the Sequoias interested in medical science, public safety, or exciting job opportunities, the EMT and Paramedic Programs may be an excellent fit. Pursuing a career as a medical first responder can be both fulfilling and rewarding, as it involves assisting people in emergencies and ensuring they receive necessary treatment. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are responsible for evaluating patients at the scene, performing CPR, and stabilizing them for transport. However, becoming a paramedic requires more advanced training to enable the diagnosis of heart attacks and the performance of intubations.
Courses EMT 251 and EMT 401 are offered at COS during the fall and spring semesters to educate and prepare students for a career as a medical first responder. To be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Exam, students must be 18 years or older and have completed EMT 251 with a grade of “C” or higher. (Students under 18 can take the course but must wait until they are 18 to complete the exam.) Completing both classes with passing grades allows students to obtain their state license and begin working part-time or full-time with ambulance companies and emergency rooms. Course directors recommend taking an American Heart Association CPR course before enrolling.
The Paramedic Program will be available starting June 17, 2025, at the Hanford COS campus in the Public Safety Building for students who have advanced from EMT certification.To enroll, students must pass EMT 251, be EMT certified, and hold a BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card. Additionally, students may need to attend an orientation, complete a written exam, and undergo a background check and physical evaluation. Course directors strongly recommend having six months of prior experience working with a first-response vehicle or fire engine.
Applications for the Paramedic Program at COS are open until March 31, 2025. For informational online meetings, links, and study guides, see:
