Emergency Medical Services
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Emergency Medical Services
Foothill College offers classes in EMR, EMT and Paramedic throughout the year.
Emergency Medical Service is a rewarding and challenging career choice. Foothill College offers a complete program including hands-on training to prepare you for this exciting field.
After successful completion of the EMT program and certification through the NREMT, students are employable and ready to begin their career in EMS.
Individuals who complete an emergency medical training program are better prepared for additional training in the medical field including as nurses, doctors or physician assistants.
Start your EMS career in the next Emergency Medical Responder class
The Spring Quarter EMR (First Class Starts Tuesday April 7, 2026)
- Tuesday & Thursday at Sunnyvale Center
- Meets 5:30pm-9:20pm
- Credit and Noncredit options available
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- EMS 50, Credit, 5 Units
- EMS 400, Noncredit, 0 Units
Gain the knowledge and skills to work or volunteer as an emergency medical responder (EMR) to help sustain life, reduce pain and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advanced medical help takes over.
EMR is a prerequsite and must be taken prior to enrollment in our EMT programs (EMS 52/53 & EMS 401/402). You can receive your AHA BLS Provider card in this course.
Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the program director under specific circumstances. Contact the program director if you have any questions.
Registration is free for Noncredit EMR & EMT Courses!
Learn about the benefits of non-credit EMR and EMT courses below.
Explore BenefitsCareers you can pursue with training in the EMS field
A degree in the EMS field can prepare you for:
- Firefighter
- Ambulance Attendant
- Lifeguard
- Park Ranger
- Search & Rescue Team
- Nurse
- Ski Patrol
- Security Guard
- Law Enforcement
Degrees & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
Certificate of Completion (Non-Credit)
- Emergency Medical Technician, CC (312 hours)
Quick Look at Emergency Medical Services Courses
For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.
- EMS 50 Emergency Medical Response
- EMS 52 Emergency Medical Technician: Basic Part A
- EMS 53 Emergency Medical Technician: Basic Part B
- EMS 60A Paramedic Cognitive & Affective IA
- EMS 60B Paramedic Cognitive, Psychomotor & Affective IB
- EMS 60C Emergency Medicine Seminar I
- EMS 61A Paramedic Cognitive & Affective IIA
- EMS 61B Paramedic Cognitive, Affective & Psychomotor IIB
- EMS 61C Emergency Medicine Seminar II
- EMS 62A Paramedic Cognitive & Affective IIIA
- EMS 62B Paramedic Cognitive, Affective & Psychomotor IIIB
- EMS 62C Emergency Medicine Seminar III
- EMS 63A Paramedic Hospital Specialty Rotations
- EMS 63B Paramedic Hospital Emergency Department Rotations
- EMS 64A Paramedic Ambulance Field Internship I
- EMS 64B Paramedic Ambulance Field Internship II
- EMS 200 Paramedic Academy
- EMS 203 Emergency Medical Technician: Refresher
- EMS 400 Emergency Medical Response Noncredit
- EMS 401 Emergency Medical Technician: Basic Part A Noncredit
- EMS 402 Emergency Medical Technician: Basic Part B Noncredit
Additional Information
Emergency Medical Response (EMR): EMS 50 or Non-credit EMS 400:
This entry-level course is designed for individuals seeking training in how to manage the first few minutes of a medical or traumatic emergency. The EMR course is an exciting 1 quarter course that involves lecture and scenario based training. Upon completion, individuals are prepared to manage an emergency until the arrival of advanced medical care.
Successful completion of the EMR program does not make one eligible for employment on an ambulance in the state of California. This course is designed for individual enrichment, sports enthusiasts, on the job response, family and community care and as an introcudtion to the medical field. See associated costs.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMS 52 & 53 or EMT Non-credit EMS 401 & 402:
Upon successful completion of this demanding, 2 quarter course, students will be prepared to respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance and implement a treatment plan for patients suffering from potentially life threatening illnesses and injuries. Instruction includes classroom, laboratory and clinical training in a variety of pre-hospital and hospital settings and incorporates realistic scenario based training. This program follows the National Education Guidelines developed by the Department of Transportation National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration. Graduates are employable in settings associated with emergent patient care such as hospitals, emergency and urgent care centers, fire and rescue squads, ambulance services and similar organizations.
Students must successfully complete EMS 52 and 53 or 401 & 402 to be eligible for EMT certification. See associated costs.
Paramedic:
The Foothill College Paramedic program is an accredited 15-18 month program designed for the experienced EMT with a passion for providing emergency care and a strong desire to provide advanced level care to persons in need.
The successful candidate in addition to the ability to handle the physical demands required, must possess the essential attributes that are demanded by the profession, including but not limited to, crital thinking and problem solving skills, good communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility, resilience and the ability to implement appropriate treatment plans under stressful conditions.
Paramedicine is a highly technical field, which is expanding at a rapid pace providing cutting edge emergency care for medical and trauma patients. See associated costs.
Our Paramedic program is accredited by the following, but we incorporate the standards of the CoAEMSP into all our programs.
The Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
coaemsp.org
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
More Resources
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