Menu

In This Section

Program Details

Program Award
 Approx. Cost Approx. Length Requirement Prerequisites
Certificate of Specialization
$1,400
includes certification,
background check, etc.
1 semester
A.S. not required for completion
Valid American Heart Association Health Care Provider Level CPR 
or EMS A100 (recommended)

Catalog description of program

EMS-1/Basic certification is required to work for an ambulance service or in an emergency room and may be required for lifeguards, ski patrol, and fire fighters. The EMS-1/Basic provides the care necessary to preserve life and to prevent disability among the acutely ill and the seriously injured.

The EMS-1/Basic must have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and sterile techniques.  The course of study emphasizes treating traumatic injuries and medical emergencies, as well as treating minor disorders and emotional problems.  Specialized areas include obstetrical and pediatric emergencies and extricating entrapped persons. Special emphasis is place on proper patient moving techniques and transport to definitive and appropriate medical care.

Successful completion of the EMS course qualifies the student to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ certifying examination, and therefore obtain EMS Basic certification in any California County.

The EMS-1/Basic course is a prerequisite for paramedic training. Job opportunities are good. There is a required online component of this class.

 

Description of job for which program prepares students

The EMS program trains students for entry-level positions including: ambulance attendant/driver, industry, prerequisite for paramedic training, required by many lifeguard, ski patrol and firefighting agencies.
 

Required program prerequisites

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR or EMS A100 are prerequisites for EMS A150.  This certification must be within the last fourteen months. This prerequisite will be validated in class during the first week of the course. Concurrent enrollment in EMS A151 is also required.
 

Recommended program prerequisites

  • Biology A221: Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Allied Health A111: Medical Terminology
  • ESL completion (helpful if student is not a native English speaker)
 

Certification type offered

Upon successful completion of the EMS program, the student will receive a course Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to sit for the National Registry EMS Basic Certification Exam.
 

Does this program transfer?

This program does transfer to any paramedic program; EMS-1/Basic is a prerequisite for paramedic training.
 

Procedure for program admittance

Open registration. Early registration recommended; classes fill rapidly.
 

Program start

Fall and Spring semesters
 

Employment possibilities upon program completion

Ambulance services, industry. With additional patient care experience: emergency room and free-standing clinics.
 

Employment prospects

Excellent
 

Salary

Ambulance Service: $11 - $13/hr, approximately $2,300-3,456/month based upon full-time, 24-hour shifts. 
Emergency Room: $11 - $15/hr.
 

Spaces available

25 per class, 2-3 classes/semester, total of 50-75 students per semester
 

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background/drug screen check.  The background check will include County Criminal Records (Past 7 Years), Residency History Search, Social Security Alert, Nationwide Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Registry (OIG/GSA), and Nationwide Sexual Offender Registry. The drug screening will include THC, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methaqualone, propoxyphene and methadone. The results of the background/drug checks will be provided to the clinical sites by the Program Coordinator. If requested by the clinical site, the results of the background/drug checks must be provided to them by the student.
 

Clinical requirements

The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities. It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites. 

Just prior to entry into clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:
  • A physical examination
  • Criminal background check clearance
  • CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H A115
  • Student liability insurance

Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, nametag, and other program specific requirements. 

Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work.  There may be exposure to hazardous materials or pathogens in the clinical setting.  Students will adhere to all safety and precautionary measures.  The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.

 

Student liability insurance

All students will be required to obtain a general healthcare provide professional liability policy prior to entering the clinical training phase of the program.  Students will be provided with instructions on how to purchase this insurance at the start of the semester.
 

Physical examination

During the course of the semester, students will be required to submit a current physical examination.  You may complete your physical with your private physician using the School of Allied Health Profession’s from or your may utilize the Student Health Center.  There are four components of your physical that must be easily identifiable.
  • Dates of 2 separate MMR vaccinations or proof of immunity titer.
  • Negative TB skin test (PPD) within the last six months.
  • Applicable history, physical exam and pertinent lab work.
  • Physician signature clearing you for your clinical.
 
Physical examinations must have been completed within six months of the start of clinical.
 

Clinical uniform

Students will be required to purchase an official OCC EMS student polo shirt. The shirt vendor will be coordinated through the instructor during the second or third week of class.  The cost will be $25-$30. You must bring your shirt to class the day of the clinical orientation.  Additionally, you must purchase a standard stethoscope that has a diaphragm and a bell.  You must bring your stethoscope to class the day of the clinical orientation.  This may be purchased at any uniform shop or on the Internet.  You will be required to wear your student polo shirt, your stethoscope, your name badge, and comply with all other dress code requirements while at the clinical site.
 

Employment prospects

Excellent
 

Accreditation of program

This program is accredited by the Orange County Emergency Medical Services Authority, State of California Emergency Medical Services Authority, State Community College Chancellor’s Office.
 

Other

Students must have a means of reliable transportation to complete the clinical internship.
​ 

NOTE:   Al H 010 is not a required prerequisite for entry into the EMS-1 program.

Contact Information

Caryn Plum
Allied Health Advisor
Office: CS&D, Room 101C 
cplum@occ.cccd.edu
(714) 432-5945

Make a Counseling Appointment online
Alexia Wood
Allied Health Program Assistant
(714) 432-5729