Emergency Medical Services
EMS, EMT and Paramedic Training
Emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics are health care providers for emergency medical services. They are clinicians, trained to respond quickly to emergency situations regarding medical issues, traumatic injuries, accident scenes or when disaster strikes.
Pursue a rewarding career in Emergency Medical Services, helping people in times of crisis as a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, paramedic or similar role. Choose from an associate degree or three certificate programs, including our new Paramedic certificate.
Our Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a two year degree that prepares students to continue their education in emergency management or to become certified as a paramedic.
The EMT certification provides the necessary education and training to work on a private ambulance, as a firefighter, a police officer or a number of other careers in the medical field. People with an EMT certification are highly desired in private industry and the public sector for their training in assessing, managing and mitigating crisis situations involving trauma and medical emergencies.
There are two programs available:
- The Short Certificate in Emergency Medical Services focuses on medical training only and can be completed in one term. This certificate will qualify students to take the National Registry of EMT (NREMT) Exam, required to volunteer or work as an EMT in Washington State. Enrollment is open throughout the year.
- The Certificate in Emergency Medical Services (48 credits) combines medical training with general education coursework and can be completed in one year or less.
Emergency Medical Services Certificate Career Pathway Course Map
Paramedic certification allows those with EMT certification to grow their careers with further education in managing advanced medical emergencies. The Paramedic Certificate at Pierce College prepares current EMTs for a larger scope of practice, with a year-long cohort format that includes field experience in the community. Learn more about the Paramedic Certificate.
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How to Get Started with EMS at Pierce College
The EMS program requires a separate application process after your Pierce College application.About the EMS Program
The Pierce College EMS program is Washington State approved and all classes are registered with the National Registry of EMT (NREMT). Our faculty is comprised of paramedics and EMTs who are working in the emergency medical services community.
Focus on the Military
The EMS program gives special emphasis to the needs of the military. Units value this training because it enhances capabilities, especially during deployments. For soldiers leaving the service, the training facilitates their transition either into the civilian workforce or into educational programs leading to careers in health professions.
Contact Us
EMS@pierce.ctc.edu
253-964-6556
Location and Hours
Fort Steilacoom Campus
Cascade Building, Room C341/C111
Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Or call for appointment
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Our Community
Not all learning happens in the classroom. When you're looking to take a break from the books, the Office of Student Life offers opportunities to grow and find community at Pierce College. Represent your fellow students on the student leadership team or join the staff of our award-winning student newspaper, The Pinnacle. Squeeze in a workout between classes at our on-campus Health Education Centers — membership is free for students!
The Pierce College College Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the National Registry's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation. To contact CoAEMSP: 214-703-8445, www.coaemsp.org