Program Overview

The Emergency Medical Technician course (EMS 201) is a 9.5 unit, 18 week (1 semester) course that meets approximately 10 hours per week. Students attend lectures, complete skills lab practice, and participate in clinical externship hours.  EMS 201 presents the techniques of emergency medical care presently considered within the responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician I.  Students learn the fundamental principles and skills required to provide emergency medical care for patients at the scene of an accident or with the onset of sudden illness and during transport to a medical facility.

The course includes theory & laboratory practice of selected skills, with a minimum of 10 hours of clinical observation with an advanced life support unit (paramedic ambulance) and/or in a hospital emergency room, and 18 hours of lab time. Classes are offered on the San Luis Obispo and North County (Paso Robles) campuses, during the fall and spring semesters.

The EMS 201 course does not require an admission process. Cuesta students can register for this course just like any other.

Program Requirements

Age: Students must be 18 years of age by the first class meeting and bring a Government-issued photo ID to show proof of age. 

CPR Certification:  Students must show at the first class meeting a current CPR card  issued by the American Heart Association ("BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR and AED") OR the American Red Cross ("CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer & Healthcare Provider")  and remain certified throughout the course.  Online CPR courses must include a hands-on portion.  For any questions regarding your CPR card, please scan and email it to the course instructor prior to the first class meeting at:  heather_tucker@cuesta.edu

Additional requirement:                                                                                                                              

Background Check, Drug Screening and Immunization Requirements:  Students must complete and pass a drug screen and background check at an approximate cost of $100.  Current immunizations with documentation are also required.  Students may not begin clinical time until their drug screen and background check have cleared. Additional information and forms will be provided at the first class meeting.   If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Nursing and Allied Health Clinical Coordinator, Deborah Adams, at (805) 592-9798.

EMS 201 Schedule--Refer to the class finder for meeting times and mandatory skills date(s).

For information on how to become a student at Cuesta, priority registration status, or the registration process, contact Anel Gutierrez-Orozco at (805) 592-9771.

For questions about the program prerequisites, student education plans, degrees, or transferring to/from Cuesta, contact Cindy Stever or Blake Reed . Both counselors are also available for appointments through the online scheduling portal for a 15-minute drop-in or a 45-minute full planning appointment (select "Nursing and Allied Health students" in the list of appointment types.

General questions regarding the program can be directed to Claire Hawkins, Allied Health Program Specialist, at claire_hawkins@cuesta.edu or 805-592-9283.