Academic Catalogs

Emergency Medical Services, Certificate of Achievement

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.cccd.edu.

Banner Code: 1_CM_EMS

Control Number: 41911

Not Financial Aid Eligible


EMS certification is required to work for an ambulance service or in an emergency department and may be required for lifeguards, ski patrol and fire fighters. The EMS provides the care necessary to preserve life and to prevent disability among the acutely ill and the seriously injured and assist and communicate with other healthcare providers with a higher scope of practice.

The EMS 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 placed 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 certification in any California County.

Program Outcomes

  1. The graduate of the Emergency Medical Services program will be prepared for entry-level employment as a professional and competent Emergency Medical Technician and meet the needs of the local health care community.
  2. The EMS certification course is a prerequisite for paramedic training. Job opportunities are good.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Program Recommended Preparation
Course Title Units
EMS A100Emergency Medical Responder4
Required Prerequisites
Course Title Units
Valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR
Required Courses 
Course Title Units
EMS A150Emergency Medical Technician10
EMS A150LEmergency Medical Services Laboratory1
EMS A151Emergency Medical Technician Clinical 11
Total Units12

Emergency Medical Services Suggested Electives

ALH A111 Medical Terminology
BIOL A221 Anatomy-Physiology
CMST A100 Interpersonal Communication

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Program Recommended Preparation

Course Title Units
EMS A100Emergency Medical Responder4
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
EMS A150 Emergency Medical Technician 10
EMS A150L Emergency Medical Services Laboratory 1
EMS A151 Emergency Medical Technician Clinical 1
 Units12
 Total Units12