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How to Become a Paramedic in California

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Are you wondering how to become a paramedic in California? Check out the requirements as listed below.

Basic Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must be a high school graduate, or have a GED
  • You must have a legitimate chauffeur’s license
  • You must be a certified EMT
  • You should have no criminal record
  • You should be in excellent physical health
  • All your immunizations must be up to date

Educational Requirements

If you are trying to figure out how to become a paramedic in California, consider the following educational requirements.

  • You need a high school diploma or GED
  • You must first pursue training as an EMT, and afterward, be registered with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) at the Basic or Intermediate Level or be certified as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) in California.
  • You must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or working towards accreditation.
  • The course content of the EMT course you have covered should meet the requirements described in the US Department of Transportation (DOT) 2009 National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards.
  • The Paramedic program you intend to take must be at least 1,090 hours.
  • You must spend at least 450 hours in the combined areas of didactic instruction and skills laboratory, as well as 160 hours in hospital clinical training.
  • You must have done at least 480 hours of internship, with a minimum of 40 patient contacts. To get a patient contact credit, you must perform at least one Advanced Life Support (ALS) skill (excluding CPR and cardiac monitoring).

Note: On completion of an EMT program in California, you will receive your certificate within 10 business days.

Examination Requirements

Next up in the requirements of how to become a paramedic in California is the examinations!

  • You will need to complete both written and practical examinations through the NREMT. You take the practical examination after completing the didactic and hospital clinic portions of the course. You then take the written test after completing the entire program.
  • The written portion of the examination is delivered via computer at Pearson VUE Testing Centers.
  • All candidates need NREMT approval, after which they receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and scheduling information.
  • Check the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) website for a link indicating upcoming practical examinations.

Background Checks

In-state Applicants

  • A fingerprint-based background check will be required.
  • This fingerprint – based check is carried out at a Live Scan facility. A list of Live Scan facilities is found on the EMSA website.
  • You will need multiple copies of the ‘Request for Live Scan Applicant Submission’ form found in the application packet
  • You will also need to pay a fee of $49 at the facility
  • The results of the background check will be available within 7-10 days

Out of State Applicants

  • Your fingerprints will be done at the nearest local law enforcement agency
  • The instructions for filling out the fingerprint card are found in the application packet
  • Applicants will need to send their fingerprint cards to the California Department of Justice along with the required fee

Application Process

  • Application forms are found on the EMSA website
  • Note that there are separate application packets for California graduates and out of state applicants
  • In-state applicants must submit copies of course completion certificates as well as copies of their National Registry cards (or other documentation of having passed the required examinations).
  • Out of state applicants will have their training program, medical director, or employer verify 40 patient contacts. They will also verify current national certification or, if not currently certified, verify that the program met the requirements of an accepted organization.
  • All applicants must document their citizenship or any other acceptable legal status
  • In-state applicants will need to submit $250 in application and licensing fees, while out-of-state applicants must submit $300.

The procedure for how to become a paramedic in California is not difficult at all; just follow the steps and fulfill all the requirements, and you will soon be a practicing paramedic!