Fall Quarter 2022 application portal is now closed. We are no longer accepting applications for Fall Quarter 2022.

This intensive one quarter program includes lectures, hands-on practice and techniques for:
Introduction to emergency care, bleeding and shock, soft tissue injuries, environmental emergencies, lifting and moving patients, emergency childbirth, and much, much more. At the end of the training, successful participants are qualified for the National Registry of EMT’s examination.

The EMT program is NOT eligible for Financial Aid as it does not meet the federal criteria for funding. Military Veterans can use GI Bill® education benefits*, see the BTC website Student Financial Resources for more information.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government Web Site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Emergency Medical Technician curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.

86% BTC graduate placement rate¹

$29,515 starting annual wage²
$36,130 average annual wage²
$43,347 potential annual wage²

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Admissions application and assessment testing or college English course is required. Students interested in the Emergency Medical Technician program should apply to the college and contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with getting started at BTC. A college application and your score on assessment testing and/or previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence.

• Emergency Medical Technician Program Overview & Application 

• EMT Clinical Placements Requirements Info Sheet

• This program requires a background check, 10-panel drug screening, immunizations, two-part TB screening and CPR Certification prior to clinical placements.

• Fall 2022 Detailed Student Schedule

We offer the EMT Program, Fall and Spring Quarters only. Candidates from affiliated/sponsored agencies are given priority consideration for program admission.

Students will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. To be considered fully vaccinated, two weeks must have passed since the date of the second dose or first dose for the one-dose vaccine. The program’s clinical partner agencies will not accept any exemption to full COVID-19 vaccination.

Fall Quarter 2022 application portal is now closed. We are no longer accepting applications for Fall Quarter 2022.

Applications for program entry are typically due 4 weeks prior to the start of the quarter.

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine your acceptance into the Program. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

Placement testing scores ACCUPLACER: Reading Comprehension score of 71 and Sentence Skills score of 71 or ACCUPLACER Next-Generation: Reading scores of 247 and Writing Score of 245 or RDG 085 and ENGL 092 with a grade of C or higher or unofficial college transcripts.

Students must possess the aptitude and ability to perform critical thinking in the field. Students with poor reading comprehension may need to improve their abilities before taking the EMT Program.

Program Application & Information

• Applications may be faxed (360.752.7247), emailed to healthinfo@btc.edu
  or mailed directly to Bellingham Technical College Attn: EMT Program, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225

• If affiliated/sponsored: Application with attachments and signature from affiliated organization.

• If non-affiliated/sponsored: Application with attachments and signature for non-affiliated applicants. NOTE: Non-affiliated students have one year from the completion of the course to meet the affiliation requirement to be certified by the State of Washington. Affiliated status with a fire department or ambulance service must be attained before participants are eligible for State EMT Certification. Students must also submit BTC Placement test results.

Students must have access to a computer with high speed internet as many program components and testing are done online.

Students, either prior to entering the program, or before course three (EMS 123), are encouraged to have taken a Hazardous Materials Awareness course. It is also recommended only that students complete the IS 10.0a and IS 700.a courses, available from the FEMA website (http://training.fema.gov/IS/) as the NREMT exam will address these areas in more depth than is covered in the EMT Program.

Note: Students accepted to the EMT Program must attend the first night of class which is the program orientation. Details TBA in your acceptance notification.

• Current BTC Application: Have applied online to www.btc.edu/ApplyOnline within the last year. Please indicate EMT as your program of intent

• Photocopy of valid Driver's License or photo ID

• Proof of high school graduation or GED completion-Copy of college unofficial transcripts or diploma, GED or high school transcripts

• Minimum age: Students may be 17 years of age at the start of the program, but must be 18 upon completion

• Completed and signed Criminal History Background Check Self-Disclosure form

Physical strength adequate to perform the normal functions of an EMT, including the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 125 lbs.

AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.

• This program requires a criminal history background check prior to attending the clinic practicum. Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet

Take the ACCUPLACER/Placement Test

• Demonstrate the ability to recall and apply knowledge of human structure, function, pathophysiology, and psychosocial development to patient care relative to the role of entry level Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• Demonstrate, through knowledge and behavior, a commitment to the highest standards and competence, ethics, integrity, and accountability to the patient and the EMT profession.
• Demonstrate an ability to collect data from charts and patients and interpret patient data.
• Demonstrate an ability to use critical thinking skills to assess and treat patients in emergency settings.
• Demonstrate effective use of motor, cognitive, and critical thinking skills in diagnosis, management, and prevention of common health problems encountered in patient care necessary to fulfill the role of entry level EMT.
• Demonstrate an ability to perform patient assessment.
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage time efficiently while functioning in a healthcare setting.
• Demonstrate effective listening, verbal, and written communication skills with a wide range of individuals and groups in order to provide patient-centered care.
• Recognize and work effectively within the larger context and system of health care to advocate for and provide quality patient care relative to the role of entry level EMT.

Jobs in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) field are currently in high demand. There is a shortage of qualified workers and many available positions to fill. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMT employment is expected to grow faster than average in upcoming years. This is due to a number of factors, including the need for 24-hour care, and the aging of a large percentage of the population. Aside from job security, a career as an EMT also offers you the chance to become an important part of your community, and to truly help people in their most dire time of need.

Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student employment in this industry.

The average annual wage in this field is $77,230, with an earning potential of about $94,432 per year.*