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

The EMT Program is offered in Fall and Spring Quarters only. Candidates from affiliated/sponsored agencies are given priority consideration for program admission.

 EMS 125 Sample Schedule

Note: Students must attend the first night of class, which is the program orientation. Further details will be communicated upon enrollment in the program.

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

• Students must complete a mandatory GET Started advising appointment to enter the program. Registration for EMS 125 Spring Quarter will close on Friday March 28, 2025. Those who have not completed this step will not be able to enroll. It is recommended to meet with a College Navigator no later than Friday March 21, 2025. Students will be directed to schedule the GET Started advising appointment after applying to the college and either completing assessment testing or having official transcripts reviewed.

• 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.

• possess a high school diploma or GED
• provide proof of identity - State or federal photo I.D. (military ID, driver's license, passport)
• be 18 years of age by the time of completion and certification (WAC 246-976-141)
• Complete the Guided Self-Placement process

Prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.

• EMT Clinical Placements Requirements Info Sheet

• This program requires a criminal history background check prior to clinical placement. See the Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet for details.

• This program requires a 10 panel urine analysis drug screen prior to clinical placement.

•  This program requires immunizations, TB screening, and CPR certification prior to clinical placement.

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• Student must posses the physical strength adequate to perform the normal functions of an EMT, including the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 125 lbs.

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

Additional Program Information

• It is recommended, but not required, that students complete the following classes available from the FEMA website as the NREMT exam will address these areas in more depth than is covered in the EMT Program:

  • IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

  • IS-10.A: Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness

  • IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

• 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.*

*This average annual wage was provided by program faculty and is specific to working as a firefighter EMT.