Emergency Medical Technology

Are you searching for a service-oriented career where you can save lives? Consider the Emergency Medical Technology program to take the first steps toward a rewarding career as a firefighter or licensed emergency medical technician (EMT). Upon successful completion of this program, you will be prepared for the fire academy, as well as for EMT jobs with ambulance service companies, first responder agencies, fire departments, and hospitals. You will be eligible to sit for the EMT national certification examination and the Arizona certification examination for Hazardous Materials First Responder Operation, which meets the requirements of the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence.

Our qualified instructors will introduce you to fire service, wellness and fitness, and hazardous materials. You will also be trained to recognize and handle a range of medical situations — from minor to life-threatening, including learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automatic external defibrillation, and the procedures for administering oxygen and medication. We will also teach you how to stabilize and transport trauma victims and those suffering a major medical event like a heart attack or stroke.

If you’re ready to make a difference as a firefighter or EMT, start your training in the Emergency Medical Technology program today!

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

The EMT and EMS programs are considered a clock hour program, which is a training program that provides skills for quick entry into the workforce. The clock hour programs have specific year-round start dates, and you typically attend classes four days a week, Monday-Thursday. Day, afternoon and evening classes are available. As part of EMT104, each student will participate in simulated clinical events called Emergency Patient Management (EPM) exercises.

Instructors recognize that you are not merely students, but future coworkers and counterparts. With that in mind, a personalized approach to instruction is taken. You will be tasked with pushing yourself and working hard to be successful. Also, you will be challenged daily in class as you learn the crucial skills needed to perform in public safety services in an all-hazards approach. Instructors have extensive experience working in the professions — as many are first responders, paramedics and EMTs from around the Valley — and are dedicated to teaching at the highest level, so you perform confidently in the intense atmosphere of emergency medical scenes. 

The program meets current USDOT national standard education guidelines for Emergency Medical Technician. The program also meets the current Hazardous Materials First Responder certification requirements for the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence. Confined space operations in accordance with the National Fire Protection Agency.

Watch video to learn more about the EMT/EMS programs at GateWay Community College.

Program Location

SouthWest Skill Center

Northern Arizona University North Valley Campus (West-Mec High School students only)

Program Cost Estimates*

Certificate of Completion in Emergency Medical Technology (EMT): $1,843  |  220 hours/4.5 months

Certificate of Completion in Emergency Medical Services and Fire Preparatory Academy: $2,320  |  300 hours/3.5 months

*Please note that these are only estimates. These estimates may change based on increases to tuition, course fees and book costs. Estimates are based on the current tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.