Paramedic & EMS Programs

Choosing your starting point

The three EMS credentials build on one another: EMR → EMT → Paramedic. EMR is an optional first step, EMT is the entry-level certificate most students start with, and the Paramedic program is the advanced, selective program that requires you to already hold an EMT certification.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

• Be 18 years old by the first day of class.
• Hold a current Healthcare Provider-level BLS CPR card.

EMR is open enrollment — there is no application, lottery, or health screening. It is a good first step but is not required before EMT.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Be 18 years old by the first day of class.
• Hold a current Healthcare Provider-level BLS CPR card.

EMT is open registration. After you register, the program emails an admissions packet covering a background check, drug screen, physical exam, and immunizations — you must complete these before the clinical (ambulance) rotation. A current EMT certification is the gateway requirement for the Paramedic program.

Paramedic

• Hold a current EMT certification (National Registry / California); it may be in progress when you apply but must be complete before the program begins.
• Hold a current Healthcare Provider-level BLS CPR card.
• Complete the program's required health clearances (physical, immunizations, background and drug screening).

Admission is competitive: qualified applicants are selected by computer lottery when there are more applicants than seats. Recommended preparation includes human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology.

EMR and EMT — open registration

1. Apply to Butte College and become a student.
2. Obtain a current Healthcare Provider-level BLS CPR card.
3. Register for EMS 110 (EMR) or EMS 111 (EMT) through Self-Service during your registration window.
4. EMT only: watch your Butte College email for the admissions packet and complete the background check, drug screen, physical, and immunizations before the clinical rotation.

Apply to Butte College

Paramedic — selective application

The Paramedic program admits one cohort each year with a fall start. Applications are accepted during a winter window (approximately December through March); confirm current dates with the Health Occupations Office.

1. Hold or complete your EMT certification and BLS CPR card.
2. Obtain the Paramedic application packet from the Health Occupations Office (AHPS 251) or program website during the window. Prior-year applicants who were not selected submit the reapplication form instead.
3. Submit the complete packet to the Health Occupations Office, AHPS 251 by the deadline.
4. If there are more qualified applicants than seats, selection is by computer lottery; applicants are notified in the spring.

What it costs

The California-resident enrollment fee is approximately $46 per unit (subject to change), plus per-term college service fees. The programs differ in length:

• EMR (EMS 110) is 4 units — one term.
• EMT (EMS 111) is 8 units — one semester.
• Paramedic is about 36.5 units across two semesters.

Plan for additional costs: textbooks, uniforms and equipment, and required health clearances. External certification exam and state licensure fees (the National Registry exam and California certification) are paid to those agencies, not the college. Figures are approximate and subject to change; living expenses are not included.

For the current itemized breakdown, contact the Health Occupations Office (itemized cost sheets are not currently posted online).

Paying for the program

Financial Aid Office Set Up a Payment Plan

The North Valley Health Education Foundation offers a Paramedic scholarship for enrolled students. Note: the EMR certificate is not eligible for financial aid.

Where

Classes are held on the Butte College main campus at 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965, in the Allied Health / Public Service (AHPS) Building. The Health Occupations Office (Paramedic applications) is in AHPS 251.

When and how much time

EMR

One term; EMS 110 is 4 units of lecture plus a skills lab.

EMT

One semester; EMS 111 is 8 units of lecture and lab plus a clinical (ambulance) rotation.

Paramedic

A full-time program of about 36.5 units across two semesters. Classes typically meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with some Saturdays, in a cohort of about 25 students. The second semester is a heavy clinical sequence including hospital rotations and a field internship at local sites (no preceptor fees).

For current sections, dates, and unit counts, see the Academic Programs listing.