Question 1

What are the requirements to become an EMT?

Accepted Answer

Becoming an EMT requires completing an approved EMT course comprising a minimum of 170 hours. Our comprehensive EMT program includes engaging classroom lectures, psychomotor skills testing, and valuable hands-on experience with a 24-hour emergency medical transportation ride-along.

Upon successful completion of the approved EMT program, you will have the opportunity to register and undergo testing with the prestigious National Registry of EMTs. For those seeking certification, passing the National Registry examination is essential to achieve your goal of becoming a certified EMT.

Question 2

What are the prerequisites?

Accepted Answer

• No Medical Experience Required: No prior medical experience is necessary to enroll in our program.
 • Age Requirement: There is no minimum age required for the EMT course for National Certification. However, it's important to note that upon completion of the EMT course and passing the national exam, to obtain a CA EMT certification in California, applicants must be 18 years old as per regulations set by the California State EMS Office.
 • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must possess a high school level mastery of the English language in reading and writing. (No other language services will be offered at this time)
 • CPR Certification: Prior to the course start date, students must possess a valid Basic Life Support Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate from either the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
 • Background: You do not need a background check to enroll in our EMT course. However, please be aware that after completing the course, all applicants for EMT certification in California must complete a criminal background check as part of the state certification process. This is done through fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice and reviewed by your local County EMS agency.
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Question 3

Which criminal offenses may exclude me from being eligible for the State EMT Certification?

Accepted Answer

Upon completing the EMT course, all EMT Certification applicants must undergo a criminal history background check. The fingerprinting process is carried out through the California Department of Justice and submitted to the local County EMS agency. For more information,

Question 4

5-Week or 8-Week EMT Course? Which one is for me?

Accepted Answer

5-Week Program: Immerse Yourself in our accelerated 5-Week course, featuring a minimum of 32 hours of class sessions per week. To excel in the program, students should allocate an additional 30 to 40 hours each week for independent study and assessments outside of class.

8-Week Program: Embark on our 8-Week course, with a minimum of 20 hours of class sessions per week. As you progress, plan for an estimated 20 to 30 hours of dedicated study and assessment work each week beyond the class sessions to achieve optimal results.
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Discover Your Ideal EMT Course: 5-Week or 8-Week? Take the Test to Find Out!
Not sure whether the 5-Week or 8-Week EMT course suits you best? We've got you covered!
Take the quick test by clicking on the button below to gain insights and make the right decision for your EMT journey:
With this simple assessment, you'll identify the course duration that aligns perfectly with your schedule, learning preferences, and career goals.

Question 5

What should I bring to class?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a smooth and productive learning experience, students are required to bring the following items to class:
1. Personal Electronic Device: Please bring your own laptop, iPad, or any other acceptable electronic devices that will facilitate your engagement with course materials and activities.
2. Enthusiasm and Eagerness to Learn: Come prepared with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to embark on your journey towards becoming an EMT.
3. Black EMS Boots:  For this course, we suggest wearing tactical boots, preferably with steel or composite toes. Comfort should be a priority when selecting your footwear, as you will be spending long hours in these boots. While steel or composite toes can provide added protection, we understand that personal preferences and comfort vary. Therefore, we encourage you to choose a pair of boots that fit comfortably and provide the support you need during the training. Below are some nearby stores in the Bay Area:
    • Big 5 Sporting Goods (Most Major Cities in the Bay Area)
    • Galls (Oakland and San Francisco)
    • Redwood Trading Post (Redwood City)
    • DICK'S Sporting Goods (Milpitas, Fremont, Sunnyvale)
    • L C Action Police Supply (San Jose)
4. EMS watch: The EMS watch serves as a crucial tool to track vital information and time during emergency medical situations. While there are various options available in the market, we recommend selecting a watch with essential features such as:
1. Clear Display: Choose a watch with a clear and easy-to-read display to quickly access critical information.
2. Waterproof and Durable: Opt for a watch that is water-resistant and can withstand the rigors of the EMS environment.
3. Seconds Hand: A watch with a seconds hand can be beneficial for accurately measuring pulse rates and timing various procedures.
4. Indicators: Look for watches with additional features like a date display, stopwatch, and alarm, which can be helpful in managing time-sensitive tasks.

As part of our commitment to your success, we will provide you with the following essential materials:
1. Uniforms: Upon enrollment, you will be issued your very own set of uniforms Pants and Shirts), designed to reflect your professional identity as an EMT.
2. Textbooks: We will supply you with the required textbooks, carefully curated to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for your EMT training.

We look forward to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment where you can thrive and excel in your pursuit of a rewarding career as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Question 6

What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!

Embarking on the path to becoming an EMT requires dedication and commitment to an intensive course that includes a minimum of 146 hours of instruction, complemented by 24 hours of essential clinical rotations. Throughout this transformative experience, you will be engaged in weekly quizzes, exams, and in-class assignments, providing regular assessments of your progress.

To reinforce your learning and skill development, daily reading assignments and homework will be assigned, with due dates provided by our dedicated instructors. We believe that blending your education with a strong skill set is the key to transforming you into an exceptional EMT.

At BATA, we are determined to provide you with a comprehensive educational experience, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Our goal is to nurture your potential and equip you with the necessary expertise, making you an outstanding EMT ready to face real-world challenges with confidence.

Question 7

What are my career possibilities?

Accepted Answer

As an EMT, the possibilities for your career and educational growth are boundless. Your skills and expertise open doors to a wide array of companies and fields, including but not limited to:

• Emergency Medical Transportation Technician
 • Firefighter
 • Emergency Room Technician
 • Paramedic
 • Flight Paramedic
 • Nurse
 • Registered Nurse
 • Medical Assistant
 • Physician
 • Physician Assistant
 • Medical Equipment Repairer
 • Emergency Dispatcher
 • Surgical Technologist
 • Health Information Technician
 • Veterinary Technician
 • And many other exciting pathways.

Typically, EMTs start their career journey with employment at private ambulance companies. To support our graduates in finding meaningful employment, BATA offers dedicated job assistance services. We extend these invaluable resources to all recent graduates and alumni of the program.

Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local ambulance companies, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your future aspirations and goals. At BATA, we believe in empowering our students with the knowledge, skills, and network they need to soar and thrive in their chosen fields.

The sky is truly the limit, and we are committed to being your partner in success as you embark on this exciting and fulfilling journey.

Question 8

Is there an age requirement to take the EMT course?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum age required for the EMT course for National Certification. However, it's important to note that upon completion of the EMT course and passing the national exam, to obtain a CA EMT certification in California, applicants must be 18 years old as per regulations set by the California State EMS Office.

Question 9

Ready to Take the Next Step? (How to Sign Up)

Accepted Answer

If you're eager to begin your journey with us, taking the next steps is simple! To enroll in our program, follow these easy steps:

Contact our Enrollment Specialist:
 • Get in touch with our dedicated Enrollment Specialist at 1.800.701.7333. They are ready to guide you through the enrollment process and answer any questions you may have.
Visit Us Online:
 • For more information and to explore our course offerings, visit us online at bataeducation.com/courses. Our website is packed with valuable details about our programs, curriculum, and the support we provide to our students.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from registration to graduation. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on an exciting educational journey with us! Reach out today and let's get started on shaping your successful future as an EMT.

Question 10

How do I schedule my clinical hours?

Accepted Answer

You may be wondering how to schedule your clinical hours for the EMT course, but worry not! At Bay Area Training Academy, we take care of all the coordination and arrangements for your clinical rotations and ride-alongs.

Our dedicated team will work closely with each student individually to identify the days and hours of availability for scheduling the ride-alongs. These hours will be completed on non-class days, ensuring a seamless integration with your academic commitments.

To fulfill the clinical requirements, students are required to complete a minimum of 24 clinical hours, including 10 direct patient contacts. These invaluable experiences can be achieved through two or three ride-along shifts or an emergency room rotation. Rest assured, both requirements must be met to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

While we understand that clinical hours represent a significant time commitment alongside the course, they are an essential part of your training. These hours must be completed before you can be authorized to take the NREMT exam, so please work closely with our BATA staff to schedule them as close to the end date of the class as possible.

Please note that due to nature of the accelerated course and scheduling limitations, it may not be feasible for Bay Area Training Academy to coordinate all ride-alongs (supervised clinical experiences) within the course dates. Students should allow up to two weeks after completing the course for their ride-alongs to be scheduled and completed, provided that all required immunizations and documentation have been submitted.

For your convenience and safety, all clinical patient contacts will be facilitated through BATA's contracted companies and organized by our dedicated staff. This approach ensures a smooth and valuable experience for each student.

Your success is our priority, and we are committed to guiding you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to our team to discuss any concerns or to schedule your clinical hours. Together, let's make your journey to becoming an outstanding EMT a rewarding and fulfilling one!

Question 11

How to become a firefighter?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a firefighter is a rewarding and noble career choice. To embark on this fulfilling journey, follow these essential steps:

1. High School Graduation: Ensure you have successfully graduated from high school or have obtained an equivalent qualification.
2. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years of age to pursue a career as a firefighter.
3. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification: Complete your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. This essential training equips you with vital life-saving skills and knowledge.

By fulfilling these requirements, you will be on the path to becoming a firefighter, ready to serve your community and make a meaningful impact in times of need.

Question 12

How to become a Paramedic?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a paramedic is a significant achievement in the field of emergency medical services. To begin your journey towards this rewarding career, follow these essential steps:

1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Certification: Start by obtaining certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B). This foundational training equips you with essential skills and knowledge in emergency medical care.
2. Eligibility for Paramedic Courses: Upon successfully becoming a certified EMT, you will be eligible to enroll in Paramedic courses. These specialized courses can take up to a year to complete, and typically require approximately 1,200 to 1,800 hours of dedicated study and practical training.

By completing these steps, you will be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of a paramedic, providing advanced life-saving interventions and critical care to those in need.

If you have a passion for helping others and are committed to making a positive impact in emergency situations, the path to becoming a paramedic awaits you.

Question 13

What do I need to know about my required clinical rotations?

Accepted Answer

Completion Requirements:
 • You must complete 10 patient contacts and 24 hours of clinical rotations.
 • Both requirements are mandatory to fulfill your EMT training program.

Scheduling:
 • All clinical shifts will be scheduled outside class time by Bay Area Training Academy

HIPAA Compliance:
 • All patient interactions are protected by HIPAA.
 • Any breaches of confidentiality will be taken seriously and may have severe consequences.

Exam Eligibility:
 • You cannot take the National Registry exam until all clinical rotations are completed.

Approved Contracts:
 • All patient contacts must be done through a BATA-contracted company and organized by BATA.
 • Any ride-along scheduled outside of the Academy will not count toward your required patient contacts or hours.

Facial Hair Requirements:
 • Students must comply with facial hair policies to ensure proper fit of personal protective equipment (PPE).
 • Facial hair must not interfere with the seal of masks or respirators used during clinical shifts and ride-alongs.
 • For more information, please visit: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2017/11/02/noshave/ (https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2017/11/02/noshave/)

Question 14

How do I enroll to an EMT course?

Accepted Answer

To enroll for our EMT courses, you would do so through our website! After opening our website you will follow these steps:
 - Open "Courses" tab ----> Select "Click Here" on EMT Courses box
 - This will then allow you to view the "Available EMT Courses" list open for registration that you can choose from.
 - Once you find a course suitable for you, you will then select "Register"
 - After registering in selecting a full payment or down payment, you have now secured your spot in the course.
- You will then receive a detailed email from our team with your new course registration and further steps!

Question 15

Do you have Financial Aid or Payment Plans?

Accepted Answer

Financial Aid: At this time, we are not affiliated with financial aid branches. However, if you receive a grant or gov funding, a check can be written out to Bay Area Training Academy!

Payment Plans: Upon making a minimum down-payment, we can place the remaining tuition on either a Financing Plan through a third-party or In-house Payment Plan through BATA.

For more information:

Approved to Operate by Bureau of Private Post Secondary Education and California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions