Butte Community College offers a paramedic program, as well as an EMT certificate. The Butte Community College EMS program is accredited in the state of California and the State Department of Health Services. The paramedic certificate includes certificates including: EMS 170/EMT Paramedic Theory, EMS 171/EMT Paramedic Clinical Lab and Field Internship and FSC/201A - Hazardous Materials Technology.
Program Information
A student can register for classes in the spring, summer, and fall. Enrollment for summer courses begins in May for new students and in August for the fall courses. The spring registration is typically in November. The number of courses taken is entirely up to the student. There are required classes that must be taken for the program; the first class that must be completed in your first semester is Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic-Theory.
Due to limited enrollment, (usually 25 or less) if there are more qualified applicants than there are available seats, the class selection will be done through a computer lottery system. Students not making the first roster will be added to a waiting list.
Enrollment Prerequisites
- must have a valid driver’s license
- have a high school diploma or the equivalent
- must be 18 years of age
- pass a physical examination
- must pass a background check
- must have current immunization records
- must pass drug screening - and stay drug free
- must be EMT II certified prior to entering paramedic program
- may not have received a dishonorable military discharge
- must hold a current CPR card
In order to be accepted into the paramedic EMT program a student also must complete a special application.
Additionally, a student must pass human anatomy, human physiology, English level IV, reading level IV, and math level IV, with a C or above. These courses must be completed at an accredited institution. One year experience as an EMT or in the EMS field is recommended.
Application Information
In order to apply for the program, a student must contact the schools administration office and complete the application for enrollment. Potential students may also fill out an application online. Fall classes begin in August and application deadlines are usually in the spring.
Enclose with the completed application the following:
a. Copy of current NREMT or EMT I certification
b. Copy of current CPR certification
c. Official college transcripts documenting successful completion of all prerequisite courses and/or competencies
d. Copy of high school transcript or high school diploma or GED documentation
The college asks that no other transcripts are sent with the application, and this includes letters of recommendation. These will be addressed at a later time.
The cost of the program is based on credit units. There are approximately 42 credit units required to complete the program. As of 2011, each credit costs $96 for residents and $296 for non-residents.
Contact Information
Belinda Schafer, Chair (530) 895-2487
Allied Health Department Office, AHPS 215, (530) 879-4310
Counseling and Advising (530) 895-2378
Butte Community College
3536 Butte Campus Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 895-2239
