LP Research Resources October 30, 2023

Westmed Training College for Paramedics

The Westmed Training College has a curriculum that offers students the necessary courses for certification at the highest level of paramedic. This program meets the standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Training.

The Westmed Training College is located at 3031 Tisch Way, in San Jose, California. There are several campuses associated with Westmed College. EMT and Paramedic training can be obtained at the following campuses: San Jose Campus, Fresno Campus and Chula Vista.

Program Information

The paramedic-training program offered through the school takes place in both the classroom and in a clinical setting. After completing all aspects of the program successfully, students will earn a completion certificate.

The EMT training program is 12 weeks in length and prepares students to be qualified to take the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Examination (NREMT) and receive CA Certification as an EMT.

The paramedic education courses are 18 months and include a 480-hour field internship with a private ambulance or fire service.

The paramedic education includes a didactic portion and consists of discussions, lectures, acting out scenarios, practicing lab skills, observation, and other related activity to the course. During the clinical portion of the course, students will work in a hospital setting under supervision of licensed practitioners in different departments such as emergency, cardiac care, labor and delivery, nursery, surgery, and laboratory. Additional course will include: Anatomy and physiology, principles of microbiology, theory of patient assessment, management and operations assessment, theory of paramedic essentials to include airway management and ventilation, medical, OB/GYN, neonatal, behavior and trauma emergencies, and emergency medical services operations. The final session of the course will be a field internship where the student will receive hands on instruction out in the EMS field.

Program 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 certified prior to entering paramedic program
  • may not have received a dishonorable military discharge
  • must have successfully completed college level math and English courses
  • completed courses in anatomy and physiology
  • must hold a current CPR card

The current cost of the paramedic certificate program through Westmed is $12,100 tuition, $100 registration, and $400 for books. This makes a total of $12,600, which is an estimated cost and students may acquire more fees during their course.

Additional Information

A Paramedic Student and Preceptor Guidebook and campus student manuals can be downloaded from the school’s website online at http://www.westmedcollege.edu/Programs/Paramedic.html.

Westmed has various types of financial aid available as well as scholarship information.

Continuing Education Certificates and Refresher Courses can be obtained through the Kearny Mesa Campus and the San Jose Campus.

Contact Information

For admissions and information you can contact any of the 3 campuses offering paramedic studies:

Chula Vista Campus
660 Bay Boulevard, Suite 110
Chula Vista, CA 91910-5200
(619) 563-7451

Fresno Campus
20 E. River Park Place West
Fresno, CA 93720-1551
(559) 256-4980

San Jose Campus
3031 Tisch Way
San Jose, CA 95128-2561
(408) 236-1170