Where Can I Take EMT Classes in the Philadelphia Area?
Find schools in the Philadelphia, PA, area offering emergency medical technician (EMT) training programs and courses. Learn about certification requirements, and get admissions and tuition info for EMT training in the Philadelphia region.
EMTs train to be prepared for medical and trauma emergencies, to assess and transport patients, and to understand pharmacology related to emergency medicine. Both EMT-Basic and paramedic certification programs can be found in the Philadelphia area.
What You Need to Know
Basic and more advanced EMT certificate programs are available around Philadelphia, mostly at 2-year schools; at least one 4-year school also offers programs. Completing a certificate could take you between one term and six months, depending on which level of study you select. The time needed to complete your training also depends on if you're enrolled in day or evening classes. Completing these programs prepares you for the certification exams for EMTs.
Paramedic certificates could require between 11 and 18 months to complete, depending on if you're enrolled full or part time. A 2-year associate's degree program could also prepare you to work as a paramedic. Completing either the certificate or degree program prepares you for the paramedic exam.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
EMT Training Programs in the Philadelphia Area
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College (DCCC) offers emergency medical services training that spans 21-22 credits. The EMT-Basic course is seven credits and consists of four lab hours and five lecture hours; it can be taken during one semester. The entire program includes courses on patient care and assessment; head, neck and spinal injuries; dosage permissions; and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Completing an EMT-Basic course is required to enter into more advanced training programs, such as the paramedic advanced life support associate degree program at DCCC.
- Program Name: Emergency Services Technology Certificate
- Program Length: Two semesters
- Tuition and Fees: $5,520 per year for in-district residents; $9,390 per year for state residents; $12,920 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Math and English courses
- School Type: 2-year, public; about 11,314 students (all undergraduate)
The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences offers an EMT training program with 2- and 6-month programs for weekend workers or students who can receive education during the week. The hospital-based EMT education program is offered two times every year and is a first-come, first-serve enrollment opportunity. Students train in the medical center and also work with local ambulance services. Reading also offers both entry-level and advanced training options in the emergency medical services field. You may need to pay up to $300 in additional clothing and gear fees as part of the program.
- Program Name: Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
- Program Length: 2-6 months, weekend or weekday enrollment respectively
- Tuition and Fees: $10,365 per year (costs as of 2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Must have a HS diploma or GED certificate and be at least 18 years old
- School Type: 2-year, private; about 329 students (all undergraduate)
Northampton Community College
Northampton Community College (NCC) offers either a 2- or 6-month program to accommodate various student availabilities from weeknights to weekdays. The skills-based EMT training covers airway and trauma managements, patient injuries, assessment of emergency scenes and more. You participate in clinical experiences and lectures, with subsequent tests as part of your training. NCC's program includes the cost of certification exams; however, a zero-absence and zero-refund policy is strictly enforced once the program begins. Northampton offers first responder and EMT-B refresher training options as well.
- Program Name: EMT-Basic Certificate
- Program Length: 2-6 months, weekend and weekday enrollment respectively
- Tuition and Fees: $4,380 per year for in-district residents; $9,570 per year for state residents; $14,100 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Must be 16 years old with consent to enroll
- School Type: 2-year, public; about 9,769 students (all undergraduate)
Paramedic Training Programs in the Philadelphia Area
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College (DCCC) offers two types of paramedic training programs for students hoping to enter the career field. DCCC's program is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. The paramedic associate degree program requires 67-68 credit hours, six semesters of study and can be completed in two years. This program was designed to prepare graduates to be able to successfully pass the NREMT-P exam. You receive clinical experience and classroom training in advanced life support, medical emergencies, trauma and airway issues and more. You need to be at least 18 years of age by the second semester of the program.
- Program Name: Associate of Applied Sciences in Paramedic - Advanced Life Support
- Program Length: Two years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $5,520 per year for in-district residents; $9,390 per year for state residents; $12,920 per year for nonresidents (costs as of 2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Current EMT-B certification
- School Type: 2-year, public; about 11,314 students (all undergraduate)
The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
Reading offers an 11-month paramedic training program that was founded in 1987 and designed to exceed state and local paramedic training requirements. Common study areas in the program include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, EMS systems, response and stress management. Reading's program features clinical rotations in the hospital for emergency, psychiatric, medical-surgical care, labor delivery and more. Graduates of the program are qualified to take the NREMT-P examination. In addition to having an EMT background, you need to pass interviews and a math pre-test to qualify for the program.
- Program Name: Paramedic Certificate
- Program Length: 11 months, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: $10,365 per year (costs as of 2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Must be EMT certified for at least one year
- School Type: 2-year, private; about 329 students (all undergraduate)
Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University offers paramedic training through the Jefferson University Hospitals. The paramedic certificate program can be completed in one and a half years of part-time study. Common courses in the paramedic program include medical and trauma emergencies, EMS operations, pharmacology and health assessment. You complete three clinical rotations and gain field experience through a total of 1,500 hours as part of the program. The internship and clinical portions have to be completed within one year of receiving training. Graduates are prepared for the NREMT-P certification test. The school also offers EMT-Basic training, which can be completed as a precursor to this program. The cost of uniforms and textbooks are not included in total program cost.
- Program Name: Paramedic Certificate
- Program Length: 18 months, full-time
- Tuition: $40,651 per year (costs as of 2018-2019)
- Prerequisites: Must be at least 18 years old with a HS diploma or GED certificate and EMT certification
- School Type: 4-year, private; about 7,786 students (about 3,550 undergraduate)
EMT-Basic programs in the Philadelphia area are offered through Delaware County Community College, the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences and Northampton County Area Community College; and paramedic programs can be found at Delaware County Community College, the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences and Thomas Jefferson University.
