Which Florida Schools Offer EMT Training and Certification Courses?

Training in emergency medical services can lead to EMT basic or paramedic certification. Based on your certification goals, find schools that provide the training and degree level you need.

What You Need to Know

Diplomas, certificates and associate's degree programs are available for aspiring EMTs. Diplomas typically require about one semester of study and provide EMT Basic-level training. Certificate programs could take two or three semesters, and these programs provide more advanced training for paramedics. Both diplomas and certificates focus the classes on EMT-related topics.

In comparison, associate's degree programs include general education courses with their EMT-related training. These programs usually require two years of study to complete. All three types of programs provide preparation for licensure examinations.

Diploma Programs in Emergency Medical Technology in Florida

Broward College

At Broward College, the Emergency Medical Technology Applied Technology Diploma is a limited-access program. Students can enroll each semester, evaluated based on their health screening and physical exam results as well as education history. In this 16-week program, you'll take a basic EMT course that includes study of EMT service and responsibilities at the basic level, patient transportation and response to a variety of medical situations. The EMT Basic course includes a required skills lab. You'll also be required to complete field and hospital clinical sessions to learn how EMTs respond in those situations and gain practical skills. This program prepares students to take the EMT-Basic certification exam through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

• Program Name: Applied Technology Diploma
• Field of Study Option: Emergency Medical Technician
• Program Length: One semester, full-time
• Admission Requirements: Current basic life support for healthcare providers CPR certification; completion of a background check, drug screening, medical history and physical exam; attendance of a health services orientation set by your program
• Tuition and Fees: $2,830 per year for resident students; $8,952 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; over 40,784 enrolled (all undergraduate)

Certificates in Emergency Medical Services in Florida

Broward College

The paramedic certificate program includes the study of body systems, multiple clinical and field experience sessions in the field and in hospitals. You'll complete a single-term internship. The clinical sessions are 12-hour shifts. Some of the courses are held in the evenings and on weekends.

• Program Name: Certificate
• Field of Study Option: Paramedic
• Program Length: Two semesters, full-time
• Admission Requirements: Current basic life support for healthcare providers CPR certification; completion of a background check, drug screening, medical history and physical exam; attendance of a health services orientation set by your program; EMT-Intermediate certification
• Tuition and Fees: $2,830 per year for resident students; $8,952 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; over 40,784 enrolled (all undergraduate)

College of Central Florida

In the paramedic certificate program, you'll take courses in anatomy and physiology, airway management and treatment of patients in varying medical situations. You'll practice skills in hands-on lab sessions and clinical sessions, where you'll learn patient assessment, administration of intravenous medications and vital sign management. You'll also learn to handle OB/GYN, neonatal and behavioral emergencies and trauma situations.

• Program Name: College Certificate
• Field of Study Option: Paramedic
• Program Length: Three semesters
• Prerequisites: TABE test results or proof of associate degree
• Admission Requirements: Single page resume; complete federal background check, health screening and drug screening; current CPR card for healthcare providers; current immunizations
• Tuition and Fees: $2,570 per year for resident students; $10,126 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; nearly 6,820 enrolled (all undergraduate)

Florida SouthWestern State College

The EMT certificate program requires three courses and can be completed in one semester. You'll learn the fundamentals of emergency care, including treatment of various situations, emergency medical operations and the use of the double lumen device in airway management. You'll complete a laboratory course where you practice your skills. Completing the program also includes 96 clock hours of basic life support training under the guidance of an agency that provides advanced life support. With completion of this program, you'll be eligible to sit for the EMT-Basic qualifying exam.

The paramedic certificate program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, an internship for each semester and a clinical program as well. You'll learn about medical terminology, pharmacology and patient assessment as well as intravenous medication administration and the use of EKG equipment to monitor cardiac situations. At the completion of this program, you'll be eligible to take the state's paramedic certification test.

• Program Name: Certificate
• Field of Study Option: Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic
• Program Length: Three semesters
• Admission Requirements: Current EMT certification; complete federal background check, health screening and drug screening; current CPR card for healthcare providers; current immunizations
• Tuition and Fees: $3,401 per year for resident students; $12,979 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 16,556 enrolled (all undergraduate)

Associate Degrees in Emergency Medical Services in Florida

Broward College

This program combines the requirements of the associate of technology diploma program and the paramedic certificate program with general education requirements to allow students to earn a 2-year degree in emergency medical science.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science
• Field of Study Option: Emergency Medical Science
• Program Length: Four semesters, full-time
• Admission Requirements: Current basic life support for healthcare providers CPR certification; completion of a background check, drug screening, medical history and physical exam; attendance of a health services orientation set by your program; EMT license.
• Tuition and Fees: $2,830 per year for resident students; $8,952 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; over 40,784 enrolled (all undergraduate)

Daytona State College

The Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services is a limited access program that prepares students for licensing examinations that will qualify them for careers as emergency medical technicians or paramedics. In this program, you'll learn to operate an EMS vehicle and use medical terminology as you gain hands-on experience in clinical and field situations. You'll take classes that teach patient assessment, airway management as well as the recognition and treatment of trauma patients before they arrive at a hospital. You'll learn to administer IV medications and spend time in a variety of hospital departments to gain hands-on experience.

• Program Name: Associate of Science
• Field of Study Option: Emergency Medical Services
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Admission Requirements: Current EMT certification; complete federal background check, health screening and drug screening; current CPR card for healthcare providers; current immunizations
• Tuition and Fees: $3,104 per year for resident students; $11,993 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 13,737 enrolled (all undergraduate)

Florida SouthWestern State College

The Associate of Science in Paramedic technology program combines the EMT Basic and Paramedic certificate requirements into one program and adds general education courses, as well. You'll learn the skills needed to work as an emergency medical professional and have an opportunity to practice those skills in related (and required) lab classes. You'll also take courses in speech or fire company officer training, as well as psychology, anatomy and physiology to round out the degree program.

• Program Name: Associate of Science
• Field of Study Option: Emergency Medical Services Technology
• Program Length: Three semesters
• Admission Requirements: Current EMT certification; complete federal background check, health screening and drug screening; current CPR card for healthcare providers; current immunizations
• Tuition and Fees: $3,401 per year for resident students; $12,979 per year for non-resident students (2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 16,556 enrolled (all undergraduate)

The three schools that offer paramedic training in conjunction with an associate's degree in Florida are Broward College, Daytona State College and Florida SouthWestern State College. Certificate programs for EMTs are also offered at Broward and Florida SouthWestern State along with the program through the College of Central Florida.