11 Best EMT Programs in Riverside, CA in 2026

ByCharlene Farwell

Pursuing a career in emergency medical services can be extremely rewarding. EMTs and paramedics play a vital role in providing critical, often life-saving care to patients in need. Riverside, California offers some of the best EMT training programs in the state for those looking to launch their careers in this rapidly growing field.

This guide profiles the top 11 EMT programs in Riverside, CA based on reputation, certification offerings, hands-on training opportunities, instructor expertise, graduate outcomes, and other key factors.

1. Healthpro EMS Training

Healthpro EMS Training

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (300+ reviews)

Location: Adams Business Park

Contact Info:

Healthpro EMS Training is widely regarded as one of the top EMT schools in the Inland Empire region. For over 15 years, Healthpro has prepared thousands of EMTs and paramedics for successful careers in emergency medicine across Southern California.

Healthpro’s EMT course provides 210 hours of instruction to ready students for the NREMT certification exam. Students undergo 120+ hours of hands-on skills training in Healthpro’s state-of-the-art simulation center using high-fidelity manikins and other advanced equipment.

The course is taught by experienced paramedics and EMT instructors. Healthpro maintains an exceptional first-time EMT certification pass rate over 95% and offers guaranteed remediation and exam re-takes at no added cost. Graduates routinely secure EMT jobs with leading employers like AMR, fire departments, event medical services, and 911 transport providers.

Key Features:

  • 210-hour EMT course prepares for NREMT exam
  • 120+ hours of hands-on training
  • 95%+ first-time NREMT exam pass rate
  • Experienced paramedic/EMT instructors
  • Guaranteed remediation and exam re-takes
  • On-site testing center
  • Assistance with job placement

2. Moreno Valley College – EMT Program

Moreno Valley College EMT Program

Rating: 4.8 stars (100+ reviews)

Location: Moreno Valley College Campus

Contact Info:

Moreno Valley College offers an accredited EMT training program leading to eligibility for NREMT certification testing. The college’s 160-hour EMT course provides a comprehensive introduction to emergency medical services through classroom lectures, hands-on skill labs, and clinical rotations.

Students have access to a fully-equipped EMT simulation lab on campus to hone practical skills with the latest equipment used by EMTs in the field. The program’s instructors are actively working paramedics and EMTs who offer invaluable real-world insight.

Moreno Valley College also has strong relationships with local EMS agencies for clinical externships. After completing the course, the college offers assistance to graduates during their job searches.

Key Features:

  • 160-hour EMT course
  • Hands-on training in on-campus simulation lab
  • Clinical externships with EMS agencies
  • Experienced paramedic/EMT instructors
  • High NREMT exam pass rate
  • Job search assistance for graduates

3. Ben Clark Training Center – EMT Program

Ben Clark Training Center

Rating: 4.7 stars (350+ reviews)

Location: Riverside County Sheriff‘s Department BCTC Campus

Contact Info:

Based at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, this EMT academy has been training Southern California’s bravest for over 50 years. The BCTC provides a comprehensive 160-hour course leading to eligibility to test for EMT certification.

BCTC students train on-site at the center’s state-of-the-art EMS simulation facility using the same advanced equipment found in ambulances and emergency rooms. The program’s instructors are all active-duty firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs with the Riverside County Fire Department.

The BCTC EMT Program has relationships with dozens of fire departments, private ambulance companies, and hospitals in the region that frequently recruit program graduates.

Key Features:

  • 160 hours of EMT training
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs
  • Instructors are active-duty fire/EMS personnel
  • Strong hiring network with regional employers
  • High first-time NREMT exam pass rate

4. American Medical Response (AMR) – EMT Academy

AMR Riverside EMT Academy

Rating: 4.7 stars (100+ reviews)

Location: AMR Riverside Facility

Contact Info:

  • Address: 879 Marlborough Ave #100, Riverside, CA 92507

  • Phone Number: (951) 782-5200

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Website: www.amr.net/riverside

American Medical Response operates one of the largest EMT training programs in Riverside County out of its Riverside facility. AMR’s accelerated 140-hour EMT course prepares students for the NREMT exam over the span of just 4 weeks.

The class blends online learning modules with hands-on skills labs utilizing industry-grade equipment on-site. Graduates have the opportunity to test with the company’s National EMS Academy and be fast-tracked for employment with AMR’s extensive network of ambulance operations across Southern California.

AMR also offers free prepatory courses for enrolled EMT students, post-graduate job placement support, employee tuition reimbursement programs, and extensive opportunities for career advancement within the company.

Key Features:

  • 140-hour accelerated EMT course
  • Blended online/in-person curriculum
  • Onsite EMT skills labs
  • Fast-track hiring with AMR affiliates
  • NREMT exam prep support
  • Post-graduate career development

5. Crafton Hills College – Paramedic/EMT Program

Crafton Hills College EMT/Paramedic Program

Rating: 4.5 stars (350+ reviews)

Location: Crafton Hills College Yucaipa Campus

Contact Info:

Crafton Hills has offered EMT training in the Inland Empire for over 35 years. The college provides a 160-hour course covering all aspects of emergency medicine leading up to eligibility for NREMT EMT certification.

Students train using an extensive array of EMT equipment from cardiac monitors to extrication tools in Crafton’s high-tech paramedic lab facility. The program also offers plenty of hands-on experience through ambulance ride-alongs, ER rotations, and field training with firefighter crews from partner agencies.

In addition to EMT-Basic, Crafton Hills also offers accredited paramedic training for students who wish to advance in their EMS careers after getting initial field experience as an EMT.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive 160-hour EMT course
  • High-tech on-campus paramedic simulation labs
  • Diverse clinical training through hospital/firehouse rotations
  • Also offers a Paramedic program
  • High graduate hire rates from area ambulance/fire agencies

6. California Medical Institute – EMT Program

California Medical Institute

Rating: 4.4 stars (100+ reviews)

Contact Info:

Operating since 2000, California Medical Institute offers an affordable EMT course to prepare students for NREMT certification and entry-level careers in emergency response. The 140-hour program combines lectures, labs, and hand-on practice of vital EMT skills.

Instructors leverage decades of firsthand EMT and paramedic experience to provide students with engaging, practical lessons. The course textbooks and equipment are also included in the program fees.

California Medical Institute maintains a strong reputation regionally for EMT exam preparation and job placement support after students complete their training. They also offer additional EMS continuing education, an accredited paramedic school, and other specialized rescue certifications.

Key Features:

  • 140-hour EMT Basic course
  • Experienced paramedic instructors
  • All textbooks/equipment included
  • Exam preparation & job placement assistance
  • Continuing education programs
  • Paramedic school and other rescue certs

7. Riverside Community College District – EMT Program

RCCD EMT Program

Rating: 4.1 stars (350+ reviews)

Location: Riverside City College

Contact Info:

Riverside City College provides an affordable 160-hour EMT course accredited by the County of Riverside EMS Agency. Classes prepare students to take National Registry and county certification exams to launch careers as licensed EMTs.

The curriculum covers the essential EMT skillsets through interactive lectures, hands-on skills practice, and live scenario training using high-fidelity simulation equipment. RCC’s instructional team possess decades of combined paramedic and EMT work experience.

Students also complete ride-alongs with AMR Riverside to gain field experience. The program boasts strong relationships with regional private ambulance providers, fire departments, and other EMS agencies that frequently hire graduates.

Key Features:

  • 160-hour county-accredited EMT course
  • Highly experienced EMT/paramedic instructors
  • Hands-on practical training
  • Ambulance ride-alongs with AMR Riverside
  • Competitively priced program fees
  • Assistance with job placement

8. California Education Institute

California Education Institute

Rating: 4 stars (100+ reviews)

Location: California Education Institute Temecula Campus

Contact Info:

Operating EMT and paramedic programs since 2007, California Education Institute focuses on affordable training paired with high NREMT pass and job placement rates. CEI offers an intense 120-hour EMT course to prep for NREMT testing and kickstart an EMS career quickly.

Skills training leverages CEI’s two simulation labs stocked with an ambulance, stretchers, manikins, cardiac monitors, oxygen and suction units. Their team of EMT/paramedic instructors averages 15+ years of field experience.

The school provides career guidance, resume review, interview prep and has direct connections with many SoCal EMS employers seeking graduates. CEI also offers a paramedic diploma program, continuing EMT education, and EKG technician certification for added career growth opportunities.

Key Features:

  • 120-hour accelerated EMT course
  • Simulation labs with ambulance & equipment
  • 15+ years instructor field experience (avg.)
  • Interview prep & employment assistance
  • Paramedic program & CE options
  • Competitive pricing

9. EMT & Fire Training Inc.

EMT & Fire Training Inc

Rating: 3.9 stars (100+ reviews)

Location: EMT & Fire Training Riverside Campus

Contact Info:

Since 1997, EMT & Fire Training has prepared thousands of EMTs now working across Southern California. Their Riverside campus provides a 160-hour EMT-Basic course accredited by LEMSA County of Riverside.

Students undergo 120+ hours of hands-on training in EMT & Fire’s simulation center packed with EMS equipment from cardiac monitors to ambulance stretchers. The course textbooks, uniforms, and certification exam fees are all covered in the program costs.

EMT & Fire’s team are all working professionals with current field experience as EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement officers and RNs. They offer guaranteed remediation and exam re-takes if needed while assisting graduates with job placement locally.

Key Features:

  • 160 hours EMT-B training
  • 120+ hours hands-on simulations
  • Course materials/fees included
  • Guaranteed remediation/exam retakes
  • Active EMT/medic/firefighter instructors
  • Job placement assistance

10. Stronghold Safety Solutions

Stronghold Safety Solutions

Rating: 3.9 stars (100+ reviews)

Location: Stronghold Safety Riverside Campus

Contact Info:

Operating from their Riverside campus, Stronghold Safety provides an intensive 140-hour EMT course to prepare for county/NREMT testing. Beyond lectures, students gain hands-on experience via ER/ambulance clinicals and access Stronghold’s simulation center equipped with stretchers, cardiac monitors, oxygen devices and more.

Instructors leverage professional EMT experience from the field spanning private ambulance, hospital trauma centers, special events and more. Graduates have access to resume building, interview skills workshops and direct connections to partnered agencies hiring EMTs locally.

Stronghold maintains close ties with regional EMT employers and also offers supplemental EMS education like ACLS/BLS/PALS cert renewal courses, EMT to Paramedic bridge programs and other specialized rescue training.

Key Features:

  • 140 hours of EMT education
  • Clinical rotations & simulation labs
  • Field-experienced EMT instructors
  • Resume/interview preparation
  • Relationships with EMS hiring managers
  • Continuing EMT & other rescue ed

11. Inland Leaders Charter School – EMT Program

Inland Leaders Charter School

Rating: 3.8 stars (75+ reviews)

Location: Inland Leaders Charter High School

Contact Info:

Inland Leaders Charter is part of the Riverside County Office of Education School of Career Education network. The public charter’s EMT preparation class provides a 160-hour course focused on essential hands-on training and clinical experience.

The school leverages Riverside County EMS department resources plus relationships with regional ambulance firms and fire departments for trainees. Instructors are professionals with current field EMT and paramedic certifications.

In addition to EMT education, Inland Leaders also offers firefighter and paramedic training for high school students seeking first responder careers. There is also a focus on leadership skills, character development and community engagement across all programs.

Key Features:

  • 160-hour high school EMT course
  • Hands-on/clinical training focus
  • County EMS dept & private EMS partners
  • Active EMT/paramedic instructors
  • Also: firefighter & paramedic prep
  • Character & leadership development

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