The Top 20 EMT Training Programs in Los Angeles for 2026

Los Angeles is home to some of the best EMT training programs in California. As the second largest city in the United States with a population of over 4 million, Los Angeles has a strong demand for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to serve its massive population.

With so many options to choose from, finding the right EMT program in LA can be challenging. This guide will showcase the top 20 EMT training programs in Los Angeles based on reputation, quality of education, cost, program duration and more. Whether you’re looking for a basic or advanced EMT program, this list has a great option for you.

How We Ranked the Top EMT Training Programs in Los Angeles

In curating this list, we used the following criteria to rank the top EMT schools in the Los Angeles area:

• Certifications Offered: The number and type of EMT certifications offered, including EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced, and Paramedic programs.

• Length of Program: Shorter programs allow students to start their careers sooner. The best EMT programs in LA range from 3 weeks up to 2 years.

• Clinical Hours: Quality clinical ride-along experience is vital for EMT students. The best programs provide at least 40 hours spent training on an ambulance.

• Reputation and Accreditations: Programs that hold accreditations and have solid reputations among healthcare employers were preferred.

• Flexible Class Schedules: The ability to take EMT classes part-time, at night or online is important for many students. The best programs provide schedule flexibility.

• Faculty Credentials: Instructors with professional EMT experience and credentials were favored.

• Graduation and Placement Rates: Programs with higher graduation and job placement rates following certification can indicate quality.

Using this criteria, here are the top 20 EMT training programs in the Los Angeles area for 2024:

1. UCLA Center for Prehospital Care

The UCLA Center for Prehospital Care offers EMT training from basic up to the advanced paramedic level. All courses use the National EMS Education Standards curriculum to prep students for a career in emergency response.

Key Highlights

• Comprehensive EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic programs
• Over 1,100 clinical hours for paramedic candidates
• Available as full-time or part-time self-paced courses
• Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Cost: EMT-Basic, $675; Paramedic Program, $13,000

Program Length: EMT-Basic, 1 quarter; Paramedic, 2 years

Location: Los Angeles, CA

2. Mount San Antonio College

Mount San Antonio College (also known as Mt. SAC) offers an EMT program leading to EMT-Basic certification. Students receive top-quality instruction from experienced EMT instructors.

Key Highlights

• Leads to EMT-Basic certification
• Seated and online course formats available
• Credit hours can count toward an EMS Associate Degree
• Accredited by the State of California EMS Authority

Cost: $46 per unit

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Walnut, CA

3. Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College provides an excellent EMT-Basic training program. Courses are offered on-campus during the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Graduates leave prepared for EMT-Basic certification testing.

Key Highlights

• EMT-Basic course prepares for NREMT exam
• Credit hours count toward an Associate Degree
• Offered as a hybrid or fully online course
• Accredited by the State of California EMS Authority

Cost: $46 per unit

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Pasadena, CA

4. American Medical Response (AMR)

AMR is the nation’s largest ambulance provider. They offer EMT classes and continuing education for working EMTs and paramedics in Los Angeles County.

Key Highlights

• EMT-Basic training through AMR Academy
• Continuing education for license renewal
• Taught by professional EMTs and paramedics
• Guaranteed interview for employment with AMR

Cost: Free for prospective AMR employees

Program Length: Varies, 4 weeks to 1 year

Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA

5. National Medical Education & Training Center

National Medical Education & Training Center is one of the only private EMT schools in Los Angeles accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. They offer basic and advanced EMT certifications.

Key Highlights

• Accredited EMT-Basic and EMT-Advanced programs
• EMT-Basic can be completed in just 4 weeks
• Small classes with 5:1 student-instructor ratio
• Prepares students for the NREMT exam

Cost: EMT-Basic $799; EMT-Advanced $1,299

Program Length: EMT-Basic in 4 weeks; EMT-Advanced in 8 weeks

Location: South Gate, CA

6. EMT & Fire Training Inc.

EMT & Fire Training is one of the longest running EMT schools serving LA County. They offer an accelerated low-cost EMT program to prepare students for the NREMT exam in just 10 days.

Key Highlights

• Low cost accelerated 10-day EMT course
• EMT refresher courses available
• Firefighter 1 Academy for EMTs looking to transition careers
• Approved by the Los Angeles County EMS Agency

Cost: $750

Program Length: 10 days (80 hours) for EMT-Basic

Location: Bellflower, CA

7. American Health Education

American Health Education Center provides advanced EMT training specializing in critical care transport. Their advanced EMT course with over 100 clinical hours prepares students for the Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport certification.

Key Highlights

• Advanced EMT course focuses on critical care skills
• Over 100 hours of clinical time included
• Leads to the Advanced EMT certification exam
• Approved by the California EMS Authority

Cost: $1,850

Program Length: 110 hours, 6 weeks

Location: Lakewood, CA

8. UCLA Center for Prehospital Care Online

The UCLA Center for Prehospital Care offers a fully online EMT program allowing students from anywhere in California to train remotely to become an EMT-Basic. This online EMT program has the same curriculum as the university’s main on-campus program.

Key Highlights

• Fully online EMT-Basic course
• Identical curriculum to the UCLA on-campus program
• Self-paced program, finish in 4-12 months
• Accredited online EMT program

Cost: $1,095

Program Length: Self-paced, 4-12 months

Location: Online

9. Stanbridge University

Stanbridge University has an excellent option for an accelerated 5-week intensive EMT course or semester-length program. The program includes labs and clinical rotations to prepare students for EMT-Basic certification and a career in EMS.

Key Highlights

• 5-week accelerated EMT training
• Semester-length 16-week option also available
• Hands-on training labs with small 8:1 student/instructor ratio
• Over 50 clinical hours included

Cost: $1,995 for full EMT course

Program Length: 5 weeks to 16 weeks

Location: Irvine, CA

10. UEI College

For those looking for flexible options, UEI College offers an accredited EMT diploma program with online, in-person and blended formats. EMT students take courses in first aid, medical terminology and human biology.

Key Highlights

• EMT diploma program
• Online and in-person course formats
• Courses in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology
• Financial aid available for students who qualify

Cost: About $10,000 total

Program Length: 42 weeks

Location: Several locations across Los Angeles County

11. PMI Nursing & Health Occupations School

PMI Nursing in Arcadia has an excellent EMT crash course to prepare students for EMT-Basic certification in just 10 days. They also offer a 144 hour EMT course and online EMT refresher training.

Key Highlights

• Accelerated 10-day EMT crash course
• 144 hour EMT-Basic course also available
• Online EMT refresher course options
• Hands-on training and clinical rotations

Cost: Starts at $595

Program Length: Varies, 10 days to 4 months

Location: Arcadia, CA

12. Emergency Training Services

Emergency Training Services is an accredited EMT school providing basic and advanced EMT training. The program includes over 100 hours of skills practice and 24 hours of clinical rotations with 911 response teams to prep students for certification exams.

Key Highlights

• EMT-Basic course with 100+ lab hours
• Optional 24-hour ambulance ride along
• Meets National EMS Educational Standards
• Externships at hospitals available

Cost: $925

Program Length: 4 weeks

Location: Culver City, CA

13. College of the Canyons

The EMT program at College of the Canyons is taught by experienced EMS instructors who help students build job-ready skills. Student will be eligible to take the National Registry EMT exam after course completion.

Key Highlights

• Accredited EMT-Basic program
• Credit hours can be applied to an EMS degree
• Taught by EMT professionals
• High graduate employment rate

Cost: $46 per unit

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Santa Clarita, CA

14. Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College offers an excellent EMT program leading to EMT certification. Upon completion, students will understand how to assess and treat trauma and medical patient issues at the EMT-Basic level.

Key Highlights

• EMT-Basic certification course
• Credit hours may transfer toward higher EMS degrees
• Meets or exceed CA EMT training requirements
• Prepares students for the NREMT certification exam

Cost: $46 per unit

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Glendale, CA

15. East Los Angeles College

East Los Angeles College provides a comprehensive 160+ hour EMT program teaching life-saving skills. The course includes emergency room clinical rotations for real on-the-job experience. Graduates leave prepared to pass EMT-Basic certification exams.

Key Highlights

• 160+ hour EMT-Basic course
• Emergency room clinical rotations
• Training in EMT skills and procedures
• Prepares students to pass the NREMT

Cost: $46 per unit

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Monterey Park, CA

16. UCLA Center for Prehospital Care Medic 1

The UCLA Medic 1 program condenses the Paramedic curriculum into an intensive 12-month Medic I course. Graduates can take the EMT certification exam and are prepped for the advanced challenges of a paramedic role.

Key Highlights

• 1-year accelerated paramedic training
• Combines EMT and paramedic curriculums
• Leads to EMT-Basic & EMT-Advanced certifications
• Extensive clinical rotations included

Cost: $16,500

Program Length: 12 months full-time

Location: Los Angeles, CA

17. EMT Sierra College

For those in the San Fernando Valley area, Sierra College has an accredited EMT-Basic program teaching core skills like patient assessment, treatment interventions and more. Students will be eligible for EMT certification testing after completion.

Key Highlights

• Local EMT school serving the San Fernando Valley
• Accredited EMT-Basic certification program
• Credit hours may count toward EMS Associate Degree
• Prepares students for EMT state/national exams

Cost: $46 per unit

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Santa Clarita, CA

18. EMT & Fire Training Inc. Online

In addition to their accelerated in-person program, EMT & Fire Training now offers a fully online EMT-Basic course. Students across California can take this 160-hour online course that also includes in-person ride-alongs and labs.

Key Highlights

• Fully online 160 hour EMT course
• Includes in-person labs & ambulance rides in LA County
• Affordable tuition around $850
• Accredited EMT diploma program

Cost: $850

Program Length: Self-paced online, 3 months

Location: Online

19. Santa Barbara City College

For those in southern Los Angeles county, Santa Barbara City College is a top pick. Their College EMT program has a 97% first-time pass rate on the National Registry EMT exam.

Key Highlights

• High 97% first-time EMT certification pass rate
• Credit hours may transfer toward Paramedic AS Degree
• Meets State of California & NREMT requirements
• Offered through Continuing Education department

Cost: $790

Program Length: 1 semester

Location: Santa Barbara, CA

20. Angeles Institute EMT Training

The Angeles Institute in Lynwood offers an accredited 160-hour EMT course including 120 practicum hours to develop vital job skills. Graduates leave fully prepared for EMT certification and employment in emergency response roles.

Key Highlights

• 160-hour EMT course with 120 lab hours
• Training in assessments, treatment, triage and more
• Financial aid available for students
• Job placement assistance offered

Cost: About $1,850 total

Program Length: Up to 7 months for EMT

Location: Lynwood, CA

Choosing the Best EMT Training in Los Angeles for You

With so many excellent EMT training options across LA, choosing the right program depends largely on your specific needs and goals.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when selecting an EMT school in Los Angeles:

• What EMT certification level do you want? Programs offer EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT or Paramedic certifications. Each level builds upon the last with more advanced skills.

• Do you want flexible full or part-time schedules? Accelerated short programs allow you to finish quickly but may require full-time dedication. Traditional college programs offer more flexible blended or night classes.

• What is your budget? From a few hundred dollars for basic courses to over $10,000 for advanced degrees, cost varies greatly between programs.

• Do you eventually want a higher EMS degree? Some program‘s credit hours can apply towards Associate or Bachelor‘s degrees.

By weighing these key factors, you can find the ideal Los Angeles EMT program to launch your exciting and meaningful career in emergency medical response.