Paramedic Training near Sacramento
There are several options available to students looking for a paramedic school in the Sacramento area. This article looks at two schools that are located an hour or less from the city's center. Read about the required coursework and field experiences at the two colleges, and then learn more details on the institutions through the table of statistics. The final section briefly provides information on one more paramedic program in the Sacramento area.
- American River College offers associate degree and certificate programs in the paramedic field and is located only 10 miles from downtown Sacramento.
- Napa Valley College also offers paramedic certificate and associate degree programs and is located about 47 miles from downtown.
Comparison of Schools
Take a look at the campus environments, costs, enrollment figures and more for the two profiled schools. The table has these facts and other information that might help you decide where to pursue paramedic training.
| American River College | Napa Valley College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 25,849* | 4,481* |
| Campus Setting | Large suburb | Small city |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) | 1,288 in-state, $10,168 out-of-state* | $1,150 in-state, $8,734 out-of-state* |
| Percentage of First-Year Students Receiving Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 89%* | 100%* |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A Open enrollment | N/A Open enrollment |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | 69% full-time* | 72% full-time* |
| Graduation Rate for Students Beginning in Fall 2018 | 29%* | 35%* |
Source: NCES College Navigator
American River College
Students must complete a series of biology and medical courses to be eligible for entry into these programs. Accepted students must meet further program criteria such as passing a physical exam, a drug screening, and a background check, as well as acquiring medical malpractice insurance.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) Certificate
Prior to entering this program, students must complete two CRP/AED courses. They will take courses/labs focusing on Basic Life Support (BLS). A work experience must also be completed. The entire program is 8-12 units and takes one semester to complete.
Associate of Science - Paramedic
The degree program has the same core courses as the paramedic certificate program. However, it also requires students to complete general education requirements and enough electives to meet a 60-credit total. Electives are offered in areas such as wilderness medicine and pediatric advanced life support. This is a full-time program that lasts 12 months and begins each spring. Students are required to meet for 8 hours per day, 3 days each week.
Napa Valley College
The paramedic programs at Napa Valley College take a hands-on approach to teaching and include a series of lectures by health-care professionals ranging from neurosurgeons to police medics.
Paramedic Certificate
Prerequisite courses for this program include studies in anatomy, physiology and EMT-Basic. The program requires students to complete both clinical and field internships. Upon completion of the certificate program, students should be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) paramedic exam.
Associate of Science - Paramedic
The entire program lasts about two years for full-time students. It builds upon the initial 40 unit hours required in the certificate program, also requiring students to complete general education requirements in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, English composition and mathematics.
Other School Options
Los Medanos College offers courses designed to prepare students for emergency medical technician careers. This school is just over an hour's drive southeast of Sacramento.
