NSCC requires applicants to have a valid Washington state driver's license, a GED or high school diploma, valid CPR certification and a passing score of 70 percent or higher on the mandatory entrance exam. TCC also wants students to have their GED or high school diploma, proof of immunization for hepatitis B, diphtheria, chicken pox, MMR and tetanus. There is also a required tuberculosis skin test. Students who wish to get an Associate's at TCC must complete the EMT-B certification process before they can apply to an Associate's program.
TCC's certificate in EMT-Basic is a 112-hour course which runs part-time in the evening. Topics include life support, issues in pre-hospital care and clinical hours of observation and training. NSCC's program consists of 150 hours of coursework and labs, and an extra 10 hours of observation in the field. Students in both programs are encouraged to observe emergency calls during their fieldwork.
TCC offers an Associate's degree for students who wish to continue their education. The program is designed for applicants who already have their EMT-Basic certificate and at least one year's experience in the field. Credits earned in the EMT-B program may be applied to the Associate's program, depending on where they were earned and how currently. Coursework covers much of the same classes as the EMT-B certificate, but core courses such as math, English, psychology, public speaking and critical thinking will also be required.
EMT-B providers must be certified by the state of Washington. After completing the EMT-B course, applicants must gain a Signature of Association from a first response provider, such as a police department, ambulance or fire company. Graduates may then apply through the Department of Health to gain their full EMT-B certification.
EMT-B and paramedics must complete CPR courses annually. In addition, 30 hours of continuing education classes in trauma, infectious diseases, general and emergency medicine. They must also pass a practical and written examination and submit all to the Washington Department of Health.