Navigating the EMT Program at North Seattle College: A Comprehensive Guide
For individuals aspiring to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and potentially join the Seattle Fire Department or other emergency services, North Seattle College (NSC) offers a comprehensive EMT program. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the program's requirements, application process, curriculum, and career prospects, drawing upon available information to guide prospective students.
Understanding the EMT Program at North Seattle College
The EMT program at NSC is a one-quarter program consisting of an EMT class which lasts one quarter and earns 12 credits as well as a Basic Life Support class which is held 2 days prior to the start of the quarter and earns 1 credit. The program prepares students to work as Emergency Medical Technicians, according to the King County standards and requirements. Students learn the roles and responsibilities of the EMT, patient evaluation and all emergency procedures short of those performed by physicians, and use and maintenance of all equipment and instruments required. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National Registry Exam to qualify for state certification after meeting the Washington state requirement of employment. This program is offered at times and in formats that meet the needs of working adults.
Program Pathway
Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer. Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway. Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.
Class Schedule
The Spring-2026 EMT Program begins on April 6, 2026. Here is the class schedule:
- BLS Cohort 1, AHE 192.01. Held on Mon., 3/23/2026 at 6 PM - 10 PM and Tues., 3/24/2026 at 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- BLS Cohort 2, AHE 192.02. Held on Weds., 03/25/2026 at 6 PM - 10 PM and Sat., 3/28/2026 at 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- EMT Cohort 1, AHE 190.01. Held weekly on Tue., 4 PM - 10 PM, Thur., 6 PM - 10 PM, and Sat., 8 AM - 5 PM
- EMT Cohort 2, AHE 190.02. Held weekly on Mon., 11 AM - 7 PM, Thur., 6 PM - 10 PM, and Fri., 11 AM - 7 PM
All classes are held in IB 1415 (Instruction Building, room #1415 on the first floor, east side)
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Application and Entrance Requirements
Gaining admission to the NSC EMT program involves several key steps:
Application to North Seattle College: The first step is to apply online to be a student at North Seattle College. There is no charge to apply to become a student. Choose Professional Technical and Allied Health (AHE) for the EMT program. Be sure to indicate whether you are an in-state resident, an out-of-state resident, or an International Student.
Attend a Mandatory Information Session: Attending one of the mandatory Information Sessions is crucial. The EMT Coordinator explains the requirements of the quarter long program during these sessions. It's recommended to bring something to take notes because there is a lot of information to remember! The sessions will be held in person on campus.
- Session: Room LB1207, first floor of the Library Building (near the West Carpool Lot side of North Seattle Campus)
- Dates & Times:
- Monday, 2/9/2026, 3:00-4:30 PM (LB1207)
- Tuesday, 2/10/2026, 6:00-7:30 PM (LB1207)
See campus map for the session location. Because attendance is mandatory, please note that if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be admitted.
Complete the application for EMT Application
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Mandatory Entrance Exam: A 90-minute entrance exam is a key component of the application process. The Mandatory Entrance Exam will be offered at two different times to accommodate student schedules. You only need to attend one session and take the exam once. Both sessions will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, starting at either 11 AM or 1 PM on campus at North Seattle College in the Education Building, 2nd floor, room ED2843, located near the east carpool lot. If these time slots fill quickly, additional sessions will be added to ensure all students have an opportunity to test.
Pay test fees: A non-refundable application fee of $35 and a proctored exam fee of $35, totaling $70, must be paid to process your EMT application. You must have a North Seattle College student ID (ctcLink ID) to make the payment.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NSC-EMT Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a high school graduate (or GED) (exceptions can be made for Running Start students in their final year of high school)
- Pass a Washington State Criminal Background Check
- Attend a mandatory Information Session
- Successfully pass a mandatory Entrance Exam
Preparing for the Entrance Exam
The entrance exam for the North Seattle and Lake Washington EMT classes is based on the first responder curriculum. Many hopeful EMTs took the Red Cross "emergency response" class to get a leg up. While specific details of the exam content may vary, it generally assesses a candidate's aptitude for the program. From the information provided, most entry tests are on reading comprehension and math. Additionally, there will be a written advanced first aid exam that must be taken by all applicants to the program, after attending a mandatory information session. Applicants must attend one session and do not need to sign up in advance for the information session. All applicants must pay the $35 application fee and $35 test proctor fee at the NSC Cashier's office and bring both forms with the cashier's paid stamp on them to the exam.
Curriculum and Corequisite Class
The EMT Program consists of an EMT class which lasts one quarter and earns 12 credits as well as a Basic Life Support class which is held 2 days prior to the start of the quarter and earns 1 credit. Corequisite class required for the EMT program; must take concurrently with AHE 190. This course uses the American Heart Association BLS curriculum that is the standard for healthcare agencies/personnel and meets the requirement for CPR certification that includes CPR for Adults, Children and Infants, AED and use of the Bag Valve Mask. Contact the Workforce Instruction Division at (206) 934-3790 for additional information. *Cost is $141.03 ($15.78 tuition + $120.00 college self-support fee + $5.25 online courseware support fee). Note: must purchase textbook and pocket mask and bring to the first class.
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Costs and Funding
The EMT program tuition and net fees (after the EMT waiver) are approximately $1,550 - $1,600 per quarter, books cost about $200, and equipment and supplies cost another $115. Total cost for an in-state resident is generally less than $2,000 per quarter. Out of state and international student tuition and fees are more. Funding is available.
Career Prospects and Certification
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National Registry Exam to qualify for state certification after meeting the Washington state requirement of employment. As far as getting a job as an EMT in the Seattle area, it's really just "right place, right time". As has been covered before here, there are about 120 new EMTs every quarter and about 20 jobs. Most EMT students never become employed as EMTs and thus can never get a state card. It's tough to get a job. However, be persistent and apply everywhere. Also, know its upwards of 6 weeks to get your EMT card once you are hired. Don't expect to go to work the day class ends.
Employment Opportunities
If you do get hired, it will most likely be with one of the private ambulance companies. AMR, TriMed, Rural/Metro or Falck. Each has its own unique hiring process. Apply at all of them. Or course, you can volunteer at a fire department to fet your certification as well. You'll get good experience as a BLS 911 provider with AMR and TriMed. Enough experience to get you into paramedic school, if that's your goal.
Aiming for the Seattle Fire Department
Many just take the class to improve their chances of getting hired with Seattle fire.
Additional Requirements Once Accepted into the Program:
- Show proof of being at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the course enrollment (proof required).
- Provide a copy of a valid driver's license issued in the United States. Note: Graduates will need a valid Washington State driver's license to work in the state.
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED equivalency or college transcript showing high School completion.
- Provide a copy of a clear Washington State Patrol check.
- Provide copies of required immunizations: 1) Hepatitis B series or positive titer, 2) A current Tuberculin skin test or alternative health documentation. check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391. supplies.
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