Emergency Medical Services – Frequently Asked Questions | Pierce College District

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I sign up for a program offered by Pierce EMS?

We recommend that you take a look at our Pierce College EMT registration checklist. This checklist provides you with all of the prerequisite requirements you must meet in order to enroll into the EMT program. Once you have verified that you meet all prerequisite you will want to fill out a Pierce College registration form and submit it along with proof of your prerequisites to the Pierce College EMS staff for processing. Once approved email EMS@pierce.ctc.edu for the most current application.

How long are the EMS courses?

  • The EMS short certificate is 12 weeks during fall, winter, and spring terms, and 8 weeks during summer term.
  • The EMS long certificate can be finished in approximately a year.
  • The EMS AAS-T degree program can be finished in approximately two years.

How much does the EMT course cost?

District tuition fees apply. This cost does not include the course textbook or other supplies you will need to purchase. For the full supply list, please see the course materials. Clinical hours will require hospital shifts. A $75 fee will be required for all students to access Clinical Placements Northwest in order to complete the mandatory HIPAA training needed to receive these hours. Fees are subject to change.

Scholarships may be available to you. Visit Washington Award for Vocational Excellence for more information.

Can I become an EMT if I have a disability?

The Division of Emergency Medical Services will offer reasonable and appropriate accommodations for the written component of the EMT State License examination for those persons with documented disabilities.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, dress appropriately for each class in clothes that are comfortable and will not restrict movement.

Acceptable clothing includes:

  • T-shirts
  • Polo shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Jeans
  • Slacks
  • Docker-type pants
  • Military uniform
  • Fire/EMS station uniforms
  • Covered shoes

Unnaceptable clothing:

  • Shorts
  • Skirts
  • Open-toed footwear
  • Offensive words or graphics
  • Torn or ripped clothing
  • Yoga pants
  • Pajamas
  • Revealing clothing

Are there ride-a-longs?

No, however there are clinical emergency room rotations.

Is there an attendance policy?

Attendance is mandatory. You must pre-arrange with the instructor and EMS coordinator to make up any missed days. No more than eight hours of instruction can be made up.

What is affiliation, and do I need it?

Affiliation allows you to become state certified as an EMT. This endorsement must come from a representative of a Washington State Department of Health licensed service provider, such as a fire department, private ambulance service, police department or search and rescue. Affiliation is not required prior to taking the EMT course; it will be your next major step once you have completed the EMT course.

Is there priority registration?

No, registrations are on a first come first served basis dependent on seats available in the course. Our courses do fill quickly, so we highly suggest completing the enrollment checklist and submitting your prerequisites and registration to our staff as soon as possible once you make the decision you would like to attend the course.