Paramedic Studies Program Requirements and Application Information

Program Requirements 

  1. Official High School or GED transcript on file
  2. Good academic standing
  3. Current EMT Certification
  4. Current CPR Certification for a BLS Provider from American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Ventura county CAM.
  5. Employer Letter documenting a minimum of 1,000 hours of experience as an EMT provider
  6. Current Driver's License
  7. Health screening, Background Check, and Drug Screening clearance

Strongly Recommended 

  1. Anatomy with Lab with a minimum grade of C
  2. Physiology with Lab with a minimum grade of C
  3. PM V96: Work Experience course (for applicants with non-911 based EMT experience)

Prehospital Experience Requirements

Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum of 1,000 hours of EMT field experience, with a strong preference for primary "911" response roles. While equivalent experience may be considered, it may necessitate completion of the PM V96 Work Experience Course. Documentation of the applicant's experience must be submitted by their employer to the program office. This documentation must be printed on formal letterhead, addressed to the Ventura College Paramedic Program Director, and clearly state the applicant's name, job title, date of hire, and total length of employment. Additionally, the correspondence must provide a detailed description of the applicant's duties and the total number of hours worked to date. Review the Instructions for Employer Letter of Experience for further details. 

For Associate Degree Candidates Only

If you wish to earn an Associate of Science (AS) Degree in EMS: Paramedic Studies from Ventura College, along with your paramedic license, you must select this placement track with an Academic Counselor so that you are informed of the academic requirements for the Degree. These academic requirements differ from "entrance requirements" into the Paramedic Studies Program. 

Candidates must verify with Admissions and Records that all required transcripts are on file prior to the counseling appointment. 

To schedule the counseling appointment, call (805) 289-6448.

January 2027 Full-Time Paramedic Program Cohort Application Process and Timeline

 

Phase 1: Eligibility and Application

 

Action 

Deadline/Window 

Notes 

Apply for Admission to Ventura College 

ASAP 

A current application must be on file. A student email address and student ID number are required to complete the Eligibility Form and Application.   

Complete Eligibility Form 

08/01/2026 - 08/18/2026

The application link will be emailed to eligible applicants 1-2 business days after submission.  

Submit a Paramedics Program Application using the link provided to you in the email notification.  

08/03/2026 - 08/21/2026

Qualified applicants are placed on a list in the order that their completed application is received.  

Phase 2: Supporting Documents

Action 

Deadline/Window 

Notes 

Submit Transcripts 

08/21/2026  

 

Submit an official high school or GED transcript that includes a graduation date through one of the following methods:

  1. Order your transcript through your institution’s electronic delivery service to be sent to vcadmissions@vcccd.edu.
  2. Mail or drop off an official, sealed transcript to the Ventura College Admissions and Records Office.

Submit Employer Letter 

08/31/2026

Documentation of the applicant's experience must be submitted by their employer to sescobar@vcccd.edu. This documentation must be printed on formal letterhead, addressed to the Ventura College Paramedic Program Director, and clearly state the applicant's name, job title, date of hire, and total length of employment. Additionally, the correspondence must provide a detailed description of the applicant's duties and the total number of hours worked to date. Review the Instructions for Employer Letter of Experience for further details. 

Phase 3: Review and Admission

Action 

Deadline/Window 

Notes 

Application Review

09/01/2026 - 9/11/2026

Applications will be reviewed by the Paramedics Program Director. The selection of the entering cohort will be based on available openings and will follow the order determined by the student’s ranking from the multi-criteria screening process. Preference will be given to applicants with 911 experience

Notification

9/14/2026 - 9/18/2026

Admission status will be sent to applicants. Those who are not offered a seat in the cohort will be advised of their waitlist status. 

Mandatory Orientation10/19/2026Applicants who are offered a seat in the cohort are required to attend the mandatory orientation. Failure to attend will result in disqualification. 

Important Dates

*Mandatory Dates for Admitted Students Only 

DateTimeTimeline and Requirements
*May 1, 20261700All course requirements must be complete (i.e., medical screenings, immunizations, CPR, background check): Part-Time Paramedic Cohort
*May 21, 20260700First day of instruction: Part-Time Paramedic Cohort
June 12, 20261500Paramedic Class 31 Graduation
August 1 - August 21, 2026 Application Window: Full-Time Paramedic Cohort.
*October 19, 20250800-1200Mandatory New Paramedic Student Orientation: Full-Time Paramedic Cohort (By Invitation Only)
TBD Application Window: Part-Time Paramedic Cohort
November 13, 20261500Paramedic Class 32 Graduation
*December 18, 20251700All course requirements must be complete (i.e., medical screenings, immunizations, CPR, background check): Full-Time Paramedic Cohort
*January 11, 20270700First day of instruction: Full-Time Paramedic Cohort