Career guide · California

How to Become a Female EMT / Paramedic in California

19 active openings· pay $56k–$128k/yr

New to this path? Start with the emt / paramedic career guide →

Know your readiness score — free

See exactly where you stand against EMS Physical Readiness Assessment standards before you apply. Built for women, scored against real numbers.

Get your free EMT / Paramedic readiness assessment

California EMT / Paramedic requirements

The core documents and certifications most California departments expect from emt / paramedic candidates:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Birth certificate or passport
  • High school diploma / GED
  • EMT-Basic certification
  • AEMT or Paramedic cert (if req.)
  • CPR / BLS certification
  • NREMT card / State EMS license
  • Physical exam clearance letter
  • Background check authorization

EMS Physical Readiness Assessment fitness standards

EMS Physical Readiness Assessment benchmarks. Women pass these at high rates when they train to them specifically — here are the minimum and target numbers:

EventMinimumTarget
Push-Ups20 reps35 reps
Sit-Ups (1 min)20 reps35 reps
1.5-Mile Run16:3014:00
Functional Lift (Patient Weight)125 lbs165 lbs

Take the free assessment → to see your gap on each event.

The California hiring process

Insight from tracked California departments like Los Angeles County EMS.

high

Competitiveness

1,500

Est. applicants

Where California candidates fall short

4 common failure points and 4 insider tips for California departments are inside the app. Unlock the full hiring intel →

Open emt / paramedic jobs in California

19 live openings, updated weekly from official agency boards.

Paramedic (Non-Safety)

Fire - Operations · Chula Vista, CA

Emergency Response Paramedic

AMR · Compton, CA

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

US Department of War · Bridgeport, CA

Emergency Medical Technician - EMT

Lynch Ambulance dba Lynch EMS · Anaheim, CA

Firefighter (Paramedic)

Department of the Army · Herlong Sierra Ordnance Depot, California, CA

Fire Captain EMT or Paramedic (Volunteer/Stipend)

Arrowbear Lake Fire Department · California, CA

Pharmacist I

Health Services - Only · Contra Costa County, CA

Planner and Evaluator - Level B

County-Wide · Contra Costa County, CA

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

Department of the Navy · Barstow, California, CA

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

Department of the Navy · Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, CA

FIREFIGHTER 2112 (Application period begins March 3, 2026)

Public Safety · CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CA

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

Department of the Navy · Bridgeport, California, CA

AMBULANCE OPERATOR (AT-WILL)

FIRE · Torrance, CA

Fire Paramedic

FIRE · El Segundo, CA

Ultrasound Technologist II

Health Services - Continuous · Contra Costa County, CA

Medical Social Worker II

Health Services - Continuous · Contra Costa County, CA

Diagnostic Imaging Technologist I

Health Services - Continuous · Martinez, CA

Diagnostic Imaging Technologist II

Health Services - Continuous · Contra Costa County, CA

*Ventura County Medical Reserve Corps

Health Care Agency · various locations throughout Ventura County, CA

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