Cal Institute of Emt - Signal Hill, California

Daniel W.

Going and completing the course was probably the best experience I never want to put myself through again. It’s a tough class but they really want you to know your stuff. I can guarantee, if you pass the class, the NREMT is a joke. Also, working at a 911 company, medics I work with tend to be impressed with how I knowledgeable I am and how well I work on the field. I truly thank CIEMT for preparing me for this career.

Michael O.

Read all the reviews and thought I’d add my perspective.

After doing some research on EMT courses in SoCal, I chose CIEMT because of the academic rigor and compressed schedule. It is the best and quickest way to complete your schooling and become employees.

I went through the hybrid class with Mike and Vince and knew it would be tough, due to the compressed schedule and I thought I went in prepared. I will admit I was not as prepared as much as I thought. With help from Mike, Vince and my fellow students I spent the next seven weeks working my skills and studying. The course became my life and I was fortunate enough to pass. Mind you I’ve never been a stellar student but I finished above the needed 80% average. If I can do it, anyone can.

The practical skills are not fun per se. There is little to no room for error which adds to the stress. To be successful you must be prepared for the fast pace. Remember this course typically takes 3 to 4 month and you will need to do it in 4 to 7 weeks. It’s totally doable, you just need to buckle down and be prepared.

As for the sarcasm mentioned by others, or rudeness of the instructors, if you can’t handle a little verbal rubbing, how do you expect to deal with the public during a stressful situation? How do you plan to help others on their worst day? You’re going to need a thick skin if you want to become a first responder or help anyone in an emergency situation.

Lastly, the instructors can be intense. However, that intensity comes from their passion for the profession. Listen to what is being said not h necessarily how they are saying it. If you can do that, you will see that they are some of the most knowledgeable and nicest humans on Earth.

If you’re focused, work hard, and find a few fellow students to study with, you will come out better for it and make an amazing EMT.

I hope my perspective helps those who might question if CIEMT is the right place for them. Best of luck.

Will J.

I enrolled in this class seeking a fast-paced learning experience, despite warnings from firefighters advising against it. Regrettably, their concerns were valid. While I did gain knowledge, the verbal and physical abuse from the instructor made the entire experience unbearable. This individual seems to derive pleasure from demeaning students, creating an environment that undermines the pursuit of knowledge. Invest in a course where instructors genuinely care about your success, even if it means paying extra. Be wary of seemingly positive reviews on Yelp and Google; some appear to be fabricated. Unfortunately, my aspiration for this field was tainted by an instructor, Matt, who discouraged rather than inspired. Consider alternative options to avoid subjecting yourself to unwarranted mistreatment.

Manny I.

I didn't think I would need to read reviews or even write one because I assumed formal training should be the same regardless of who you take it from. The first impression was somewhat bad already because the program coordinator needed to boast about its success as if he's trying to sell something. He boasted about how the passing rate for his program is 90% compared to others around 60%; however, in my class, 24 students signed up but less than 16 completed it. I'm giving it 2-stars instead of 1 because your daily instructors themselves were good, but unfortunately, they have no say on how the program runs. I'm sure that the program coordinator is a decent person outside of work, but my honest opinion is that the management needs a new approach towards the students. If you look at other reviews, you'll read about yelling and insulting. Not a big deal, but this attitude towards students is more appropriate for academies and the program coordinator needs to understand that his students are CLIENTS, not his recruits. Some may think the yelling and screaming might be good stress training but it was not beneficial at all and took away valuable time from actual teaching/correcting. My biggest disappointment is that I was not given the proper feedback on my weaknesses: after the initial exam, I asked what I needed to study/review and the answer I got was "everything" (as if it's reasonable for someone to study a whole 3-inch book over a weekend). The only reason I enrolled in this program is because I wanted to complete it as quickly as possible. I've heard from other EMTs that UCLA offers a better program.

B J.

Vince and Ramon are the better of the staff here Very few people actually made it from day 1 (started with 24/26 only 8 or 9 passed). This was "normal" according to staff. Very abrassive/crass staff and condescending staff overall. Very old equipment for skills and lots of sharing uncleaned c-collars (and other equipment) over and over again during class during a pandemic. Not sure why there is an 80% minimum score for each part of the class but at least 5 students were "dismissed" that way. There were several retake students in my class, I think its normal for students to not pass. Some staff use language that is patronizing.

They will tell you about things you need for class last minute. They won't tell you about your final or testing stuff until the last minute.

Kimberly O.

*Enrolled in the 4-week course*

1.Enroll in this course if you are SERIOUS about EMS and patient care.
2. BE READY TO STUDY; there is a lot of material.
3. You will get called on; & no not because they are mean, but because they want you to know AND understand the material.
4. DON'T BE LATE... I repeat do not be late. Come in early if possible to practice skills!!!
5. It is hard, but possible, and passable.
6. Staff is there to help you 100%. (s/o to our instructors Vince, Sean, and Matt)
7. Ask questions if you don't understand.
8. YOU are responsible in earning a passing grade and passing the course. It is not on them it is on YOU.
9. Course overview breakdown: about 10+ quizzes, 1 final exam, and 1 final Pass/fail skills day.
10. Believe in yourself you can do it and GL to all the future EMT's :)!

"IT SHOULD BE A CHORUS IN HERE"
"1 WIPE 1 SWIPE"
"CMS BEFORE AND AFTER"

Genevieve S.

Let me start this review out by saying this class will not be easy especially if you take the 5 week course. This course is something you have to be fully engaged in or your going to fail. Now for the instructors they' re all amazing. Matt if he is your lecturer its going to be a very stressful class he will go through and ask the class questions to keep you engaged. By the end of the class for the day you will be happy the class is over and you can relax but you will also have an amazing grasp on the subject he was teaching. Adam another one of there lecturers. He's great he is always willing to answer questions you might have. My two problems is that he skips through some information. As well as hes just not Matt. Now for the skills instructors listen. Nicole one of my favorite skills instructors will make you keep doing the skills until you have them down. She the perfect level of hard ass who cares about her students.
A few tips for the class
-form a study group
-Note cards
-record your lectures
-PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS
-don't be afraid to ask for help on a concept you don't understand
-Learn the pathophysiology
-Learn terms or Matt will be on you

So in conclusion if you thinking about taking this class make sure your prepared to put in the effort needed to pass the class day 1 they will explain what you need to do to pass. Also know when or if you make it through the class your gonna know your stuff. there pass rate on the nremt is so good because by the end of the class the information will become second nature. As of writing this post I have passes the class, Nremt, and have 2 interviews with an ambulance company, and Fire department. This class is not easy but if you take the time and effort it takes to pass the class you will be a good EMT.

Linden

Ive taken this class twice. Once in 2010 the first time I certified, and another time circa 2015 to recert after a lapse. I still use many of the terms I learned from Matt, and his expertise has served as my guide through many 911 calls over the years.
I must say however, that the second time I took the class, a power tripping amateur EMT assistant threatened to dismiss me from the course. This happened because I showed him that he had completely forgotten a step on the OB skills exam. I'm an experienced EMS provider, I have extensive 911 experience, and I'll never forget the lack of professionalism shown to me by that kid.
Don't let anyone tell you this class is too short to properly certify, or that you won't pass the national if you take the faster course. Matt is an amazing instructor, and his knowledge will result in your passing.