305313
Certificate
Credits required for graduation: 4.00
Sometimes referred to as the backbone of the emergency medical services system, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic is trained in basic life support procedures taught during a 144-hour course. The EMT performs limited invasive (advanced) skills. The EMT-Basic course emphasizes the development of student skills in patient assessment and examination, the recognition of signs and symptoms of illness or injury, and the use of proper procedures when rendering basic emergency care. General topics covered include human anatomy and physiology, bleeding and shock, emergency childbirth, airway management, splinting of fractures and dislocations, medical emergencies, and movement of patients. The intent of the program is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills to assess and manage life-threatening injury and illness and provide transport to medical facilities. The majority of EMTs are employed by ambulance services. EMTs are also employed by hospital emergency departments and fire departments.
Admission Requirements
Western accepts COMPASS, ASSET or ACT –Testing may be waived with applicable post-secondary credits. There is a $20 fee for this assessment (fee subject to change). If you have taken the ACT, ASSET or COMPASS within the last five years, you can request that your scores be submitted to Western. The testing requirements are listed below. These are recommended scores only, except for Reading. The Reading score is required.
| Assessment Area |
ACT |
ASSET |
COMPASS |
| Writing |
16 |
39 |
56 |
| Reading |
18 |
41 |
80 |
| Math/Numerical/Pre-Algebra |
16 |
37 |
34 |
Emergency Medical Tech - Basic Follow-Up 2008-09 Information
| Graduates | 69 |
| Graduates Responding | 53 |
| Employed In Related Occupations | 17 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 28 |
| Seeking Employment | 4 |
| Not In Labor Market | 4 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| | Part(Time) | Full(Time) |
|---|
| Responding | 6 | 9 |
| Average Hours Per week | 27 | 48 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $12.5 | $12.35 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $8.50-$19.21 | $8.93-$14.50 |
| Median Annual Salary | $$19,500.00 | $30680 |
Respondents In Related Occupations
CNA; St. Joseph’s Rehab Center, La Crosse, WI
Direct Support Professional; Able Inc., La Crescent, MN
EMT; Arcadia Ambulance Service, Arcadia, WI (3)
EMT; Camp Douglas Rescue, Camp Douglas, WI
EMT; Curtis Ambulance Service, Madison, WI
EMT; Great Divide Ambulance Service, Cable, WI
EMT; Mauston Ambulance, Mauston, WI
EMT; Tomah Area Ambulance, Tomah, WI (2)
Fire Fighter EMT; Edgerton Fire District, Edgerton, WI
Fire Fighter EMT; Holmen Area Fire Department, Holmen, WI
Point of Care Technician; Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse, WI
Police, Fire Operations; City of La Crosse, La Crosse, WI
Gundersen Lutheran, La Crosse, WI
Emergency Medical Tech - Basic
The Emergency Medical Technician - Basic performs limited invasive (advanced) skills. The EMT-B program emphasizes the development of student skills in patient assessment and examination, the recognition of signs and symptoms of illness or injury and the use of proper procedures when rendering basic emergency medical care. For more complete information about this program, checkout the Online Orientation.
Program Head:
Deb Slaby
608.789.4761
email: slabyd@westerntc.edu
Michael Foster
608.785.9897
email: fosterm@westerntc.edu
Summer Contact:
Deb Slaby
608.789.4761
email: slabyd@westerntc.edu
Sue Kirscher
Administrative Assistant
608.785.9295
email: kirschers@westerntc.edu
Sue Milde
Admissions Assistant
608.785.9476
email: mildes@westerntc.edu
Web related links
Professional Organizations
- Wisconsin EMS Association
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clinical time required?
Yes, we would prefer that you ride on an ambulance to get the 5 patient contacts. If that is not possible, you can sign up for the local Emergency Departments in the area. Western Technical College has a contract with most Hospitals and Ambulance Services. Students are responsible for their own transportation to all clinical sites.
Is there a State or National Exam at the end of the course?
Yes for both. Wisconsin accepts the National Registry Written Exam and the NREMT accepts the Wisconsin practical exam. At the end of the course you have the option of taking this certification for National and State recognition. You must pass this exam, to be eligible for EMT Basic license. Once the student successfully completes the National Registry, it is his/her responsibility to apply for state licensure.
How do I get into the Program?
Complete and submit the Wisconsin Technical College System application. If you are interested in more than one program, you must complete an application for each program. A one time $30.00 application fee (made payable to Western) must be submitted with the application. Applications are available at Western in the Room 129 of the Coleman Building Welcome Center, 400 7th Street N.(La Crosse Campus) or any Regional Learning Center location. Applications are also available online at www.westerntc.edu/getstarted/admissions.asp.
What is the job market like?
Employment of Emergency Medical Technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as full time paid EMTs and Paramedics replace unpaid volunteers. As population and urbanization increase, and as a large segment of the population-aging baby boomers-become more likely to have medical emergencies, demand will increase for EMTs and Paramedics.
Earnings of EMTs and Paramedics depend on the employment setting and geographic location as well as the individual's training and experience. Annual earnings can range from 19,970 to 43,240.
Essential Functions
Essential functions have been identified for each program. These essential functions specify the physical, environmental, and cognitive/mental requirements that students may be expected to perform to complete the program. To obtain a detailed list of these functions, or inquire about accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Kristina Puent, Instructional Support Services at 608.785.9875, or PuentK@westerntc.edu. Students applying for admission to a program will be mailed a copy of the program's essential functions.
