Emergency Medical Technician | Western Technical College

Programs

Emergency Medical Technician

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Technical Diploma

Program Number: 

305313

Credits: 

7.00
Not Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring, Summer

As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you're on the front lines providing lifesaving care to people in need. You'll learn how to assess a patient's illness or injury, render aid, and use proper procedures and precautions when treating a patient. This 180-hour course covers all the situations you are likely to encounter as an EMT, including emergency childbirth, airway obstruction, bleeding, fractures, shock, heart attack and stroke, and other medical emergencies, as well how to stabilize and safely transport the patient to a medical facility.

Although most EMTs work for ambulance services, fire departments and hospitals also employ them.

Students are required to take a practical and written exam to become nationally registered, and then apply for a license to work as EMTs in Wisconsin. Continue your education to earn a technical diploma or associate degree for further job opportunities and earning potential.

The Emergency Medical Technician program is offered in a variety of ways.

  • EMT – Technical diploma: Take the full program in one term – 252 hours – and earn a technical diploma upon completion.
  • Emergency Medical Responder to Emergency Medical Technician Part 1 (EMR-EMT Part 1): This course is the first part of the two-course full EMT Program. The course provides foundational knowledge for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) candidates and all requirements for Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) candidates. Topics include basic anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, traumatic injury management, airway management, cardiac management, and basic medical care. Upon successful completion, candidates will be eligible to participate in the National Registry of EMT's Emergency Medical Responder exams required for the Wisconsin EMR certification. There are no pre-requisites to this course. You have the option to step out as an EMR or continue in EMT Part 2 in order to complete the full EMT Program.
  • Emergency Medical Technician Part 2 (EMT Part 2): This course is the second part of the two-course full EMT Program. It will further build upon the base knowledge of the EMR and EMT Part 1 course. Topics include expanded anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, disease processes, more complex patient assessment, and critical thinking skills. Additional skills will be covered as allowed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services EMS Section Scope of Practice for EMTs. Upon successful completion, candidates will be eligible to participate in the National Registry of EMTs exam required for Wisconsin EMT licensure. Pre-requisites for this course are concurrent enrollment in the EMR-EMT Part 1 course, OR completion of an EMR stand-alone course, or EMR to EMT Part 1, at a Wisconsin Technical College System school within the past 24 months, or a current Wisconsin license as an Emergency Medical Responder.

To view the Emergency Medical Technician program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here.

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Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost

Emergency Medical Technician

This program will cost about $1,175* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, view the Tuition page or Cost of Attendance document.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Graduation Employment Stats

Graduation Employment Stats

Western conducts a follow-up survey of all grads six months after graduation to find out if they are employed in a job related to their program, how much they are making, and where they are employed.

Survey information is not currently available for this program. Please contact an Admissions Coach or call 606-785-9200 for more information.

Career Opportunities

Emergency Medical Technician

Program Outcomes

  • Prepare for incident response and EMS operations
  • Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to provide appropriate patient care
  • Demonstrate EMT skills associated with established standards and procedures for a variety of patient encounters
  • Communicate effectively with others
  • Demonstrate professional behavior
  • Meet state competencies for EMT certification

Admission Requirements

College Admissions Requirements

Application
$30 Application Fee

Program Admissions Requirements

High School or GED/HSED Transcript

Additional Requirements

To enroll in the Emergency Medical Technician program, first apply for admission to the College, then complete a background check, electronically sign the program's Technical Standards, and read and return a signed copy of the supplemental information document. You can find links to these document below.

Emergency Medical Technician Full Program

EMR to EMT Part 1

EMT Part 2

Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Emergency Medical Technician

Career Pathways

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