Emergency Medical Technician
- Technical Diploma
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Typical Start:
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 [1].
Career Opportunities
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:
Application Fee:
Program Admissions Requirements
Transcript:
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
- Viewpoint Screening Background Check [2]
- Technical Standards Form [3]
- Supplemental Information Form [4]
- Students will need to submit immunization requirements through the Health Portal [5] prior to the EMT Part 2 course. Immunizations will not be used for admission purposes.
EMR to EMT Part 1
- Viewpoint Screening Background Check [2]
- Technical Standards Form [3]
- Supplemental Information Form [4]
EMT Part 2
- Completion of an EMR-EMT Part 1 course at a WI Technical College within the last 24 months or current WI EMR license
- Viewpoint Screening Health Portal
- Viewpoint Screening Background Check [2]
- Technical Standards Form [3]
- Supplemental Information Form [4]
- Current AHA BLS Provider CPR Certification
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 [6].
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
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [7].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [8] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [9]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [10].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [11] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [12]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Career Pathways:
Emergency Medical Technician
Prior Learning:
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [13] about what may apply to this program.
Technical Diploma:
Associate Degree:
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [14] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [15] self-service portal for academic planning.