Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
- Technical Diploma
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
Save lives as an EMT-Paramedic. Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide aid to victims of accidents or those experiencing a medical emergency such as cardiac arrest. Under direct medical control, these professionals render advanced aid by administering medication, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as EKGs, and intubating patients, in addition to performing the basic lifesaving measures of an EMT. The program offers a combination of classroom learning and field experiences.
Increased job opportunities will be available to you as a paramedic. In addition to ambulance services and fire departments, paramedics can find themselves working in industrial settings, in correctional facilities, and in hospital emergency rooms.
After successfully completing the program, you're ready to take the National Registry Paramedic written and practical examination in order to be eligible for a license in Wisconsin. You may also choose to continue at Western to earn a Paramedic Technician associate degree for increased earning potential.
The Paramedic program's minimum expectation is to prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
You will prepare for real-world emergencies with immersive training in our Simulation and Extended Reality (XR) Labs, utilizing high-fidelity manikins and virtual environments. Explore the Simulation and XR Labs. [1]
To view the Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [2].
The Paramedic Program core courses are held at the Sparta Public Safety Training Facility [3] in Sparta, Wisconsin.
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 26 |
| Graduates Responding | 8 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 3 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 5 |
| Not in Labor Market | 5 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 2 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 30 | 56 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $22.00 | |
| Hourly Wage Range | $22.00 | |
| Average Annual Salary | $65,000 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Paramedic, Firefighter/Paramedic
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Prepare for incident response and EMS operations
- Integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to provide appropriate patient care
- Demonstrate paramedic skills associated with established standards and procedures for a variety of patient encounters
- Communicate effectively with others
- Demonstrate professional behavior
- Meet state and national competencies listed for paramedic certification(s)
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the EMT – Paramedic program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards, complete a background check, provide proof of immunization (including a TB Test), complete American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, and read and return a signed copy of the supplemental information document. You can find links to these document below. In addition, you must hold a Wisconsin EMT-Basic or Advanced License. The last step for admission to the program will be to complete an Intent to Enroll form. Please see the details below.
- EMT – Paramedic Technical Standards [4]
- Background Check [5]
- Immunizations [6]
- American Heart Associate Provider CPR Certification
- CPR Schedules [8]
- EMT – Paramedic Supplemental Information [9]
- Wisconsin EMT-Basic or Advanced License
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
The Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic program follows Western's policies regarding the Transfer of Credits and Credit for Prior Learning. This program does not offer Advanced Placement in the core program courses.
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 [12].
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 [13].
- 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 [14] 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 [15]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [16].
- 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 [17] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [18]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
The Western Technical College EMT – Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org [19]) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th Street North, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org [19]
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org [20]
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the document below:
- Student Reference Guide [21]
- Occupational Risks [22]
Program Contact
Debra Slaby
Program Chair, EMT Paramedic
608-789-4761
SlabyD@westerntc.edu [23]
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 [24] 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 [25] self-service portal for academic planning.