Paramedic Technician
- Associate Degree
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
Can you respond to life or death situations in a calm and controlled manner? As a paramedic technician, you'd be first on the scene to provide critical care to the ill or injured. You need to be able to work independently, make decisions quickly and, most of all, be trained to use advanced lifesaving techniques in emergency situations. Through classroom instruction and valuable field experience, this associate degree program will provide you with the skills you need to work for ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, or hospitals.
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.
The Paramedic Program core courses are held at the Sparta Public Safety Training Facility [1] in Sparta, Wisconsin.
Paramedic Technician 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 19 |
| Graduates Responding | 10 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 7 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 2 |
| Not in Labor Market | 3 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 0 | 4 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 44 | |
| Average Hourly Wage | $22.10 | |
| Hourly Wage Range | $16.50-$28.86 | |
| Average Annual Salary | $70,000 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Paramedic, Instructor/Operator
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:
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Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Paramedic Technician 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 complete the prerequisites to General Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of “C” or better and hold a Wisconsin EMT-Basic or Advanced License. Please see the details below.
- Paramedic Technician Technical Standards [2]
- Background Check [3]
- Immunizations [4]
- American Heart Associate Provider CPR Certification
- CPR Schedules [6]
- Paramedic Technician Supplemental Information [7]
- Wisconsin EMT-Basic or Advanced License
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
The Paramedic Technician 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 [10].
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 [11].
- 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 [12] 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 [13]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [14].
- 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 [15] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [16]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
The Western Technical College Paramedic Technician program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org [17]) 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 [17]
To contact CoAEMSP:
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org [18]
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 [19]
- Occupational Risks [20]
Program Contact
Debra Slaby
Program Chair, Paramedic Technician
SlabyD@westerntc.edu [21]
608-789-4761
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 [22] 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 [23] self-service portal for academic planning.