Paramedic Technician
| Degree Type | Program Number | Program Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 105311 | PATC | 62.00 |
| Typical Start | Learning Format | Financial Aid | Estimated Cost | Location | Area of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | In-Person | Available | 10961 | Sparta | Public Safety |
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 in Sparta, Wisconsin.
Admissions Requirements
- Apply at www.westerntc.edu/how-to-apply
- Western’s Admission Coaches are available to help you through the application process. Have questions or need advice? Call 608-785-9200 or email AdmissionsCoach@westerntc.edu.
- Western must comply with a Waiting List Policy when academic programs meet capacity. This policy adheres to Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS10.07.
Additional 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 hold a Wisconsin EMT-Basic or Advanced License. Please see the details below.
- Paramedic Technician Technical Standards
- Background Check (PDF)
- Immunizations (PDF)
- American Heart Associate Provider CPR Certification
- Paramedic Technician Supplemental Information (PDF)
- 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.
Career Opportunities
Paramedic
EMT-Paramedic
Firefighter/Paramedic
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)
Accreditation
The Western Technical College Paramedic Technician program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
View the most current CoAEMSP Annual Report, including Paramedic program outcomes.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 – 113th Street North, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
To contact CoAEMSP:
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org
Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025
| Graduates | 13 |
|---|---|
| Graduates Responding | 7 |
| Employed In Related Occupation | 5 |
| Employed In Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 2 |
| Not In Labor Market | 0 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation | 0 |
| Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation | 5 |
| FT Average Hours per Week | 51 |
| FT Median Hourly Wage | $22.00 |
| FT Hourly Wage Range | $16.50 - $27.00 |
| FT Median Annual Salary | $79,000 |
| Related Occupations | Paramedic |
Software & 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
- 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.
- 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 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. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page.
- 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 or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
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 (PDF)
- Clinical Guidebook (PDF)
- Field Clinical Guidebook (PDF)
- Occupational Risks (PDF)
Western Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For more information, see our Performance Excellence and Accreditation page.
Program Contacts
Debra Slaby
EMS Coordinator
608-789-4761
slabyd@westerntc.edu
Tim Kolonick
Program Chair
608-785-9897
kolonickt@westerntc.edu
Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10801136 - English Composition I | 3.00 |
| 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology | 4.00 |
| 10809198 - Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10801198 - Speech | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10806179 - Adv Anatomy & Physiology | 4.00 |
| 10809188 - Developmental Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10809196 - Intro to Sociology | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10531913 - Adv. Patient Assess Principles | 3.00 |
| 10531914 - Adv. Pre-hospital Pharmacology | 3.00 |
| 10531911 - EMS Fundamental | 2.00 |
| 10531916 - Paramedic Cardiology | 4.00 |
| 10531912 - Paramedic Medical Principles | 4.00 |
| 10531931 - Paramedic Portfolio 1 | 2.00 |
| 10531915 - Paramedic Respiratory Mgt. | 2.00 |
| 10890106 - Strengths Seminar | 1.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10531918 - Adv Emergency Resuscitation | 1.00 |
| 10531930 - Medical Emergencies | 3.00 |
| 10531932 - Paramedic Portfolio 2 | 2.00 |
| 10531920 - Paramedic Trauma | 3.00 |
| 10531921 - Special Patient Populations | 3.00 |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| 10531934 - Capstone | 2.00 |
| 10531933 - Clinical/Field Experience | 3.00 |
| 10531922 - EMS Operations | 1.00 |