Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
- Technical Diploma
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
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 course is offered in a variety of ways. Learn more about your options. [1]
To view the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [2].
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 228 |
| Graduates Responding | 79 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 11 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 3 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 62 |
| Not in Labor Market | 65 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 2 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 24 | 45 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $14.00 | $19.25 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $14.00 | $17.50-$21.00 |
| Average Annual Salary |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- EMT, Patient Care Assistant, Operator
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 Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Emergency Medical Technician – Basic program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program’s Essential Functions, complete a background check, provide proof of immunization (including a TB Test*), and read and return a signed copy of the supplemental information document. You can find links to these document below.
- Emergency Medical Technician – Basic Essential Functions [3]
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Supplemental Information [4]
- Background Check [5]
- Immunizations [6]
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
* Tuberculosis (TB) Test - One of the following is required:
- Two step TB skin test (1-3 weeks apart) OR
- Two consecutive annual tests (no more than 12 months between tests) OR
- QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required) OR
- If positive results provide a lab report or physician verification of a clear chest x-ray.
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 [8].
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 [9].
- 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 [10] 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 [11]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [12].
- 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 [13] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [14]! 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 documents below:
- Program Details [15]
Career Pathways:
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
Prior Learning:
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [16] 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 [17] 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 [18] self-service portal for academic planning.