Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

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Technical Diploma

Program Number:

305313

Credits:

5.00

Not Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start:

Fall, Spring, Summer

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.

To view the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here.

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Image

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Estimated Program Costs

Graduation Employment Stats

	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

Career Opportunities

EMT-Basic

Emergency Medical Technician

Program Outcomes

Living responsibly
Refining professionalism
Cultivating passion

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

$30 Application Fee

Additional 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
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Supplemental Information
Background Check
Immunizations
- EMS Viewpoint Immunization Required
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.

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 documents below:

Program Details

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.