Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Degree Type
7-credit Technical Diploma
Program Code
30-531-3
Time to Degree
Less than 1 year
Start Date
August / January
How You'll Learn
Daytime
Evening
Hybrid
Emergency medical services providers are the first to respond to emergency calls. In this program, develop the skills and knowledge necessary to assess and manage all types of injuries and acute illnesses, while providing safe and rapid transport to a medical facility. Learn about airway management, bleeding and shock, emergency childbirth and automated defibrillation.
Please note: The EMT Program is a highly demanding and vigorous program in and out of the classroom. Plan to spend 1-2 hours preparing and studying outside of class for every one hour spent in class. Clinical and Field work also requires time outside of regularly scheduled class time.
Steps to Complete the EMT Program
Apply and Become Admitted
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee. This program is only open to in-state residents.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Register for Courses
- Register for EMR/EMT 1 and correlating EMT 2 courses. See Program Courses for more information.
NOTE: Fall 2026 EMT registration closes on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Before Beginning the EMT Course
Before beginning the EMT course, complete the following items:
Attend a mandatory EMT Program Orientation. Registered and waitlisted students will be contacted by the Fire/EMS department about two months before the start of the semester with information on how to sign up for a mandatory EMT Program Orientation. If you do not attend the orientation, you will be removed from the EMT courses.
- Save the dates now:
- Fall 2026 EMT Program Orientation dates: Friday, July 10, 2026 or Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- At the orientation, you will receive more information about the following items:
- Dress code policy
- Background check (Additional court documentation for positive background checks must be provided for state training permit approval.)
After Program Completion
- After the EMT Program: Take the EMT National Registry Written and Psychomotor Certification Exams
- Save the dates now for psychomotor exams at WCTC:
- Fall 2026 EMT Program Completion Psychomotor Exam Dates: Friday, January 15, 2027 or Saturday, January 16, 2027
- Save the dates now for psychomotor exams at WCTC:
- After the EMT National Registry Exams: Apply for the EMT Wisconsin State License through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Visit the WCTC Fire & EMS Training Center webpage for additional information on Fire and EMS training and other programs offered.
Potential Careers
If you have a positive attitude, a desire to help others and can act quickly during stressful situations, a career in emergency medicine may be for you. EMTs must have good social skills, and act with empathy and humility. Solid communication and leadership skills are crucial, as EMTs need to assess and manage different situations.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
High School Eligibility
This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Please note:
- You must be at least 17 years old to participate in the emergency department clinical rotation (begins October 1 for fall courses and April 1 for spring courses).
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Wisconsin EMT License.
- You are required to obtain licensing within two years of completing this program.
Career Salaries
$41,800 – $51,800 annually
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
This program does not qualify for financial aid.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Upon program completion, students are prepared to take the National Registry examination to be licensed as an EMT-Basic in Wisconsin.
- Gain extensive, hands-on practice with CPAP, cardiac monitoring, 12-lead and medication administration.
- Learn the latest technology and standards from EMS professionals actively employed by area emergency departments.
Similar Programs
Other Educational Opportunities
Program Pathways
Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.
Fire Protection Technician Pathway
Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.
Paramedic Technician Pathway
Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.
Fire Medic Pathway
Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.
More Credit Opportunities
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.