Paramedic Technician
Learn to manage emergency patient care and treatment, provide advanced life support, administer medications and perform interventions.
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Fire and EMS Training Center
Hands-on Training in Fire and Emergency Medical Service
WCTC is proud to offer a wide variety of courses and specialized training opportunities to meet the Fire and EMS needs of our community. A Wisconsin state-approved training center, WCTC provides hands-on skills training in our cutting-edge classrooms and labs.
WCTC Fire and EMS Training Center
Building S, Room S-232
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Initial Fire and EMS Certification Courses
Get started in your fire or EMS career with initial training and coursework at WCTC.
5-credit Technical Diploma
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.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) is a great pathway to becoming an EMT, but can also be taken as a stand-alone course.
Learn basic life support skills that may be used at the scene of an accident or illness, until advanced level care and transport can be arranged. This program includes topics such as patient movement, airway management and a variety of advanced emergency skills. Ideal training for those interested in Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement and Healthcare.
Students who successfully complete the EMR course are eligible to obtain his or her initial emergency medical responder provider certification from the Wisconsin Department of Human Services (DHS).
EMR is an 8-week course that runs in the evenings in the spring semester and during the day in the fall semester. Students must attend a mandatory program expectation session prior to the course. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
Learn, develop and practice the practical skills required to perform as a firefighter, while also receiving the didactic theory required to support those skills and related firefighting functions. This course extends past the entry-level courses to better prepare the student to function as a firefighter while also providing the necessary education and skills to be eligible for WTCS Firefighter I certification testing.
- This one-semester program runs in summer, fall and spring. Courses are typically posted three months prior to the start date.
- This course meets the NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications training requirements for WTCS Firefighter I certification.
- The WCTC Fire I Certification course sign-up includes both Firefighter I (503-720) – substitute for Fire Fighting Principles (503-142), and Hazardous Materials Operations (503-780) – substitute for HazMat Awareness and Ops (503-153). Students must complete the both courses to be eligible for WTCS Firefighter I certification testing.
- This program includes a Mandatory Program Expectation Session, chosen during sign-up.
- If you are not affiliated with a fire department, gear rentals are available.
First aid and CPR skills are essential in a wide range of professions and useful for just about anyone! Keep your knowledge up to date in one of our training courses.
Current high school students can get a head start at WCTC. Explore and/or earn certifications toward a career in fire or EMS with:
Fire and EMS Continuing Education
Fire Certification Courses
Explore upcoming fire certification courses offered at WCTC.
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Critical Care Paramedic
WCTC offers this course for experienced, licensed paramedic providers.
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EMS Refreshers
WCTC offers refresher courses for all EMS provider levels in a variety of formats.
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Paramedic Technician
Learn to provide emergency pre-hospital care as a Paramedic Technician.
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Paramedic to Nursing Bridge Program
Become an RN sooner with this accelerated bridge program.
Learn MoreAssociate Degree Programs
Fire Medic
Develop skills in emergency medical response, and learn about fire behavior, firefighter safety and effective emergency response.
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Fire Protection Technician
Learn from experienced firefighters and practice hands-on skills using state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment.
Learn MoreFire and EMS Employment
Many students gain part-time employment after taking Firefighter I or EMT. Some departments will even hire students with no Fire/EMS experience and will pay for basic certification courses. Certification courses or associate degrees can prepare you for a full career in Fire/EMS. WCTC can help prepare you for interviews and connect you to employers.
Sponsorship or employment is not required to enroll in FireFighter I, FireFighter II or EMS Courses. However, gaining employment or sponsorship prior to attending may allow for gear and supplies to be provided by the department or organization you are affiliated with, along with gaining valuable hands-on insight into the industry and future career opportunities.
Check out these helpful resources for fire and EMS employment:
WCTC offers fire/EMS career fairs during each fall and spring semester. Fairs run in conjunction with in-person WCTC open houses, along with virtual offerings in October and May. Visit the WCTC events calendar to see the next opportunity to connect with fire and EMS employers.
WCTC Fire and EMS hires adjunct/part-time instructors each spring for the following academic year. Job openings are posted online in May of each year. The hiring process is competitive and requires a teaching demonstration and interview panel.
Qualification Requirements
- Fire instructors are required to have a current Emergency Services Instructor I certification.
- EMS Instructors are required to have at least two years of experience at the license level for which they will be teaching.
- Daytime, evening and/or weekend availability is required.
Resources for Fire Departments and EMS Organizations
Fire and EMS departments and organizations can request customized training for their members, explore WCTC resources and rentals, post open positions for qualified students and more.
Request a Training
Looking for customized training? Submit a training request for your department. Trainings are scheduled on average 90 days after the request is submitted.
Sign Up for a Career Fair
WCTC offers Fire/EMS Career Fairs during each fall and spring semester, both in-person and virtually. To sign up to be included on the employer invite list, email kbaumann2@wctc.edu.
Become an AHA Training Site
WCTC, a regional American Heart Association Training Center, offers AHA instructor training and AHA processing/credentialing to affiliated training sites. View terms of the agreement. For more information, email wctc-aha@wctc.edu.
Fire Ground Rentals
WCTC offers annual facilities agreements to local agencies and organizations for use of the WCTC Fire Training Grounds with their own department. View terms of the agreement. For more information, contact chull1@wctc.edu.
Post Open Positions
Employers are invited to post open jobs on Handshake, a free online resource that connects you to talented students and alumni statewide.
Update Your Department Contacts
To update the contact information for your department or organization, email fireEMS@wctc.edu.