Paramedic Technician (Diploma)
Degree Type
38-credit Technical Diploma
Program Code
31-531-2
Time to Degree
1 year
Start Date
August / January
How You'll Learn
Hybrid
Daytime
Evening
Paramedics provide emergency pre-hospital care to those experiencing a medical emergency such as illness, injury or trauma. In the diploma program, develop skills in emergency medical systems and paramedic principles; patient assessment; pharmacology, anatomy and physiology; paramedic respiratory and cardiac management; pre-hospital treatment and care; EMS operations; and caring for special populations.
Please note: The Paramedic 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.
How To Apply
Steps to Enter this Program and Become a Paramedic
Before You Apply
- Complete the Emergency Medical Technician Program.
- View the paramedic costs and supply list. Payment plans are available for tuition. The required uniform shirts can be purchased at the WCTC Bookstore.
Submit Program Interest Form
Complete this program interest form to begin courses in Fall 2026.
Prior to the Program (if accepted)
- Attend the mandatory program expectation session.
- Complete clinical health requirements.
- Pay the $30 application fee.
After the Program
- Take the Paramedic National Registry Certification Exam at a certified testing center.
- Apply for the Paramedic State License.
- Continue your education with the Paramedic Technician or Fire Medic associate degree.
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.
Potential Careers
If you have top-notch critical thinking and problem-solving skills, are physically/mentally fit, and can remain calm in stressful situations, paramedic work may be for you. Those in this field encounter different situations each time they respond to a call. They must be great listeners, as emergencies require communication between patient and responders.
- Paramedic Technician
- Emergency Department Technician
- Flight Medic
High School Eligibility
You must complete the Emergency Medical Technician program in order to apply to this program.
Required Clinical Site Placement
Students must complete two, four-hour clinical rotations at a healthcare facility (scheduled outside of class time).
Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Brandon Bergner, EMS Clinical Coordinator.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.
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
As a program student, you are eligible to receive:
- Financial aid loans
- Scholarships
- Other forms of assistance
Learn more about financial aid.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Graduates are eligible for national certification and Wisconsin licensure as an EMT-Paramedic through examination upon completion of the diploma program.
- Students have opportunities to participate in many clinical rotations including emergency departments, operating rooms, OB units, children’s hospitals and medical examiner's office.
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Students also complete an internship with a local fire department or EMS agency.
Accreditation
The Paramedic Technician program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
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Other Educational Opportunities
Program Pathway
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.
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.
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.