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.
Steps to Complete Paramedic Technical Diploma Program
Apply and Become Admitted as Pre-Core Student
This program is filled for Spring 2027 and will follow a new application process for Fall 2027. Applications for fall will open on February 1, 2027, please come back at that time to apply.
- Complete the Emergency Medical Technician Program
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee. This program is only open to in-state residents.
WCTC follows a waitlist process for students admitted into this program.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Complete Core-Ready Checklist
Admitted students must complete the academic preparedness checklist items below to become Core-Ready. Students who receive a seat in the program will be notified via email with instructions on how to register for core program courses.
- Submit copy of current Wisconsin EMT License
- Submit Department Affiliation Form
View your missing and completed items by logging into your MyCompass.
To begin core program courses in a specific semester, complete checklist items by these dates:
- Fall Start: Complete checklist by the first Monday in April to be considered to start core Paramedic Technical Diploma courses starting in fall.
- Spring Start: Complete checklist by the first Monday in October to be considered to start core Paramedic Technical Diploma courses starting in spring.
Once a student becomes core-ready, the current estimated waitlist timeframe to begin core program courses is approximately 0-1 year for affiliated students sponsored by a fire/ems department. For non-sponsored students, the timeframe to begin core program courses is 1-2 years.
Become Core-Active and Complete Core Courses
After receiving a seat and registering for core program courses:
- Sign-up and attend a mandatory program expectation session
- Complete health requirements and background check
- Provide proof of valid BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association. WCTC also offers a BLS Provider Renewal course
- Complete DHS (Department of Health Services) e-licensing application
Note: Students who have not completed these requirements will be dropped from courses and moved back to Core-Ready status.
After Program Completion
- 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 degrees.
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.
Course Offerings
View your program's Course List to learn when each course will be offered, including the term and time of day.
Clinical Site Requirements
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 the WCTC Fire and EMS department.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs.
Students seeking accommodations due to a documented medical condition or religious belief may request an exemption HERE.
It is important to understand that while WCTC may provide an exemption, there may come a point where clinical sites require vaccines without an option for exemption or where clinical sites do not accept the WCTC exemption.
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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Program Pathway
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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.