The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is designed to prepare students for careers in pre-hospital emergency care. This comprehensive program equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to provide care in emergency situations. The program is led by seasoned EMS professionals who bring real-world insights and practical expertise to the classroom. They provide personalized guidance and mentorship to help students succeed. The program prepares students for entry-level positions such as Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Advanced EMT. Graduates can work in a variety of settings including ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals, and private medical transport services.

Upcoming Schedule

  • Overview
  • Students entering the Emergency Medical Technician program should:

    • Students should be physically and mental fit. Working in EMS is both a physically and mentally demanding field.

    Materials needed for class:

    • Closed toed shoes
    • Required textbook
  • Course List
  • Course List:

    • Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMR) (30-531-305)
      • Course description: This course provides the foundational knowledge for future Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Medical Responders. Topics include basic human anatomy, performing a patient assessment, traumatic injury management, airway management, and Basic Life Support cardiac resuscitation. Upon successful completion, candidates will be eligible to participate in the National Registry of EMTs Emergency Medical Responder exams for Wisconsin EMR certification. Course requires a valid BLS CPR certification.

    • Emergency Medical Technician 2 (EMR) (30-531-306)
      • Course description: This course prepares students for all aspects of emergency medical care, both medical and trauma situations, sanctioned by the Wisconsin Division of Health, at the basic level. Following the most current Wisconsin Revision of the National Standard Curriculum, this course includes didactic and practical skill information in the following areas: legal aspects, anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, critical thinking skills, airway adjuncts, fractures and dislocations, spinal injuries, soft tissue wounds, pharmacology, stroke, cardiac, diabetic, respiratory, altered mental status, pediatric, geriatric, ambulance operations, and triage. Successful completion of this course prepares the learner for the National Registry practical and written examination at the EMT level. Student must complete EMT1 prior to being enrolled into the EMT 2 course.

    • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) (30-531-303)
      • Course description: The Advanced EMT course expands the role and skills of the EMT. Skills involved in obtaining intravenous and intraosseous access, intranasal, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medication administration, and fluid therapy will be included. Student must hold a current Wisconsin EMT license. Extensive patient assessment knowledge and skills have been integrated throughout the curriculum, as well as enhanced critical decision making. Participants will be required to participate in a clinical experience as part of their training. This class will include the review and revision of the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) curriculum with inclusion of the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards.

    • RN to EMT Basic Transition (47-531-449)
      • Course description: This course prepares students for all aspects of emergency medical care, both medical and trauma situations, sanctioned by the Wisconsin Division of Health, at the basic level. Following the most current Wisconsin Revision of the National Standard Curriculum, this course includes didactic and practical skill information in the following areas: legal aspects, anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, critical thinking skills, airway adjuncts, fractures and dislocations, spinal injuries, soft tissue wounds, pharmacology, stroke, cardiac, diabetic, respiratory, altered mental status, pediatric, geriatric, ambulance operations, and triage. Successful completion of this course prepares the learner for the National Registry practical and written examination at the EMT level. Student must hold valid Wisconsin RN license.


    Course cost for 2024-2025 are as follows:

    • 30531-305 (EMT 1) – $392.94
    • 30531-306 (EMT 2) – $708.66
    • 30531-303 (AEMT) – $946.38
  • Admission Process and Requirements
  • Please complete the following steps in the order listed. It can take several weeks to complete the process and get accepted to the program. Once you are accepted you can register, but not before that.

    1. Apply online

      When we receive your application, you will be sent a confirmation email.
      Please note: the date you select on your application is only a preference. You aren't guaranteed a seat in the class of your preference until you have registered for it (see number 4 below).

    2. Activate your MySWTC account

      Within 1 week of applying you will receive a letter and an email. Once you receive that, activate your MySWTC. Go to MySWTC and click “New Student”. Write down your Southwest Tech username and password.

    3. Log in to your MySWTC and complete requirements listed in "My Documents"
        The requirements include:
      • Background Information Disclosure Form
      • Immunizations--TB Skin Testing, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella (Print forms as needed.)
      • Physical Exam (Print and have your doctor complete.)
    4. Register for the class you want.

      Within 2-3 business days, you will receive your Acceptance Letter. Once you receive that, follow the instructions, and go to the link on the letter to register for the course you want to take.

    Program Fees

    • NOTE: This program is not eligible for financial aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
  • Outcomes
  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • 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.

    After completing the EMT program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, you will be able to:

    • Use critical thinking skills to confidently and effectively manage emergency situations.
    • Practice professional standards by demonstrating a strong work ethic, positive attitude, respect for patients, ability to work cooperatively as a health care team member and willingness to maintain and enhance technical skills.
    • Communicate clearly and professionally using verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
    • Perform accurate scene safety and patient assessments.
    • Apply appropriate emergency medical and technical knowledge as required in emergency situations.
    • Apply safety and infection control practices to maintain personal and professional well-being and to ensure patient safety.
    • Manage emergency patient care and treatment appropriately within the scope of practice for an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.
    • Apply legal knowledge and medical ethics to all patient care situations by documenting accurate and complete patient records and reports and maintaining patient confidentiality.
    • Meet requirements for National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic certification exam.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Earning your Wisconsin EMT License upon completion of the EMT program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College prepares you for valuable work as an Emergency Medical Technician. With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Emergency Room Technician
    • Firefighter
    • EKG Technician
    • Paramedic

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.