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.
- Overview
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Students entering the Emergency Medical Technician program are expected to be physically and mentally prepared, as the EMS profession requires sustained physical effort and the ability to navigate high-stress situations.
Materials needed for class:
- Closed toed shoes
- Required textbook
- EMT 1 & EMT 2 require a stable internet connection for virtual classes
- Class Schedule - Spring 2027
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Spring 2027 Schedule
Coming Soon!
- Class Schedule - Summer 2027
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Summer 2027 Schedule
Coming Soon!
- Curriculum & Costs
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Course List:
- Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMR/EMT 1) (30-531-100)
- Course description: Prepares students to perform emergency medical care sanctioned by the WI Dept. of Health Services, EMS Section scope of practice for the EMR/EMT. Includes foundational knowledge and skill application for both EMR/ EMT in the following areas: the EMS system, EMR/EMT responsibilities, legal and ethical standards, patient movement techniques, pathophysiology, body systems and functions, patient assessment and treatment, pharmacology, shock and resuscitation, age-specific patient considerations, special medical considerations, medication administration, airway anatomy and management. Successful completion prepares the learner for WI EMR Certification and the NREMT EMR written examination.
- Course description: Prepares students to perform emergency medical care sanctioned by the WI Dept. of Health Services, EMS Section scope of practice for the EMR/EMT. Includes foundational knowledge and skill application for both EMR/ EMT in the following areas: the EMS system, EMR/EMT responsibilities, legal and ethical standards, patient movement techniques, pathophysiology, body systems and functions, patient assessment and treatment, pharmacology, shock and resuscitation, age-specific patient considerations, special medical considerations, medication administration, airway anatomy and management. Successful completion prepares the learner for WI EMR Certification and the NREMT EMR written examination.
- Emergency Medical Technician 2 (EMT 2) (30-531-101)
- Course description: This curriculum prepares students to perform emergency medical care sanctioned by the WI Dept. of Health Services, EMS Section scope of practice for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Includes foundational knowledge and skill application for EMT in the following areas: the EMS system, EMT responsibilities, legal and ethical standards, patient movement techniques, pathophysiology, body systems and functions, patient assessment and treatment, pharmacology, shock and resuscitation, age-specific patient considerations, special medical considerations, medication administration, airway anatomy and management. Successful completion prepares the learner for the NREMT EMT written examination. *Prerequisite: A Wisconsin EMR License or equivalent is required to demonstrate competency in Wisconsin Curriculum for Emergency Medical Responder in addition to the competencies and criteria outlined below. Completion of the EMR/EMT 1 course or prior learning assessment at a Wisconsin Technical College System college is equivalent to Wisconsin EMR Certification.
- Course description: This curriculum prepares students to perform emergency medical care sanctioned by the WI Dept. of Health Services, EMS Section scope of practice for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Includes foundational knowledge and skill application for EMT in the following areas: the EMS system, EMT responsibilities, legal and ethical standards, patient movement techniques, pathophysiology, body systems and functions, patient assessment and treatment, pharmacology, shock and resuscitation, age-specific patient considerations, special medical considerations, medication administration, airway anatomy and management. Successful completion prepares the learner for the NREMT EMT written examination. *Prerequisite: A Wisconsin EMR License or equivalent is required to demonstrate competency in Wisconsin Curriculum for Emergency Medical Responder in addition to the competencies and criteria outlined below. Completion of the EMR/EMT 1 course or prior learning assessment at a Wisconsin Technical College System college is equivalent to Wisconsin EMR Certification.
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) (30-531-103)
- Course description: This curriculum expands the role and skills of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Skills will include obtaining intravenous and intraosseous access, intranasal, intramuscular and subcutaneous medication administration, and fluid therapy. Extensive patient assessment knowledge and skills and treatment decision making skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Successful completion prepares the learner for the National Registry AEMT written examination. * This curriculum is designed to address all three sets of external standards listed above. Each competency or criterion that is identified with an asterisk is considered an advanced skill of the curriculum, based upon “optional” skills, equipment or medications from the Wisconsin AEMT Scope of Practice. For AEMT, these include the following medications – Ketorolac and Ondansetron. *Prerequisite: A current Wisconsin EMT license is required.
- Course description: This curriculum expands the role and skills of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Skills will include obtaining intravenous and intraosseous access, intranasal, intramuscular and subcutaneous medication administration, and fluid therapy. Extensive patient assessment knowledge and skills and treatment decision making skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Successful completion prepares the learner for the National Registry AEMT written examination. * This curriculum is designed to address all three sets of external standards listed above. Each competency or criterion that is identified with an asterisk is considered an advanced skill of the curriculum, based upon “optional” skills, equipment or medications from the Wisconsin AEMT Scope of Practice. For AEMT, these include the following medications – Ketorolac and Ondansetron. *Prerequisite: A current Wisconsin EMT license is required.
- Advanced EMT - Clinical (30-531-104)
- Course description: This course provides a WI licensed EMT holding a valid AEMT Training Center Training permit the opportunity to enhance learning through the practice of clinical, field, and high-fidelity simulation experiences under the supervision of instructors or approved preceptors. Successful completion of this course requires the student to meet all clinical/field competencies. This course runs concurrently with AEMT 30-531-103.
- Course description: This course provides a WI licensed EMT holding a valid AEMT Training Center Training permit the opportunity to enhance learning through the practice of clinical, field, and high-fidelity simulation experiences under the supervision of instructors or approved preceptors. Successful completion of this course requires the student to meet all clinical/field competencies. This course runs concurrently with AEMT 30-531-103.
- 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 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.
- EVOC for EMS (47-531-464)
- Course description: Students identify laws governing operation of emergency vehicles, describe how different environmental and roadway factors affect vehicle handling, perform vehicle inspections, experience vehicle dynamics in operating vehicles under different conditions, back vehicles safely through a course using vehicle mirrors, and discover effects of vehicle motion upon patients in the ambulance.
- Course description: Students identify laws governing operation of emergency vehicles, describe how different environmental and roadway factors affect vehicle handling, perform vehicle inspections, experience vehicle dynamics in operating vehicles under different conditions, back vehicles safely through a course using vehicle mirrors, and discover effects of vehicle motion upon patients in the ambulance.
Course cost for 2026-2027 are as follows:
- 30531-100 Emergency Medical Technician 1 - $549.70
- 30531-101 Emergency Medical Technician 2 - $739.60
- 30531-103 Advanced EMT (AEMT) - $759.60
- 30531-104 Advanced EMT - Clinical - $175.90
- 47531-449 RN to EMT Basic Transition - $379.80
- Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMR/EMT 1) (30-531-100)
- Admission & Requirements
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Admission and Program Requirements
- Emergency Medical Technician
Offered Spring: January, August and Summer. - 1. Apply to Southwest Tech
Apply for Emergency Medical Technician at apply.swtc.edu. Select the Spring, Fall, or Summer semester you are applying for. - 2. Activate Your MySWTC Student Account
You will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your student account. Once you receive that, activate your MySWTC account by going to MySWTC. If you already have an account with Southwest Tech, simply log in to your student portal. If you have forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password option to reset it and regain access to your account. - 3. Register for the Class You Want
You will receive a letter from Student Services notifying you that you are eligible to register. Once you are ready to register:- Log in to your SWTC Student Portal.
- Complete the required forms in the Document Center, making sure you have selected All Programs:
- Secondary Demographic Form
- Financial Responsibility Agreement
- Register for your desired class(es).
Important Information
- Laptop
Students in the EMT/AEMT programs may choose to enroll in Charger Tech 360. - Textbook
The same textbook will be used for both EMT 1 & 2: New $145.92; Used $109.99.
Textbook for Advanced EMT: New $159.19; Rental Semester $144.39.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old do I need to be to enroll in EMT 1?
You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in the class. However, you must be 18 years old to register with the state. - How old do I need to be to enroll in EMT 2?
You must be at least 16 years old to enroll. However, it is recommended that you take EMT 2 during the year you turn 18 to ensure you are eligible to certify with the state as an EMT upon completion. - Will I be a certified EMT after completing EMT 1?
No. You must successfully complete both EMT 1 and EMT 2 to certify with the state as an EMT. - How is the online portion of the class delivered?
The online sessions are conducted through Microsoft Teams, similar to Zoom. A meeting link will be posted on the course Schoology page. - How do I register for a refresher course?
Refresher courses are coordinated through your local EMS service. Please contact your local service director for registration information. - What is Charger Tech 360?
Charger Tech 360 is more than just a laptop. It is 360 degrees of support, software, and service when you need it, providing a successful learning experience. Charger Tech 360 is designed to offer complete technical support, so you do not have to worry about the “techy” stuff and can concentrate on learning.
Additional Questions?
- Sherri Seitz
Student Services Specialist
sseitz@swtc.edu | 608-822-2416 - Stephanie Brown
EMS Advisor
sbrown@swtc.edu | 608-822-2366 - Mallory Noble
Emergency Medical Services Instructor
mnoble@swtc.edu | 608-822-2371 - Kris Schoville
Academic Lead/Medical Assistant Director/Instructor
kschoville@swtc.edu | 608-822-2665
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Outcomes
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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
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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
- EKG Technician
Southwest Tech's Career Services Center offers services to assist students looking for job placement.
Find a Job - Find a Squad
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Looking for an EMT squad to volunteer with? Check out the District Agencies page for a list of EMS agencies in Southwest Wisconsin.
