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.

Note: This program is not eligible for financial aid.
  • Overview
  • 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 - Fall 2026
  • Fall 2026 Schedule

    State funding may be available starting Fall 2026 to cover tuition for EMT 1, EMT 2, and AEMT courses. Stay tuned for more information.

    COURSE DATES FORMAT CLASS LOCATION
    EMT 1: 30-531-305
    August 17, 2026 – November 4, 2026 This course meets both virtually and face-to-face. Monday evening session is computer conference from 6-9pm. Section 0001 - Wednesday location is in Cobb.
    Section 0002 - Wednesday location is in Dickeyville.
    Section 0004 - Wednesday location is in Lone Rock.
    EMT 2: 30-531-306
    August 17, 2026 – December 9, 2026 This course meets both virtually and face-to-face. Monday evening session is computer conference from 6-10pm. Section 0001 - Wednesday location is in Lancaster.
    Section 0002 - Wednesday location is in Dodgeville.
    AEMT: 30-531-303
    August 18, 2026 – December 10, 2026 This course meets face-to-face Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-10pm. Section 0001 - Fennimore campus
    RN to EMT Transition: 30-531-310
    August 17, 2026 – December 11, 2026 This course is for currently licensed RN's to be eligible for the EMT license. Class will run on Wednesday from 6-10pm. Section H001 - Wednesday location is in Lancaster
  • Class Schedule - Spring 2027
  • Spring 2027 Schedule

    Coming Soon!

  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Course List:

    • Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT 1) (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 (EMT 2) (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.
    • 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 cost for 2026-2027 are as follows:

    • 30531-305 Emergency Medical Technician 1 - $412.30
    • 30531-306 Emergency Medical Technician 2 - $737.70
    • 30531-303 Advanced EMT (AEMT) - $985.10
  • Admission & Requirements
  • 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:
      1. Log in to your SWTC Student Portal.
      2. Complete the required forms in the Document Center, making sure you have selected All Programs:
        • Secondary Demographic Form
        • Financial Responsibility Agreement
      3. Register for your desired class(es).
      If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact Student Services.

    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?


    • 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 Services Center offers services to assist students looking for job placement.

      Find a Job