Early College Academies

High School Academies and Running Start options include:

Audio Production

Students will work with advanced level production techniques in audio design, recording, editing as well as learn specific audio production tools and communication strategies.

Sound Production Techniques prerequisite: grade of C or better in Introduction to Computer Graphics, 10201181; On-Air Performance prerequisite: grade of C or better in Written Communication or English 1.

Basic Early Childhood Educator

The Basic Early Childhood Educator embedded technical diploma from Madison College meets the basic requirements to work as a teacher in early childhood settings. All nine credits are also part of the Preschool Embedded Technical Diploma.

Requirements: Students must provide current immunizations including TB records, complete a Background Information Disclosure and Criminal History Check.

Biotechnology Laboratory Technician

Students will learn hands-on skills needed for successful entry into today's biotech job market. Students who complete the nine credits listed below will receive an embedded technical diploma and be working towards the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Associate Degree.

Requirements: Students need to have completed high school Chemistry, Biology and Algebra 1 with a C or better.

Electronics Soldering Assembler

Earning an Electronic Soldering Assembler embedded technical diploma at Madison College will provide students with skills like soldering and component testing, and prepare them for a job in one of the many fields that involves electronic assembly. Upon completion, students will receive an Electronics Soldering Assembler Certificate as well as 8 credits towards the Electronics Associate Degree. These courses are also applicable to the Electronic Engineering Technology Associate Degree at Madison College and currently transferable to the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSoE), and to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville very soon.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

This is an entry-level emergency medical provider course that will prepare individuals for employment or a volunteer position in a variety of pre-hospital, industrial and first responder settings. The EMR course is designed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills to manage many medical and trauma-related emergencies. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are eligible to seek national certification as an emergency medical responder through the National Registry of EMTs.

Requirements: Students must be capable of performing the actions authorized by the Department in Wisconsin Scope of Practice for the Emergency Medical Responder, capable of becoming certified in CPR at the Healthcare provider level, and does not have an arrest of conviction record that is substantially related to performing the duties of an Emergency Medical Responder.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Students who successfully complete both EMT 1 and 2 will receive a Technical Diploma and be prepared to obtain licensure as an EMT Basic in the State of Wisconsin. This approximately 184 hours will include classroom instruction, lectures, discussion, demonstrations, online assignments, and skill practice on emergent medical and traumatic encounters, dealing with special populations, and EMS Operations. Students who complete the two Emergency Medical Technician courses plus the Fire Recruit Academy will receive the Fire Service Certification Technical Diploma.

Requirements: Students must be 18 years old by Jan. 2021 to participate in this academy. Students must provide health history documentation, complete a Background Information Disclosure and Criminal History Check prior to placement in the field.

IT Intro to Software Development

IT Intro to Software Development provides instruction in entry level coursework needed to begin a career in software development including the fundamentals and techniques of developing websites.

IT Service Center Technician

The IT-Service Center Technician Certificate from Madison College provides instruction for information systems professionals and programming students in the areas of computer hardware and software. 

Fire Recruit Academy

200 hours of fire fighting training prepares students for the State of Wisconsin Firefighter I and Firefighter 2 certification examinations. Students who complete the two Emergency Medical Technician courses plus the Fire Recruit Academy will receive the Fire Service Certification Technical Diploma.

Requirements: NexGen Read 253+ or ACCP Read 80+ or ACT Read 18+ or have transcripts showing a college-level English course with a grade of C or higher. Students should also fully understand this course is physically and academically challenging.

Fitness Instructor

Becoming a fitness instructor allows students to channel their passion for health and fitness into a rewarding career that positively impacts the lives of countless individuals. Students will learn how to properly instruct, demonstrate and correct exercise. They will also be able to improve their participant's wellbeing by giving information about nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle management. Students who complete these seven credits will be prepared to sit for the ACE Group Fitness Exam and be on their way to receiving a Fitness and Wellness Technical Diploma or a Fitness and Recreation Management Associate Degree.

Requirements: Students of any age can take the courses but must be 18 years old to take the ACE Group Fitness Exam.

Liberal Arts Transfer Academy - Arts and Humanities

The Arts and Humanities Pre-major provides a foundation in the knowledge and skills at the core of what it means to be human. The Pre-major includes subjects that foster critical, analytical and creative thinking about human behavior and attitudes towards ourselves, towards each other—both as individuals and as members of groups—and towards the natural and human-built environment. Coursework in the Pre-major prepares students for success in a variety of majors that students could pursue after they transfer. Browse course offerings in Liberal Arts Transfer programs on our academic programs page or email earlycollege@madisoncollege.edu to create a customized course package.

Liberal Arts Transfer Academy - Education

Madison College’s Education Pre-major provides a foundation in general education that will set students up for success in the Wisconsin-approved teacher-certification program where they intend to transfer. Transfer from a two-year college in order to complete a BA or BS degree can be a challenge to navigate due to the many specific course requirements. The education Pre-major supports students in selecting a program and choosing courses that will best match their teaching interests at their preferred transfer institution. Specific transfer agreements are available for transferring into four-year colleges, including Edgewood College’s School of Education.

Liberal Arts Transfer General Academy

The right package of courses will vary based on your post-secondary goals and courses previously taken. Browse course offerings in Liberal Arts Transfer programs on our academic programs page or email earlycollege@madisoncollege.edu to create a customized course package.

Marketing-Social Media

Students learn social media principles, how to develop an integrated marketing campaign incorporating traditional and digital channels, SEO techniques, web considerations for marketing and the latest in mobile marketing techniques. Students who complete these 12 credits will earn a Technical Diploma and be on their way to receiving a Marketing Associate Degree. Students may choose to take the entire program in one semester or over multiple semesters.

Requirements: Students must take Marketing Principles before they can take Digital Marketing.

Medical Assistant (MA)

The Medical Assistant (MA) program prepares students for work in a physician's office, from general office procedures to basic medical laboratory techniques and helping in the exam room. Students may begin as early as their junior year of high school, and graduate after just one semester at Madison College. Below is an example timeline for course completion.

Requirements: Students must provide current immunizations, complete a Background Information Disclosure, a Criminal History Check, and have current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

First Spring Semester

First Fall Semester or Second Spring Semester

Second Fall Semester

Third Spring Semester

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Madison College's Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program combines fundamental laboratory techniques and clinical experience, preparing graduates for work in laboratories serving the health care sector. MLT's are an integral part of the healthcare field, collecting samples and performing tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. Below is an example timeline for course completion.

Requirements: Students must provide current immunizations, complete a Background Information Disclosure, a Criminal History Check, and have current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

First Spring Semester

First Fall Semester or Second Spring Semester

Second Fall Semester

Third Spring Semester

Third Fall Semester

Microsoft Office Essentials

Madison College developed the Microsoft Office Essentials to help students get hired, earn a promotion or update their skills for work in today's modern offices. Completing the Microsoft Office Essentials certificate at Madison College will prepare them to become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist.

Nursing Assistant (NA)

The program prepares students for employment as Nursing Assistants (NA). Students will learn communication, basic nursing and personal care skills, clients' right and care of clients with dementia. Requirements: Prior to course registration, students must demonstrate the reading comprehension requirement, complete a Background Information Disclosure, a Criminal History Check, provide current immunizations, including TB records and proof of insurance.

Phlebotomist/Specimen Processor

Students will be trained to draw blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations or research.

Requirements: Students must be 18 years old to participate in this academy. Prior to course registration, students must demonstrate competencies in Algebra, English and Reading, complete a Background Information Disclosure, a Criminal History Check, provide current immunizations, including TB records and proof of insurance.

Pre-Nursing Fundamentals (General Education Courses)

With the Pre-Nursing Fundamentals programming, students complete core courses, up to 22 credits, required for the Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program, and are prepared to begin college level clinical and lab experiences upon graduation from high school.

Visual Storytelling

The Visual Storytelling Certificate is for students interested in a career in multimedia communications. The certificate will provide students with foundational skills needed to land paid internships, part-time and full-time jobs in the professional areas of videography, photography, and social media communications.