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If you’d like to learn more about the Paramedic program, we’d love to talk with you. We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step. Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
The Paramedic technical diploma from Madison College provides the educational background and training for careers in emergency medical services, hospitals, private ambulance services and community para-medicine. Occupational experience and continuing education provide the paramedic with opportunities to serve as EMS managers and instructors.
The embedded technical diploma gives you the opportunity to secure employment and serve your local communities, hospitals, and other institutions or industries which require the skills of a paramedic. You can do this while continuing your education later in the Paramedic Technician associate degree program.
Program Details
Students in the Paramedic program attend full time.
Full-time cohort meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am - 4:30 pm. Students will be assigned a lab session on either Mondays or Fridays in addition to their clinical hours. This program spans one year, including fall, spring and summer semesters. Students in this cohort attend full time.
Academy cohort meets Monday through Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm. This program spans two semesters. Students in this cohort attend full time. Space in this program is limited and instructor consent is required.
All students must pass a drug screen, provide health history paperwork (vaccination records), as well as a background screening
You must complete a Background Information Disclosure and Criminal History Check (CHC) prior to placement in the field. Information obtained from the CHC may affect your ability to secure a WI EMS Training Permit. Under no circumstances are students assigned to the clinical area until all requirements are met.
Clinical/field time is scheduled outside of the classroom sessions, and includes nights and weekends. Due to the nature of the schedule, some of this program may not be eligible for financial aid or veterans’ benefits.
Travel to fieldwork sites is necessary and is your responsibility.
Paramedic classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
Accreditation
The Madison College Paramedic 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). Accreditation data is updated after each cohort graduates.
Careers
Earning your one-year technical diploma in the Paramedic program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for the National Registry of EMT's Paramedic level Practical and Written exams.
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Emergency Room Technician
- Firefighter
- EKG Technician
- Paramedic
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Home Health Aide
- Medical Assistant
- Registered Nurse
- Respiratory Therapist
- Physician’s Assistant
- Community Paramedic
Emergency Medical Service Jobs
Resources
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-531-910Introduction to Paramedicine
This course introduces students to the skills needed to be a successful Paramedic student. It also provides students with information about what it is like to be a Paramedic.1 credit10-531-911EMS Fundamentals
This course provides the paramedic student with comprehensive knowledge of EMS systems, safety, well-being, legal issues, and ethical issues, with the intended outcome of improving the health of EMS personnel, patients, and the community. The students will obtain fundamental knowledge of public health principles and epidemiology as related to public health emergencies, health promotion, and illness/injury prevention. Introducing students to comprehensive anatomical and medical terminology and abbreviations will foster the development of effective written and oral communications with colleagues and other health care professionals. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.2 credits10-531-912Paramedic Medical Principles
This course addresses the complex depth of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of major human systems while also introducing the paramedic students to the topics of shock, immunology, and bleeding. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.4 credits10-531-913Adv Patient Asses Principles
This course teaches the paramedic student to integrate scene and patient assessment findings with knowledge of epidemiology and pathophysiology to form a field impression. By utilizing a structured and organized assessment process with knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life span development, and changes that occur to the human body with time, the students will learn to develop a list of differential diagnoses through clinical reasoning, along with the ability to modify the assessment as necessary to formulate a treatment plan for their patients.3 credits10-531-914Adv Pre-Hospital Pharmacology
This course provides the paramedic student with the comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology required to formulate and administer a pharmacological treatment plan intended to mitigate emergencies and improve the overall health of the patient. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.3 credits10-531-915Paramedic Respiratory Management
This course teaches the paramedic student to integrate complex knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into the assessment to develop and implement a treatment plan with the goal of assuring a patient airway, adequate mechanical ventilation, and respiration for patients of all ages. Specific knowledge pertaining to the respiratory system is also provided to ensure the student is prepared to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with a respiratory complaint. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.2 credits10-531-916Paramedic Cardiology
This course teaches the paramedic student to integrate assessment findings with principles of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with a cardiovascular complaint. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.4 credits10-531-925Paramedic Clinical 1
Enhance your learning through the practice of paramedicine in health care environments such as the Emergency Department, Respiratory Therapy, and Operating Room, with actual patients under the supervision of clinical preceptors. Participate in multidisciplinary high-fidelity human patient simulator experiences. Successful completion of this course requires you to meet all clinical competency requirements at the paramedic level as defined by WI DHS EMS. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 credit10-531-926Paramedic Clinical 2
Enhance your learning through the practice of paramedicine in health care environments such as the Emergency Department, Trauma-Life Support Center, Burns Center, and Cardiac Cath Labs, with actual patients under the supervision of clinical preceptors. Participate in multidisciplinary high-fidelity human patient simulator experiences. Successful completion of this course requires you to meet all clinical competency requirements at the paramedic level as defined by WI DHS EMS. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 creditSecond Semester10-531-918Advanced Emergency Resuscitation
By teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) methodologies and protocols, this course prepares the paramedic student in the integration of comprehensive knowledge of causes and pathophysiology into the management of shock, respiratory failure, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and peri-arrest states with an emphasis on early intervention to prevent respiratory and/or cardiac arrest if possible. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 credit10-531-919Paramedic Medical Emergencies
This course teaches the paramedic student to integrate assessment findings with principles of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with a medical complaint. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.4 credits10-531-920Paramedic Trauma
This course teaches the paramedic student to integrate assessment findings with principles of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for an acutely injured patient. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.3 credits10-531-921Special Patient Populations
This course teaches the paramedic student to integrate assessment findings with principles of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with special needs. Gynecological emergencies, along with special considerations in trauma are also included within this course. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.3 credits10-531-922EMS Operations
This course provides the paramedic student with the knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities to ensure patient, public, and EMS personnel safety. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 credit10-531-927Paramedic Clinical 3
Enhance your learning through the practice of paramedicine in health care environments such as the Emergency Department, Pediatric Care, and Birthing Centers, with actual patients under the supervision of clinical preceptors. Participate in multidisciplinary high-fidelity human patient simulator experiences. Successful completion of this course requires you to meet all clinical competency requirements at the paramedic level as defined by WI DHS EMS. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 credit10-531-929Paramedic Clinical 4
Enhance your learning through the practice of paramedicine in field and health care environment experiences with actual patients under the supervision of instructors or approved preceptors. Participate in formal high-fidelity human patient simulator experiences as a part of this course. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 creditThird Semester - Summer10-531-923Paramedic Capstone
This course provides the student with a final opportunity to incorporate their cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills through labs and scenario-based practice and evaluations prior to taking the National Registry written and practical examinations. Technical skills attainment (TSA) for each student will be compiled and/or documented within this course as required by the DHS-approved paramedic curriculum. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.1 credit10-531-928Paramedic Field Internship
Enhance your learning through the practice of paramedicine and EMS Operations in the field environment with actual patients under the supervision of an approved paramedic preceptor. Successful completion of this course requires you to meet all clinical and field competency requirements at the paramedic level as defined by WI DHS EMS. Co-requisites are required with this course and are specific to the Paramedic daytime or evening track.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Paramedic program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 30 spots each Fall; 20 spots each Spring. It shares this capacity with other programs that have a similar curriculum. Every fall, up to 49% of available seats in paramedic cohorts may be received for agency-sponsored students. “Agency-sponsored” means the individual is actively employed full-time with a Fire or EMS service in the Madison College district, and the employer agrees to be billed directly for the student’s tuition.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 semester wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is December 31, 2026
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is May 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 15, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Graduation from high school, completion of GED/HSED or completion of 5 college-level credits with a C or higher is required. Graduation from high school or completion of GED/HSED is required if applying for financial aid.
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4-point scale with a minimum of 5 credits
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 5 credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
- Cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4-point scale with a minimum of 5 credits
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your new career helping people.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Licensure Requirement
Proof of a current (unexpired) State of WI EMT-Basic (or higher) license must be submitted to EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu.
Course Requirement
Introduction to Paramedicine
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the one-year Paramedic program at Madison Area 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-Paramedic.
- 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-Paramedic certification exam.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 46 45 39 Number of Surveys Sent 46 45 39 Number of Surveys Returned 28 25 12 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 21 23 6 Percent Available for Employment 75.0% 92.0% 50.0% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 21.4% 8.0% 50.0% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 21 23 6 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 20 21 6 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 95.2% 91.3% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 1 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 4.8% 4.3% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 1 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.7 3.4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 24 23 8 Very Satisfied (4) 15 16 4 Percent Very Satisfied 62.5% 69.6% 50.0% Satisfied (3) 8 7 3 Percent Satisfied 33.3% 30.4% 37.5% Unsatisfied (2) 1 0 1 Percent Unsatisfied 4.2% 0.0% 12.5% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 27 25 12 Preparation for Getting a Job 9 8 2 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 33.3% 32.0% 16.7% Career Change 6 3 0 Percent Career Change 22.2% 12.0% 0.0% Improvement of Existing Skills 6 9 5 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 22.2% 36.0% 41.7% Preparation for Further Education 6 4 4 Percent Preparation for Further Education 22.2% 16.0% 33.3% Personal Interest 0 1 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 4.0% 8.3% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 21 22 6 Before Enrollment 11 11 4 Percent Before Enrollment 52.4% 50.0% 66.7% While Attending the College 5 3 1 Percent While Attending the College 23.8% 13.6% 16.7% After Training at the College 5 8 1 Percent After Training at the College 23.8% 36.4% 16.7% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 22 23 6 In College District 16 18 3 Percent In College District 72.7% 78.3% 50.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 4 3 2 Percent of In Wisconsin 18.2% 13.0% 33.3% Outside of Wisconsin 1 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 4.5% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 1 2 1 Percent Location Unknown 4.5% 8.7% 16.7% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 18 19 4 Average Monthly Wage $4,388 $4,386 $3,875 Average Hourly Wage $25.51 $25.50 $22.53 Average Work Hours per Week 50.3 48.5 54.8 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 0 1 Average Hourly Wage $20.00 Average Work Hours per Week 12.0 20.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Dells-Delton EMS Paramedic Lake Delton Green County EMS Paramedic Monroe John Williams Paramedic Cambridge Madison Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Sun Prairie Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Sun Prairie * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
