You can be the reassuring presence in the face of a crisis.
Student team working code
82%
Program Student Retention
CoAEMSP Annual Report Year 2024
92%
Pass Rate on NREMT and WI Exams
CoAEMSP Annual Report Year 2024
97%
Positive Job Placement
CoAEMSP Annual Report Year 2024

Ready to learn more?

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!

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Paramedic
Program Number: 315313
Your Degree: Technical Diploma
Estimated Time to Complete: 39 Credits | Finish diploma in 1.5 years
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Health Sciences
Estimated Program Cost: $7,764.93
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
financial aid icon 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

    paramedic student practicing with a mannequiin
    Finish training in as little as one year!
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    10-531-910
    1 credit
    10-531-911
    2 credits
    10-531-912
    4 credits
    10-531-913
    3 credits
    10-531-914
    3 credits
    10-531-915
    2 credits
    10-531-916
    4 credits
    10-531-925
    1 credit
    10-531-926
    1 credit
    Second Semester
    10-531-919
    4 credits
    10-531-920
    3 credits
    10-531-921
    3 credits
    10-531-922
    1 credit
    10-531-927
    1 credit
    10-531-929
    1 credit
    Third Semester - Summer
    10-531-923
    1 credit
    10-531-928
    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
    • 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.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your new career helping people.

    It's Free to Apply

  • 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

  • Career Outcomes

    After completing the one-year Paramedic program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

    1. Use critical thinking skills to confidently and effectively manage emergency situations.
    2. 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.
    3. Communicate clearly and professionally using verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
    4. Perform accurate scene safety and patient assessments.
    5. Apply appropriate emergency medical and technical knowledge as required in emergency situations.
    6. Apply safety and infection control practices to maintain personal and professional well-being and to ensure patient safety.
    7. Manage emergency patient care and treatment appropriately within the scope of practice for an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.
    8. Apply legal knowledge and medical ethics to all patient care situations by documenting accurate and complete patient records and reports and maintaining patient confidentiality.
    9. Meet requirements for National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certification exam.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202320242025
      Number of Program Graduates464539
      Number of Surveys Sent464539
      Number of Surveys Returned282512
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment21236
      Percent Available for Employment75.0%92.0%50.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market21.4%8.0%50.0%
      Available for Employment

      202320242025
      Graduates Employed21236
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation20216
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation95.2%91.3%100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation110
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation4.8%4.3%0.0%
      Employed - No Response010
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%4.3%0.0%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202320242025
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.63.73.4
      Number of Satisfaction Responses24238
      Very Satisfied (4)15164
      Percent Very Satisfied62.5%69.6%50.0%
      Satisfied (3)873
      Percent Satisfied33.3%30.4%37.5%
      Unsatisfied (2)101
      Percent Unsatisfied4.2%0.0%12.5%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202320242025
      Number of Primary Reason Responses272512
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202320242025
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses21226
      Before Enrollment11114
      Percent Before Enrollment52.4%50.0%66.7%
      While Attending the College531
      Percent While Attending the College23.8%13.6%16.7%
      After Training at the College581
      Percent After Training at the College23.8%36.4%16.7%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202320242025
      Number of Employment Location Responses22236
      In College District16183
      Percent In College District72.7%78.3%50.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District432
      Percent of In Wisconsin18.2%13.0%33.3%
      Outside of Wisconsin100
      Percent Outside Wisconsin4.5%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown121
      Percent Location Unknown4.5%8.7%16.7%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202320242025
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count18194
      Average Monthly Wage$4,388$4,386$3,875
      Average Hourly Wage$25.51$25.50$22.53
      Average Work Hours per Week50.348.554.8
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count01
      Average Hourly Wage$20.00
      Average Work Hours per Week12.020.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Dells-Delton EMSParamedicLake Delton
      Green County EMSParamedicMonroe
      John WilliamsParamedicCambridge
      Madison Fire DepartmentFirefighter/Paramedic
      Sun Prairie Fire DepartmentFirefighter/ParamedicSun 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

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact Emergency Medical Services

Madison Truax Campus
Protective Services Building, 100

1701 Pearson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

ems@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.5250
Fax: 608.616.1590

Hours

  • Monday – Friday: 9 am - 5:30 pm