Fire Medic - Associate Degree
Your passion for helping others is matched only by your ability to stay calm in times of crisis. Making a difference is what moves you. You have found your purpose - become a fire medic. As a graduate of this two-year program, you'll be cross-trained in fire protection/suppression and emergency medical services (EMS) at the advanced life support/paramedic level. You'll be prepared for employment in fire-based EMS agencies such as rural and urban fire departments, airport public safety departments, and industrial/fire safety teams. Plus, you'll be trained to respond to out-of-hospital medical/trauma emergencies, fire or HAZMAT emergencies, mass casualty incidents and/or special rescue operations in a community served by a full-time fire department.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
Follow Your Path
All credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Paramedic, 315311
Some credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Fire Science, 305035
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript) and/or college transcript. If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician.
- Valid driver’s license and eligible to drive college vehicles under the college’s insurance carrier.
- Ability to walk, stand, lift, carry and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Application Checklist
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Fire Medic Associate Degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Summer Before Third Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a “C” or higher in all 10-503-XXX and 10-531-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a “C” in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
- Successful program completion prepares and entitles the student to take the state certification examination. A graduate is licensed only after successful completion of the certification examination and application for a state certification. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.
- Students must earn a "C" or higher in College Technical Math 1A
Program Outcomes
- Prepare for incident response and EMS/Fire operations.
- Integrate pathophysiology principles and assessment findings for a variety of patient encounters.
- Demonstrate paramedic and fire protection skills associated with established standards and procedures for a variety of emergency based encounters.
- Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and through written documentation with clients, coworkers, other agencies, and supervisors.
- Demonstrate professional behavior.
- Meet Wisconsin state and national competency requirements for paramedic and fire credentialing.
- Demonstrate professional conduct by displaying personal code of ethics, positive work ethics, flexibility, teamwork skills, physical fitness, safe procedures, and sensitivity to diverse cultures and individuals.
- Perform fire prevention activities including preplanning, public education, inspection, and investigation.
- Apply incident management and mitigation skills to emergency incidents.
- Apply critical thinking skills to both emergency and non-emergency situations.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 100% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment as a Fire Medic, Fire Fighter, Paramedic, Emergency Room Technician, EKG Monitoring Technician, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Technician, Cardiac Catheter Lab Technician, Fire Apparatus/Equipment Specialist, Industrial Fire Technician, Industrial Safety Technician, Fire Insurance Investigator, Industrial Fire Inspector, or additional careers applicable to healthcare provision and/or fire sciences related occupations.
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- These additional courses may enhance your eligibility for employment: 10-503-158, Fire Science Internship 10-531-102, EMT 10-503-191, Principles of Emergency Services 10-503-143, Building Construction 10-503-750, Fire Inspector I - Certified
- Graduates of the Fire Medic associate degree who complete the following courses with a "C" or higher, meet the program benchmark scores for the Nursing-Associate Degree program, AND successfully complete the General Studies courses for the Nursing-Associate Degree program may apply to that program for advanced standing: 10-543-127, Paramedic to ADN Theory 1, 3 cr. 10-543-128, Paramedic to ADN Theory 2, 3 cr. 10-543-129, Paramedic to ADN Clinical, 2 cr. 10-543-130, Paramedic to ADN Skills, 2 cr. Refer to the program information for Nursing-Associate Degree on this website for benchmark scores and required General Studies courses.
- The Paramedic and Fire Science technical diplomas ladder to the Fire Medic associate degree program. Graduates of these technical diplomas may qualify for advance standing within the Fire Medic associate degree program in addition to meeting the program benchmark score requirements.
- Successful program completion prepares and entitles the student to take the state license examination. A graduate is licensed/certified only after successful completion of the Wisconsin state examination and application for a state license.
Industry Credentials
Students who successfully complete the Firefighting Principles, Hazardous Materials Operations courses, state practical and state written exams are certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Fire Fighter I. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.
Students who successfully complete the Fire Protection Hydraulics course, state practical and state written exams are certified to the Driver Operator Pumper level with the State of Wisconsin. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.
Students who successfully complete the Fire Fighter II course, state practical and state written exams are certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Fire Fighter II. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.
Students who complete the Paramedic program have the opportunity to be certified by the NREMT to achieve eligibility for Paramedic licensure by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services EMS Section.
Wisconsin Caregiver Law
NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.