Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)

As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic, you will respond to emergency calls, perform medical services, and transport patients to medical facilities. EMTs and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. The Emergency Medical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree and College Certificate of Completion curriculum stresses the integration of knowledge and skills required to perform pre-hospital basic, limited, and advanced life support competently. 

Suppose you meet the completion criteria for Medical First Responder, Basic EMT, or Paramedic. In that case, you will also receive a certificate of completion and are eligible for Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Program certification and the National Registry for EMT’s certification examination necessary for Michigan licensure as an EMS Professional.

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in emergency medical technology from WCCCD prepares you for work across various roles such as:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Paramedic
  • Medical First Responder

What’s the Job Outlook for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics?

Employment for EMTs is projected to grow due to the continuous need for emergency medical services, with steady demand expected across various healthcare sectors.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, June 2024, EMTs and Paramedics

53
credits required to complete an EMT: Paramedic Certificate
30
credits required to complete an Emergency Medical Technology Certificate
72
credits required to complete an Emergency Medical Technology AAS
$43,100
median annual wage for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics as of May 2023

Recommended course sequencing

General Education Courses


A.A.S. Program Total: 72 Credits


Note: Program total hours may not include prerequisites

Career Courses


Any 25 Credits from the Following Courses


EMT College Certificate Total: 30 Credits


Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

What’s Required to Complete the Emergency Medical Technology Program?

A certificate in EMT: Paramedic from WCCCD requires 53 credits to complete. A certificate in Emergency Medical Technology from WCCCD requires 53 credits to complete. An AAS in Emergency Medical Technology from WCCCD requires 72 total credits.

Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.

What Will I Learn as an Emergency Medical Technology Student?

WCCCD emergency medical technology students learn the knowledge and skills required to competently perform pre-hospital basic, limited, and advanced life support.

Where is WCCCD’s Emergency Medical Technology Program Offered?

The Emergency Medical Technology program is offered at our Downriver and Northwest campuses. As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.

It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.