Program Tips

Admission to Program

Individuals must hold a current WI Paramedic license to be eligible for admission. Individual will be granted 38 credits towards associate degree with proof of current licensure.

Individuals must have completed 25% of Paramedic core classes (531 numbered) at CVTC.

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for Academic help! Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Technology Requirement

This program requires an iPad which is included in the cost of the Tool kit. Please reference the Tool kit tip for more information.

Tool Kit & Uniform

• Students will be required to wear program uniforms throughout the program. This includes a program t-shirt, hospital scrubs, dress shirt, black polishable boots, and trousers.
• A Tool kit which includes safety equipment and an iPad will also be required. The uniform and tool kit will cost approximately $950 and is added on to the cost of one of the Paramedic classes and will be given to the student after classes begin.
• Picture identification badges will be required when completing coursework off-campus, such as internship site work, and public education presentations.

Physical Exam and Criminal Background Forms Requirement

The Admissions Office will mail specific physical exam forms to you prior to core course program entry. The completed exam forms must be on file three weeks prior to entering the core courses of your program. The program director will return your criminal background forms to you when you enter the core courses. A copy of your physical exam form and criminal background check must be in your clinical file, as they will be checked each semester before you will be authorized to go to each clinical setting.

Prior to course 531-924 (Paramedic Clinical/Field) a physician medical screening examination and drug screening examination is required to determine whether the student meets the physically fit-for-duty requirements of the internship site. This will be at no cost to the student. Three months prior to your internship, you must provide the Program Director a current criminal background check.

Program Prerequisite – Completion of EMT 2 OR Valid WI EMT License

Successful completion of EMT 2 with a 'B-' or better OR a valid WI EMT license are prerequisites for entry into the Associate Degree Program.  An important note:  to begin your first clinical you must possess a current Wisconsin EMT License.

Coursework includes the following professional certifications:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)

*Note: ACLS and PALS are a part of the Advanced Emergency Resuscitation 531 course and are aidable. ITLS is not, cost is typically around $85

Pre-Core Students

Students who have pre-core status have been accepted into the college but not into the program. Pre-core status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, academic preparedness requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. By completing these courses ahead of time, students can decrease their credit load when they reach the highly demanding core program courses and increase their success rate in the program. It is strongly recommended that pre-core complete these courses while waiting to enroll (or before enrolling) in the core program. Students who complete these courses as pre-core students will NOT be able to finish the program early; core program courses must be taken sequentially. These courses are typically taken by pre-core students:  

• 801-136 English Composition 1
• 806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology (high school or college chemistry with a "C" or better or 836-133 Prep for Basic Chemistry is a prerequisite)*
• 809-198 Intro to Psychology
• 801-197 Technical Reporting
• 809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies

Clinical Compliance

To be compliant with CVTC's partnering clinical agencies and the agencies' regulating bodies, for example the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), students must be prepared to abide by vaccination mandates and health and safety guidelines as dictated by those bodies. Vaccination requirements and health documentation must be completed and on file in Clinician Nexus prior to entering the core courses of this program. CVTC will notify students at the appropriate time with a specified deadline. Students will receive an email invite from Clinician Nexus to create an account and upload their own clinical compliance documents. Students are responsible for maintaining their own records.  

Additional Program Costs

• Food, mileage, and lodging during clinical/internship
• Clinicals and internship will require 24-hour shift work, including Saturdays and Sundays (may require students to adjust their work schedules)
• Criminal Background Check (one background check for admission, and second prior to internship)
• ACLS, PALS, ITLS Certification Examinations (ITLS Certification Examination ~$85)

NREMT Paramedic Exam

• The NREMT is not included in the Paramedic program or required by the program to graduate. The NREMT is required to obtain certification as a Paramedic in most of the U.S.
• $125 - Written Exam Fee
• $250 - Practical Exam Fee

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted. 

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund.  More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to the CVTC’s educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible. 

Last Updated: February 23, 2026 @ 4:57 p.m.