Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. 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 & Support).

Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).

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 cost is added on to the cost of the Paramedic class 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 'C' 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-Program Students

Students who have pre-program status have been accepted into the college but not into the program.  Pre-program status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, admissions requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future.  Pre-program students may take EMT 1 & EMT 2, and general education courses prior to starting the program. General education courses typically taken by pre-program students are:

• 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

Course Tips

• 503-105 Principles of Firefighting – Upon completion, the student is eligible to test for Firefighter I state fire certification. There is a fee for the fire certification exams.
• 503-146 Advanced Firefighting Concepts – Upon completion, the student is eligible to test for Firefighter II state fire certification. State certification as a Firefighter I is required for Firefighter II state certification.
• 531-923 Paramedic Capstone – During this capstone, the student will perform required skill competencies at an approved site under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor. The student will be required to complete documented practical skills application and observation at the Firefighter I Level. It is recommended that any general education course(s) taken during the capstone be taken online.

Clinical Compliance

To be in compliance 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 guideline as dictated by those bodies. 

Requirements for Paramedic Capstone

• Student must be state-certified at a minimum of Firefighter I
• The FireMedic program director and a site representative will interview capstone candidates. (Capstone site preference is not guaranteed.)
• To be approved as a capstone student, the student must successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). The CPAT is a physically demanding test. Candidates must maintain a good level of physical fitness to be successful.
• Student may need to relocate or drive some distance if an internship site is not available within easy driving distance.
• The capstone requires 216 hours. Most fire departments operate with 24-hour duty days.
• The capstone is not a paid experience.
• 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

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
• Firefighter I and Driver/Operator Certification Exams
• 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

Advanced Placement Option

Individuals who have met the following requirements are eligible for advanced standing to pursue the Paramedic Technician Associate Degree:

• Hold a valid Wisconsin Paramedic License, and
• Have successfully completed 12 or more credits out of the core courses (numbered 531) from the CVTC Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Advanced Technical Diploma program

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.

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.

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 Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Last Updated: March 8, 2024 @ 10:17 a.m.