The NTC/Wausau Fire Department Fire Paramedic Apprenticeship is a comprehensive career pathway designed to develop highly trained fire-paramedic professionals. The program integrates firefighter certification training, emergency medical technician education, and advanced paramedic-level coursework into a structured apprenticeship aligned with a Technical Diploma. 

Participants receive classroom instruction, laboratory training, and extensive clinical and field experience that prepares them for both fire service and emergency medical services (EMS) careers — culminating in full paramedic certification.

View Curriculum

Terms of Apprenticeship

  • 18 month program
  • 3,000 hours of on-the-job training
  • 1, 359 hours of paid related classroom instruction
  • Apprentice must complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course

Get Started

Curriculum

First Term (405 Hours)

FIRE FIGHTING PRINCIPLES 126 Hours

#10-503-142

Emphasizes basic fire behavior, techniques used to control structural and related fire emergencies and life safety practices. Learners perform all practical evolutions necessary to control and extinguish fires and otherwise meet all requirements for Firefighter 1 certification with the state of Wisconsin.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: EMT - Firefighter, Fire Medic, Fire Science

Industry Credentials Accepted: State of Wisconsin Fire Fighter I certification

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OPERATIONS 27 Hours

#10-503-203

Prepares the participant to perform the minimum hazardous material incident operations associated with firefighting functions. Meets operational level competencies referenced in the JPRs in NFPA 1001 - Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): FIRE 10503142 - Fire Fighting Principles] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: EMT - Firefighter, Fire Medic, Fire Science]

Industry Credentials Accepted: State of Wisconsin Fire Fighter I Certification or State of Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Operations Certification

EMR/EMT 1 108 Hours

#30-531-100

Prepares students to perform emergency medical care sanctioned by the WI Dept. of Health Services, EMS Section scope of practice for the EMR/EMT. Includes foundational knowledge and skill application for both EMR/ EMT in the following areas: the EMS system, EMR/EMT responsibilities, legal and ethical standards, patient movement techniques, pathophysiology, body systems and functions, patient assessment and treatment, pharmacology, shock and resuscitation, age-specific patient considerations, special medical considerations, medication administration, airway anatomy and management. Successful completion prepares the learner for WI EMR Certification and the NREMT EMR written examination.

EMT 2 144 Hours

#30-531-101

This curriculum prepares students to perform emergency medical care sanctioned by the WI Dept. of Health Services, EMS Section scope of practice for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Includes foundational knowledge and skill application for EMT in the following areas: the EMS system, EMT responsibilities, legal and ethical standards, patient movement techniques, pathophysiology, body systems and functions, patient assessment and treatment, pharmacology, shock and resuscitation, age-specific patient considerations, special medical considerations, medication administration, airway anatomy and management. Successful completion prepares the learner for the NREMT EMT written examination.

Prerequisite: A Wisconsin EMR License or equivalent is required to demonstrate competency in Wisconsin Curriculum for Emergency Medical Responder in addition to the competencies and criteria outlined below. Completion of the EMR/EMT 1 course or prior learning assessment at a Wisconsin Technical College System college is equivalent to Wisconsin EMR Certification.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician, EMT - Firefighter, Fire Science] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 30531100 - EMR/EMT 1 with grade greater than or equal to C (Post Secondary Grading Scheme).]

Second Term (414 Hours)

EMS FUNDAMENTAL 36 Hours

#10-531-911

This course provides the paramedic learner with comprehensive knowledge of EMS systems, safety, well-being, legal issues and ethical issues, with the intended outcome of improving the health of EMS personnel, patients and the community. Learners will obtain fundamental knowledge of public health principles and epidemiology as related to public health emergencies, health promotion and illness/injury prevention. Introducing learners to comprehensive anatomical and medical terminology and abbreviations will foster the development of effective written and oral communications with colleagues and other health care professionals.

Prerequisites: Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician

PARAMEDIC MEDICAL PRINCIPLES 72 Hours

#10-531-912

This course addresses the complex depth of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of major human systems while also introducing the paramedic students to the topics of shock, immunology and bleeding.

Prerequisites: Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician

ADV. PATIENT ASSESS PRINCIPLES 72 Hours

#10-531-913

This course teaches the paramedic learner to integrate scene and patient assessment findings with knowledge of epidemiology and pathophysiology to form a field impression. By utilizing a structured and organized assessment process with knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, life span development and changes that occur to the human body with time, the learners will learn to develop a list of differential diagnoses through clinical reasoning, along with the ability to modify the assessment as necessary to formulate a treatment plan for their patient.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531911 - EMS Fundamental, EMEDSV 10531912 - Paramedic Medical Principles] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

ADV. PRE-HOSPITAL PHARMACOLOGY 72 Hours

#10-531-914

This course provides the paramedic learner with the comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology required to formulate and administer a pharmacological treatment plan intended to mitigate emergencies and improve the overall health of the patient.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531911 - EMS Fundamental, EMEDSV 10531912 - Paramedic Medical Principles] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC RESPIRATORY MGT. 54 Hours

#10-531-915

This course teaches the paramedic learner to integrate complex knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology into the assessment to develop and implement a treatment plan with the goal of assuring a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation and respiration for patients of all ages. Specific knowledge pertaining to the respiratory system is also provided to ensure the learner is prepared to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with a respiratory complaint.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531911 - EMS Fundamental, EMEDSV 10531912 - Paramedic Medical Principles] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC PORTFOLIO 1 108 Hours

#10-531-931

Provides the learner with the opportunity to enhance his or her learning through the practice of paramedicine in simulation or in the health care environment. The experiences will be in simulation or with actual patients under the supervision of instructors or approved preceptors. Learners will also participate in formal high-fidelity human patient simulator experiences and assessment as a part of this course.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531911 - EMS Fundamental, EMEDSV 10531912 - Paramedic Medical Principles] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

Third Term (342 Hours)

ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER CONCEPTS 54 Hours

#10-503-160

Builds upon the foundation laid in Fire Fighting Principles as well as adds new concepts such as vehicle extrication, flammable liquids fire, technical rescue and incident command. This course will meet the requirements of NFPA 1001 for Firefighter 2 level.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): FIRE 10503142 - Fire Fighting Principles] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): FIRE 10503203 - Hazardous Materials Operations]

Industry Credentials Accepted: State of Wisconsin Fire Fighter II certification

PARAMEDIC CARDIOLOGY 90 Hours

#10-531-916

This course teaches the paramedic learner to integrate assessment findings with principles of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with a cardiovascular complaint.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531914 - Adv. Pre-hospital Pharmacology, EMEDSV 10531915 - Paramedic Respiratory Mgt.] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

ADV EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION 36 Hours

#10-531-918

By teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support (“ACLS”) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (“PALS”) methodologies and protocols, this course prepares the paramedic learner in the integration of comprehensive knowledge of causes and pathophysiology into the management of shock, respiratory failure, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest and peri-arrest states with an emphasis on early intervention to prevent respiratory and/or cardiac arrest if possible.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531914 - Adv. Pre-hospital Pharmacology, EMEDSV 10531915 - Paramedic Respiratory Mgt.] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

EMS OPERATIONS 18 Hours

#10-531-922

This course provides the paramedic learner with the knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities to ensure patient, public and EMS personnel safety.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531914 - Adv. Pre-hospital Pharmacology, EMEDSV 10531915 - Paramedic Respiratory Mgt.] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC PORTFOLIO 2 144 Hours

#10-531-932

Provides the learner with the opportunity to enhance his or her learning through the practice of paramedicine in simulation or in the health care environment. The experiences will be in simulation or with actual patients under the supervision of instructors or approved preceptors. Learners will also participate in formal high-fidelity human patient simulator experiences and assessment as a part of this course.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531931 - Paramedic Portfolio 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

Fourth Term (540 Hours)

SPECIAL PATIENT POPULATIONS 72 Hours

#10-531-921

This course teaches the paramedic learner to integrate assessment findings with principles of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with special needs. Gynecological emergencies, along with special considerations in trauma are also included within this course.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531916 - Paramedic Cardiology, EMEDSV 10531918 - Adv Emergency Resuscitation, EMEDSV 10531922 - EMS Operations] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC PROGRAM MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 72 Hours

#10-531-930

Teaches the paramedic learner to integrate assessment findings with principles of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient with a medical complaint.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531916 - Paramedic Cardiology, EMEDSV 10531918 - Adv Emergency Resuscitation, EMEDSV 10531922 - EMS Operations] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC TRAUMA 72 Hours

#10-531-920

This course teaches the paramedic learner to integrate assessment findings with principles of anatomy, physiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for an acutely injured patient.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531916 - Paramedic Cardiology, EMEDSV 10531918 - Adv Emergency Resuscitation, EMEDSV 10531922 - EMS Operations] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC CLINICAL/FIELD EXPERIENCE 2 216 Hours

#10-531-933

Provides the learner with the opportunity to enhance his or her learning through the practice of paramedicine in field and health care environment experiences with actual patients under the supervision of instructors or approved preceptors. Successful completion of this course requires the learner to meet all clinical/field requirements leading up to the paramedic field capstone phase of education.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531932 - Paramedic Portfolio 2] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

PARAMEDIC PROGRAM CAPSTONE 108 Hours

#10-531-934

Provides the learner with a final opportunity to incorporate their cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills through labs and scenario- based practice and evaluations prior to taking the National Registry examinations. Technical skills attainment (TSA) for each student will be compiled and/or documented within this course as required by the DHS- approved paramedic curriculum. Learners will also participate in a field capstone internship as identified by CoAEMSP accreditation in which the learner must be provided with an opportunity to serve as team leader in a variety of pre-hospital advanced life support emergency medical situations.

Prerequisites: Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): EMEDSV 10531920 - Paramedic Trauma, EMEDSV 10531921 - Special Patient Populations, EMEDSV 10531930 - Paramedic Medical Emergencies] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, Fire Medic, Paramedic Technician]

Get Started

To apply for an Apprenticeship, you must be employed by a business or organization that participates in an apprenticeship program and has a completed Department of Workforce Development (DWD) contract. Each employer sets its own requirements for entry into the program. To determine your eligibility and explore available opportunities, contact your employer’s human resources department.

Questions?

If you have questions about this apprenticeship or the application process, please contact our Recruitment team.