How to Become an EMT in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Emergency Medical Services is the state department in charge of EMS licensing. The first thing you need to know if you’re researching how to become an EMT in Wisconsin is that Wisconsin requires all levels of EMT to have National Registry (NREMT) certification as a prerequisite for licensure in the state. NREMT certification is something you will go for after you complete a state-approved EMT training course.

Wisconsin licenses three levels of EMT: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.

Requirements to Become an EMT in Wisconsin

Wisconsin allows individuals as young as 17 to enroll in EMT-Basic training but you have to be 18 years old by the time the course is completed in order to qualify for your EMT license.

Requirements:

17 years old or older (You must be 18 years old by the end of your training course to qualify for licensure)
Criminal history record check
Successful completion of a state-approved EMT course that meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum for the EMT level you’re seeking.
Current CPR credentials
Pass the NREMT written exam
Pass the Wisconsin practical exam

EMT Training in Wisconsin

All EMT Training in Wisconsin takes place at a system of state-approved training centers. The training takes 144 hours (including both lectures and practical training) plus 10+ hours in a hospital emergency room setting and ambulance ride-along training.

Expect the cost of EMT-Basic training to be around $700 for fees and materials.

To find an EMT training center in your area click here: Wisconsin EMT Training Centers.

Reciprocity for EMTs Licensed in Another State

If you have an EMT license from another state you may be eligible for licensure in Wisconsin. Wisconsin requires current NREMT certification for all license levels so if you don’t already have it it you’ll need to pass the NREMT exam before you can apply for reciprocity.

Requirements for License Reciprocity:

Reciprocity License application (found here: Wisconsin E-Licensing)
Verification of Out-Of-State Licensure (found here: Wisconsin E-Licensing), print and submit to the state EMS office(s) where you hold or have held an EMS license.
A valid NREMT number for the EMT level you are applying
Copy of the Certificate of Completion for an approved Terrorism Awareness course only if you have not completed this course previously.
An administrative fee of $50

Full details can be found here: Wisconsin License Reciprocity.

EMT Applicants with Criminal Convictions

If you have a criminal conviction you must list details on your Training Permit application.

The Fair Employment Act (sections 111.31-111.395, Wis. Stats.) prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of conviction or arrest record unless the circumstances of the conviction or arrest substantially relate to the circumstances of the particular job or licensed activity.

The information you put on the application form will be used to determine whether a certificate/license should be granted, approved with limitations or denied.