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Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

EMS campaign banner-image—Impact lives

Impact lives, including your own

By joining Wisconsin’s Emergency Medical Services, you have the chance to make moments that matter to you and others in your community every day. Whether you’re a part-time volunteer or a full-time emergency medical technician (EMT), each call presents an opportunity to make a difference and create a lasting impact on the people you’ve been called to help.

On this page

EMS moments

From saving lives to building lasting friendships and connections, here are a few life-changing moments that have stuck with those who work in the field.

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Mollie Olson
Paramedic

“I enjoy all the different patient contacts I get, and I learn something from each person…I’ve gained so much wisdom about life…from all my patients, which is kind of what keeps me going.”

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Lane Mathson
Critical Care Paramedic

“We had a house explosion, and it was right next to our station, and I just remember how crazy it was, but also how calm and how everything went so smooth and I just knew that this is the career that I will retire in.”

How to become an EMS professional

1. Make sure you are eligible

You will need certain documents to apply for your EMS certification or license.

  • In order to hold a valid emergency medical responder (EMR) certification or EMT license, you must have a current CPR certification at the health care professional level.
  • If you have a conviction record, you may request a pre-determination application to check your eligibility for certification or licensure from the EMS Section.
  • When applying for an EMS license or certification with a criminal history, you will be required to submit these criminal information records.

2. Enroll in an EMS course

You must enroll in and complete a Wisconsin EMS course at an approved EMS Training Center.

  • Be sure to check with your local training center for any requirements for enrollment.
  • Note: You must get your initial EMR certification or EMS license within 24 months of passing the course.

3. Pass NREMT exams

Before receiving your license, you must complete and pass National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams.

Note: NREMT exams are not required for an EMR certification.

4. Apply for your license

Apply for your EMS license or EMR certification in the EMS E-Licensing Portal.

  • For a new license or certification, complete the EMS Practitioner Initial License application or the EMR Initial Certification application.
  • To upgrade a license or certification, complete the EMS Practitioner License Level Upgrade application.
  • You will receive an email informing you if your application needs additional information, has been approved, or has been denied within 60 business days of the Department of Health Services receiving your completed application.

5. Join an EMS team

Join your local EMS team. After completing the employment process for a local EMS service provider, you will complete the Local Credential Agreement (LCA) application in E-Licensing to be added to your service’s roster.

EMS training center locations

There are dozens of approved Wisconsin EMS training centers across the state and beyond, each one offering different training levels and programs. The length, curriculum and prerequisites of each program depend on the training level, such as EMR, EMT, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Paramedic.

Renewing your EMS license

If you’ve already completed EMS training and have previously held an EMS license or certification, you can fill out a renewal application in the E-Licensing Portal during the renewal period. Prior to renewing your license, make sure you meet the renewal requirements. All Wisconsin EMS licenses and EMR certifications expire on June 30 every three years, and you are in charge of making sure your license or certification stays up to date.

Start your EMS journey

By joining EMS, you have the power to impact lives every day. It’s your chance to make a difference in your community and help your neighbors in their time of need, all the while making impactful moments that will stick with you forever.

Questions?

We’ve got answers. Visit our License and Certification FAQs to learn more about EMS licenses and EMR certifications. If we’ve left any of your questions unanswered, feel free to contact us anytime.

Phone: 608-266-1568
Fax: 608-261-6392
Email: dhsemssmail@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Glossary

 
Last revised July 9, 2024