you respond.
RATE Students who are employed within 6 months of graduation
Med/Fire Rescue
The Med/Fire Rescue program at Lake Area Tech prepares you for work where response time, skill, and composure matter. This is a field built around unpredictability, where no two days look the same and every situation requires you to be ready.
Training covers both emergency medical care and fire response, including firefighting, lifesaving procedures, hazardous materials response, disaster support, and rescue operations. You’ll develop the ability to assess situations quickly, act decisively, and stay steady under pressure.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Med/Fire Rescue Options
Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Med/Fire Rescue, building a foundation across both medical and fire service disciplines. After 15 months, there is also an option to exit with a Paramedic Diploma.
The program is Build Dakota scholarship-eligible, providing a pathway into a high-demand field where trained professionals are consistently needed.
Online Program Options
Online Emergency Medical Technician (Certification Only)
This one-semester option allows students to complete most coursework online, with required on-campus visits for testing, skill development, and hands-on training. Apply here using the Special Status form.
Online Hybrid Paramedic Diploma
Designed for students balancing work or family commitments, this 20-month option combines online learning with required in-person training. Students must hold a current EMT Basic certification prior to applying. Certification can be completed at Lake Area Tech if needed.
All students in the program must hold a valid driver’s license.
Med/Fire Rescue Program Goal
The program is designed to prepare entry-level paramedics and firefighters across knowledge, technical skills, and professional behavior. Students may exit at multiple certification levels, including Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.
Med/Fire Rescue Program Learning Outcomes
- Exhibit safety—recognition, execution, and performance.
- Assess, treat, and manage a medical patient.
- Assess, treat, and manage a trauma patient.
- Perform pharmacological calculations and administration.
- Use and maintain PPE.
- Recognize and use rescue tools.
- Recognize and use fire suppression equipment.
- Recognize hazards.
- Decontaminate tools.
Med/Fire Rescue Uniforms
The Med/Fire Rescue program requires students to purchase clothing to reflect the safety and professionalism standards of the industry. The required clothing cost is approximately $350 as outlined in the Student Cost Sheet and the clothing must be purchased within the first week of the first semester. Students are required to purchase the following items:
- Pants: Three pairs minimum
- Belt: One minimum
- T-shirts: Three minimum
- High quality black boots
- Clinical White Polo Shirts (embroidered or badges required): Minimum of two
Lake Area Tech partnered with J&B Screen Printing for student pricing. For more information on the requirements of each item should you choose to purchase the clothing elsewhere, please contact the Med/Fire Rescue Department Supervisor.
To reduce student costs, the program will provide two embroidered uniform tops to be used by students each year.
Background Checks
Order Instructions for Lake Area Technical Institute – Med-Fire Rescue
- Go to https://mycb.castlebranch.com/
- In the upper right hand corner, enter the Package Code that is below.
Package Code LB11bg: Background Check
About CastleBranch
Lake Area Technical College – Med-Fire Rescue has partnered with CastleBranch, one of the top ten background check and compliance management companies in the nation to provide you a secure account to manage your time sensitive school and clinical requirements. After you complete the order process and create your account, you can log in to your account to
monitor your order status, view your results, respond to alerts, and complete your requirements.
You will return to your account by logging into castlebranch.com and entering your username (email used during order placement) and your secure password.
Order Summary
Payment Information
Your payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Debit, electronic check and money orders. Note: Use of electronic check or money order will delay order processing until payment is received.
Accessing Your Account
To access your account, log in using the email address you provided and the password you created during order placement. Your administrator will have their own secure portal to view your compliance status and results.
Contact Us
For additional assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 888-723-4263 or visit https://mycb.castlebranch.com/help for further information.
Accreditation
The Lake Area Technical College Med/Fire Rescue program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org. To contact CoAEMSP: 214-703-8445 www.coaemsp.org.
Our Med/Fire Rescue program has been approved for accreditation by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) – Committee on Accreditation for the following levels and standards:
NFPA 1001: Firefighter I and II
NFPA 1002: Driver/Operator
NFPA 1003: Airport Firefighter
NFPA 1021: Fire Officer I and II
NFPA 1041: Fire Instructor I
NFPA 1072: Hazardous Materials, Responder
• Awareness Level
• Operations Level
• Technician Level
Lake Area Tech’s Med/Fire Rescue program is the only program in the region to have both the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) accreditation and Paramedic Program accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions contact information is: 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312, Rowlett TX 75088. The phone/fax numbers are (214) 703-8445 and FAX (214) 703-8992. Find them on the web at www.coaemsp.org.
CoAEMSP 2024 Annual Report Statistics
CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2024.
Retention = 93%
National Registry Success = 68%
Placement = 86%
Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as ‘Employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military’. Positive placement is measured at completion of the program.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Lake Area Technical College’s curriculum for Med/Fire Rescue meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in South Dakota. Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. Prospective or current students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in the state you plan to work before beginning an affiliated academic program. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Med/Fire Rescue Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Med/Fire Rescue degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Med/Fire Rescue sector.
Firefighter
Graduates of the Med/Fire Rescue program can pursue careers as Firefighters, protecting lives, property, and communities through emergency response, fire suppression, and public safety education. In this role, you'll respond to emergencies, operate firefighting equipment, perform rescue operations, and work closely with your team in high-pressure situations. It's an excellent career path for individuals who thrive on teamwork, service, and making a difference when it matters most.
Where you might work:
• Municipal fire departments
• Rural fire districts
• Industrial fire brigades
• Airport fire and rescue departments
• Federal fire protection agencies
Firefighter/EMT
As a Firefighter/EMT, you'll combine firefighting responsibilities with emergency medical care, providing critical assistance during emergencies. Graduates can expect to respond to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, and rescue situations while delivering life-saving care before patients reach the hospital. This role offers a unique blend of public safety and healthcare service.
Where you might work:
• Municipal fire departments
• Fire-based EMS agencies
• Rural emergency response organizations
• Airport rescue and firefighting departments
• Industrial emergency response teams
Paramedic
Paramedics provide advanced emergency medical care to patients experiencing illness, injury, or trauma. In this role, you'll assess patients, administer medications, perform advanced medical procedures, and make critical decisions in fast-paced environments. This career is ideal for graduates who enjoy healthcare, problem-solving, and helping people during some of their most challenging moments.
Where you might work:
• Ambulance services
• Hospital-based EMS systems
• Fire departments
• Air medical transport organizations
• Emergency response agencies
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you'll be on the front lines of emergency care, responding to medical calls and providing immediate treatment and support. Graduates can expect to assess patients, provide basic life support, assist with patient transport, and work closely with paramedics, nurses, and physicians. This role serves as a strong foundation for careers in emergency medicine and public safety.
Where you might work:
• Ambulance services
• Hospital emergency departments
• Fire departments
• Private EMS providers
• Emergency response organizations
Wildland Firefighter
Wildland Firefighters help protect natural resources, communities, and public lands from the threat of wildfires. In this role, you'll work in challenging outdoor environments to contain and suppress fires, operate specialized equipment, and support fire prevention efforts. This career is well suited for graduates who enjoy physical work, teamwork, and working outdoors in dynamic conditions.
Where you might work:
• State wildfire agencies
• Federal land management agencies
• Forestry departments
• Wildland fire suppression contractors
• Conservation and natural resource organizations
Degree Pairings
Explore relevant classes and certificates below to see how they can increase hirability post-graduation.
Med/Fire Rescue+ Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate
August start only.
There is a fast-growing demand for workers who can operate and maintain uncrewed aircraft systems in our region. The Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate coursework will equip students with the necessary skills to be employed as uncrewed aerial system operators/pilots and technicians. Graduates will learn the laws and ethical procedures for operating Uncrewed Aerial Systems and will have the knowledge and skills to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Remote Pilot (Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate). Beginning fall 2025, Uncrewed Aerial Systems is an 18-credit, two-semester certificate delivered in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus components.
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"Lake Area Tech has such a vast range of options to choose from that everyone should be able to receive an education in a career field that they are passionate about."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $10,050 |
| State Fees | $3,375 |
| Departmental Fee | $4,876 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,325 |
| Course Fees | $197 |
| Uniform Fee | $450 |
| Books | $2,000 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $24,463 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $6,365 |
| State Fees | $2,138 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,572 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,473 |
| Course Fees | $97 |
| Uniform Fee | $450 |
| Books | $2,000 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $17,285 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $5,561 |
| State Fees | $1,868 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,486 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,287 |
| Course Fees | $97 |
| Books | $2,000 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $15,489 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $804 |
| State Fees | $270 |
| Departmental Fee | $504 |
| Campus Support Fee | $186 |
| Books | $650 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $3,604 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Med/Fire Rescue FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What skills will I learn in LATC’s Med/Fire Rescue program?
Students in Lake Area Technical College’s Med/Fire Rescue program develop essential skills for emergency response and patient care. Training includes emergency medical assessment, paramedic-level patient treatment, firefighting techniques, fire suppression, rescue operations, teamwork, communication, and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
How long does it take to complete the EMT and Fire Rescue degree at Lake Area Tech?
The Med/Fire Rescue associate degree program at Lake Area Technical College can be completed in approximately 20 months, or just under two years, through a structured combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experiences.
How does the program prepare students for real emergency response situations?
Students are prepared for real-world emergency response through simulation-based training, hands-on skill development, and supervised clinical experiences. Clinical training takes place in hospital and ambulance settings, where students work alongside professional crews and respond to real emergency calls.
What types of jobs can I apply for after graduating from LATC’s Med/Fire Rescue degree?
Graduates are prepared for high-demand careers as EMTs, Paramedics, and Firefighters. Additional employment opportunities may be available in healthcare settings such as emergency departments and related support roles, depending on credentials and employer requirements.
Does Lake Area Tech offer hands-on firefighting and paramedic training?
Yes. The Med/Fire Rescue program is a hands-on, skills-focused learning experience designed to prepare students for the physical, technical, and decision-making demands of firefighting and emergency medical services.
What equipment and training facilities are used in the Fire Rescue program?
The Med/Fire Rescue program operates its own ambulance and three fully operational fire trucks, all of which students use during training. In partnership with the City of Watertown, the program also utilizes an ever-growing training facility that includes multiple structures and specialized training props for realistic emergency scenarios.
Can I apply to the EMT and Fire Rescue program with no prior experience?
Yes. No prior experience is required to enter the Med/Fire Rescue program. However, students pursuing the Paramedic Hybrid option must be a current National Registry EMT in good standing at the time of entry.
What physical or academic requirements are needed to enroll in the Fire Rescue program?
There are no physical requirements to enter the Med/Fire Rescue program. The field is physically and mentally demanding, and students should be prepared for challenging coursework and training. Applicants with a criminal record are encouraged to speak with the Program Director to discuss individual circumstances.
Does Lake Area Tech help Fire Rescue and Paramedic graduates find employment?
Yes. Program faculty actively support students in securing employment, and many graduates are hired before graduation. The Med/Fire Rescue Advisory Board includes representatives from fire departments and EMS agencies that regularly seek LATC graduates to fill open positions.
Med/Fire Rescue Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
