Become an EMT in Texas by taking an EMT training course in Texas. There are more than 13,000 emergency medical technicians and paramedics employed in Texas earning more than $30,000 per year. EMT and Paramedics in Texas provide emergency medical services to the most diverse and one of the largest population in United States.
Texas is a large area with a big population. It’s the second largest state in the U.S. with more that 25 million residents and growing. There are several large cities in Texas including El Paso, Austin and Houston being the largest in the state and fourth largest in the country. Most of the population in Texas lives in metropolitan areas and large cities like Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and El Paso.
Texas EMS Trauma Systems
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMS Trauma Systems provides licensing for EMS providers, approving EMT courses and education programs, administering the EMT exams, technical assistance and compliance investigation.
There are several EMS levels of certification in Texas.
Emergency Care Attendant (ECA): The most basic emergency medical response with at least 40 hours of training in CPR, bleeding control, splinting, and oxygen delivery.
EMT-Basic: They can perform emergency medical care and basic life support techniques like CPR and bleeding control in a pre-hospital setting. Requires at least 140 hours of EMT training in Texas and pass the National Registry exam to get certified.
EMT-Intermediate: They can provide emergency medical care in a pre-hospital setting and perform an intravenous therapy, endoctra cheal, esophageal intubation, and other medical procedures under medical supervision. They need at least 160 hours of training and pass the NREMT exam to get certified.
EMT-P: The are able to provide emergency medical care and initiation and maintenance of advanced life support including electric cardiac defibrillation and cardioversion, drug therapy, and other medical procedure done by EMT-Intermediate under medical supervision. They require at least 624 hours of EMT Paramedic training, pass the National Registry test, and get certified.
Licensed Paramedic: They have the same skills and proficiency as a certified EMT-P in addition to an associate degree in EMS or bachelor’s degree from an accredited program or school.
EMT Training Programs in Texas
EMT training in Texas are available in EMS degree programs and many EMT courses are offered through technical programs and other approved programs. EMT training programs are approved and monitored by DSHS field offices all over the state of Texas.
Texas has around 50 schools offering EMT training courses with thousands of EMT students who go on to become EMTs, Paramedics, etc. Most of the schools offer associates and/or certificate EMT courses based on the Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum.
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- Austin Community College
- Emergency Medical Training Services (EMTS)
- Houston Community College
- Life Ambulance EMS Academy
- University of Texas Health Science Center
- Weatherford College
You can get the updated lists of approved EMT courses and programs with contact information and other important information at the resource section of the Texas DSHS site.
Classes may last for four to five months or a whole semester and are offered in the evening twice a week and sometimes including a weekend.There are also classes offered during the day and online that meet only for skills and testing. Mandatory clinical and rotations may include shifts with area 911 EMS services, hospital emergency departments, hospital labor and delivery wards, and ambulance transfer services.
Course fee can range from $1,000 to more than $2,000 depending on various factors.
EMT Training Requirements
Before attending class, you should at least meet the following requirements.
- Must be 18 years old
- Must have high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Must show proof of certain disease immunities/vaccinations
- Must pass a criminal background check
Some offer CPR training along with the course while others require that you are recently certified in CPR at a healthcare provider level.
To take advanced training if you want to become an EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic, you’ll need to be a certified EMT-Basic first, enrolled in a EMT-Basic course, or eligible to take the National Registry exam.
Texas EMT State Certification
You need to be at least 18 years old to be certified and have complete high school or GED certificate. After you’ve passed your EMS training course, the NREMT will be notified by your coordinator. You should then create an application at the NREMT website and pay your fees. You’ll then receive your Authorization to take the Test which you’ll need to schedule an examination through PearsonVUE. After you’ve taken the certification test, NREMT will notify the DSHS of the results.
You must pass the National Registry exam to be qualified for state certification. The application process for certification or licensure can take about four to six weeks. You can submit the application with fee online or by mail. You can check or monitor the status of your certification at [LINK]. If you’re applying for a paramedic licensure, you’ll need to submit proof of a 2 year EMS degree or a 4 year degree in any field.
The DSHS conducts criminal background checks to anyone applying for the first time or renewing their certification or licensure. Having a criminal history does not mean you cannot get licensed or certified but a more thorough explanation and documentation of the conviction is necessary. Be sure to indicate in your application if you have a criminal history since failing to do so will be grounds for denial. You many not receive or be denied of certification if you are a convicted felon of a crime that relates to the duties and responsibilities of an EMT.
If you’re from another state and would like to work as an EMT in Texas, you’ll need to be currently certified by your state.
Recertification
You can renew your certification through Texas online three to four months before expiration. The application takes about the same time to process as with the initial certification.
There are several options or procedure when renewing your certificate or license.
NREMT Examination: You’ll need to schedule the National Registry Assessment Exam and pay testing fee for the National Registry and state application fee. You must pass with at least a score of 70%, if you fail you can take it again but you can’t choose another option for recertification.
Continuing Education: You should only take state approved CE programs and take only specified content areas. You must meet the required hours in each content area and complete the total requirement anytime during the four-year certification period. The continuing education courses are monitored and approved by DSHS EMS throughout the state.
Here are some methods you can use to accrue CE hours:
- Ongoing state approved CE courses in your area.
- National or standardized CE courses.
- Independent study.
- Authorship.
- Academic courses.
- Instruction of approved initial training and CE courses.
You can find the updated list of approved CE programs at Texas DSHS resource page.
National Registry: You must have a National Registry certification when you renew your state certificate. You’ll need your National Registry number and expiration date on your application.
Formal Recertification Course: You can complete the course anytime between the four-year certification period. The minimum hours for ECA, EMT, EMT-I, and EMT-P are 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours respectively.
Comprehensive Clinical Management Program (CCMP)
Remember, after EMT training in Texas, you need to pass the National Registry exam and get state certification or licensure in Texas before you can work as an EMT in Texas.
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