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Emergency Medical Services Certificate Basic & Paramedic Level One and Paramedic A.A.S. (51.0904)

Emergency Medical Services Certificate Basic & Paramedic Level One and Paramedic A.A.S. (51.0904)


Faculty and Staff

A Mondragon
Armando Mondragon
Division Chair,
Applied Sciences
Email
(830) 758-4106
(830) 591-7274
J Estrada
Judy F. Estrada
Division Chair,
Applied Sciences

Email
(830) 591-7288
L Gonzalez
Luis Gonzalez
Emergency Medical Technician
Program Director
Email
(830) 758-4137
Eagle Pass
A Page
April L. Page
Clinical Coordinator / Instructor
Email
(830) 591-7266
Uvalde
P Rios
Priscilla A. Rios
Instructor
Email
(830) 591-4065
Uvalde

Welcome to the Emergency Medical Services Program

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a branch of medicine known as the "Prehospital Care Providers."  Emergency Medical Personnel are trained to administer medical care to the sick and injured in pre-hospital situations.

Goal

To prepare competent entry-level Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, with exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technology (intermediate), and Emergency Medical Technician/Basic and Emergency Medical Responder/First Responder levels.

Purpose

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Programs include courses that lead to a Certificate Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B), Level 1 Certificate Advanced Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (LP).

The EMT Certificate is a one semester program that prepares students for certification by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Upon successful completion of the program and certifications, students will possess the basic knowledge and skills necessary to stabilize and safely transport patients ranging from non-emergency and routine medical transports to life threatening emergencies.

Description of the Profession

The Emergency Medical Technician's scope of practice includes basic skills focused on the acute management and transportation of critical and emergent patients. This may occur at an emergency scene until transportation resources arrive, from an emergency scene to a health care facility, between health care facilities, or in other health care settings. Emergency Medical Technicians' scope of practice includes basic, non-invasive interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with acute out-of-hospital medical and traumatic emergencies. Emergency care is based on assessment findings.

The Emergency Medical Technician level is the minimum licensure level for personnel transporting patients in ambulances. The scope of practice is limited to basic skills that are effective and can be performed safely in an out-of-hospital setting with medical oversight and limited training.

The Paramedic Certificate is a one-year three semester program that prepares students for certification by Texas Department of State health Services (DSHS and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians). Upon successful completion of the program and certifications, students will possess the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system.

The AAS Paramedic Program is a two-year program that prepares students for certification by NREMT – Licensed Paramedic. Upon successful completion of the program and certifications, students will possess complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system.

Description of the Profession

The Paramedic is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. The Paramedic's scope of practice includes basic and advanced skills focused on the acute management and transportation of the broad range of patients who access the emergency medical system. This may occur at an emergency scene until transportation resources arrive, from an emergency scene to a health care facility, between health care facilities, or in other health care settings.


Admission Requirements

Students are admitted through regular college admission procedures (see Admission Regulations section). The Level 1 Certificates are TSI exempt; however, those not meeting Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements are encouraged to enroll in the appropriate developmental course(s). Those seeking an Associate of Applied Science Degree – Paramedic MUST be TSI complete.

Program Application Process – applicant must meet the following requirements:

  1. Fulfill admission requirements for and be admitted to Southwest Texas Junior College.
  2. Must hold a valid driver’s license.
  3. Must provide a copy of their high school diploma, GED and/or transcripts.
  4. Evidence of all immunizations or acceptable titer levels, in writing, as required by the Texas Department of Health to include TB-Skin Test, Hepatitis-B Series and Meningitis. Written evidence of negative Tuberculin screen or negative chest x-ray.  Documentation must be within 12 months of the training session. Hepatitis-B series, Meningitis, 2 MMR (mumps/ measles, and rubella) or a positive titer, 2 Varicella or a positive titer, and a current flu vaccine.
  5. Must hold a current BLS Provider CPR Card valid thru the training period.
  6. Students are required to carry liability insurance throughout the program. The fee for this insurance is included in the admission fees.
  7. A background check must be completed prior to applying to the program and provide a coy with the application packet. Students may obtain a background check through https://www.dps.texas.gov/ ($3.00). Students with any criminal convictions might not be eligible to test for the state exam or National Registry test. If you have questions, please call the DSHS EMS Criminal Background Investigation Department at (512) 834-6746.
  8. Drug screen must be completed through a licensed physician or through Texas Alcohol and Drug Testing. Prices vary depending on your physician.
  9. Those seeking a Level 2 Advanced Certificate and the A.A.S. Paramedic, must be a NREMT – Basic.

Upon Acceptance into the EMS Program

Once a student has been accepted into the EMS program, the following purchases need to be made:

  • Uniform purchase must be made with 3D Impressions: (prices subject to change)
  • Royal blue polo shirt with the program embroidered on the upper left breast and the student’s name and program level over the right upper breast.
  • Black tactical pants (no specific vendor)
  • Black belt
  • Black duty boots (no specific vendor)

Objectives/Program Outcomes

Students graduating from a Department of Emergency Health Sciences program must meet the essential function requirements of the academic program and profession. The program consists of academic study and clinical experience. The student will possess the skills and attributes necessary to perform as a professional before graduation from the program.

Students who graduate from the Emergency Health Sciences programs will be able to:

  • communicate effectively, think critically, and assimilate into their community successfully
  • demonstrate personal behaviors and attitudes consistent with and appropriate to the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care
  • meet the community’s need for advanced life support personnel in a variety of settings
  • work in various occupational settings relating to emergency health services
  • understand theoretical foundations of the profession, and
  • synthesize knowledge from the basic sciences, social sciences, humanities, and pre-hospital emergency science to conceptualize and resolve patient and health care delivery problems.
  • Paramedic Program Licensure Pass Rate

Program of Study

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Level One Certificate add

Program of Study

Fall Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Level One Certificate Program of Study
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 1501 Emergency Medical Technician 5
EMSP 14551 Trauma Management 4
EMSP 14561 Patient Assessment and Airway
Management 4
EMSP 13601,2 Clinical - Emergency Medical Technician 3
Total Credit Hours for Level I Certificate 16

Notes:

  1. Certified EMT - Basic: students enrolled in Paramedic program can earn Advanced Placement Credit for this course
  2. Capstone course that consolidates the student's learning experiences.
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Level One Certificate add

Program of Study

Spring Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Level One Certificate Program of Study Spring Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 1338 Introduction to Advanced Practice 3
EMSP 2434 Medical Emergencies 4
EMSP 2260 Clinical - Emergency Medical Technology/
Technician (EMT Paramedic) 2
Total 9

Fall Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Level One Certificate Program of Study Fall Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 2306 Emergency Pharmacology 3
EMSP 2444 Cardiology 4
EMSP 2261 Clinical - Emergency Medical Technology/
Technician (EMT Paramedic) 2
Total 9

Spring Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Level One Certificate Program of Study Spring Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 2330 Special Populations 3
EMSP 2243 Assessment Based Management 2
EMSP 2135 Advanced Cardiac Life Support 1
EMSP 23641 Practicum (or Field Experience) - Emergency
Medical Technology/Technician (EMT
Paramedic) 3
Total 9
Total Credit Hours for Level 1 Certificate 18

Notes:

  1. Capstone course that consolidates the student's learning experiences.
π All students are required to take EDUC 1300/COLS 0300; however, EDUC 1300/COLS 0300 do not count toward degree requirements.
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree add
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree
General Education Courses Credit
Social & Behavioral Sciences 3
Humanities & Fine Arts 3
Natural Science & Math 11
Total General Education Courses 17
Technical Education Courses 43
Total Credit Hours for A.A.S. 60

Program of Study

First Year

Fall Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree - Program of Study First Year Fall Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EDUC 1300π Learning Framework
or
COLS 0300 College Success Skills
EMSP 15011 Emergency Medical Technician 5
EMSP 14551 Trauma Management 4
EMSP 14561 Patient Assessment and Airway
Management 4
EMSP 13601 Clinical - Emergency Medical 
Technology/(EMT Paramedic) 3
Total 16

Spring Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree - Program of Study First Year Spring Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 1338 Introduction to Advanced Practice 3
EMSP 2434 Medical Emergencies 4
EMSP 22602 Clinical - Emergency Medical 
Technology/Technician
(EMT Paramedic) 2
Total 9

Second Year

Fall Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree - Program of Study Second Year Fall Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 2306 Emergency Pharmacology 3
EMSP 2444 Cardiology 4
EMSP 2261 Clinical - Emergency Medical Technology/
Technician (EMT Paramedic) 2
Total 9

Spring Semester

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree - Program of Study Second Year Spring Semester
Course Number Title Credit
EMSP 2330 Special Populations 3
EMSP 2243 Assessment Based Management 2
EMSP 2135 Advanced Cardiac Life Support 1
EMSP 2364 Practicum (or Field Experience) - Emergency
Medical Technology/Technician (EMT
Paramedic) 3
Total 9

Academic Courses

Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree - Program of Study Academic Courses
Course Number Title Credit
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
MATH 1314 College Algebra 3
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
Total 17
Total Credit Hours for A.A.S. 60

Notes:

  1. Certified EMT - Basic students can earn Advanced Placement Credit for this course.
π All students are required to take EDUC 1300 or COLS 0300; however, EDUC 1300/COLS 0300 do not count toward degree requirements.

Program Outcomes

  1. Safely perform technical proficiency in all the skills necessary to fulfill the role of an EMT-Paramedic.
  2. Comprehend, apply, and evaluate the role of an EMT-Paramedic
  3. Interpret and apply Emergency Medical Services and general medical knowledge necessary to function in a healthcare setting.
  4. Implement the standards of care related to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Paramedic certification exam.

Program Requirements and Admission Process

Students must meet regular college admission requirements (see Admission Regulations section), meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college-ready requirements and satisfy the following additional application requirements:

  1. Evidence of good physical and mental health as reflected by a recent physical exam (within the past 6 months). The exam must include the following documentation:
    1. Proof of negative TB skin test or chest x-ray results.
    2. Up-to-date immunization record to include the following1
      • Measles
      • Mumps
      • Rubella
      • Varicella
      • Tetanus 
    3. The first of three injections in the Hepatitis B vaccination series2.
  1. Proof of American Heart Association (AHA) CPR for Health Care Providers (adult, infant, and child) prior to the first day of class.
  2. Submit to urine drug screening and criminal background check as directed by a program official.
  3. Students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program must also submit an annual TB skin test completed prior to the date of the initial TB skin test when admitted to the program.
  4. Fulfill admission requirements for and be admitted to Southwest Texas Junior College.
  5. Must hold a current Texas NREMT EMT or AEMT Certification.
  6. Must be in good standing with Texas Department of Health EMS Compliance. 

Eligibility for NR/DSHS Certification

The National Register (NR) or EMT-P and Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the credentialing organization for Emergency Medical Technicians. In order to become nationally certified (NR) and to receive (DSHS) certified EMT-P license graduates of the program must pass the respective exams. Completion of all program didactic and clinical requirements DOES NOT guarantee eligibility to take the NR/DSHS examination. Eligibility is also dependent upon national criminal background checks. Some issues, but not all may include:

  1. Conviction of a crime, which includes felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor, with the only exceptions being speeding and parking violations.
  2. Alcohol and/or drug related violations.
  3. Military court-martials.
  4. Violations or sanctions related to the academic honor code.

For more information, please visit the following website www.dshs.state.tx.us.

Notes:

  1. Proof of immunizations must be official laboratory reports (titers) or an official immunization record. All immunizations are required.
  2. Hepatitis B vaccination series must be completed within the first year of the program.


Tuition and Fees

Standard tuition and fees are assessed to each student as indicated in Finances section.  Lab and uniform fees are also assessed.  (see Course Descriptions section).


Emergency Medical Services Resources

Occupations

Occupational Profiles

Gainful Employment Disclosure (Certificate)

Gainful Employment Disclosure (Advanced/Paramedic Level I)

Texas Reality Check

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Emergency Medical Technician Program Costs

$5,450 for in-state tuition and fees

$11,355 for out-of-state tuition and fees

$1,199 for books and supplies

$6,649 for off-campus room and board

$14,144 for on-campus room and board


Accreditation Agencies

The SWTJC EMS Program is an accredited initial EMS Advance Education Program through Texas Department of State Health Services # 600146

Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
Phone: (512) 834-6700
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/default.shtm 

The SWTJC Paramedic Program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP Executive Office). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status. It is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation Standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. The Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

To contact CoAEMSP Executive Office: 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312 Rowlett, TX 75088 214-703-8445 FAX 214-703-8992 www.coaemsp.org


Visit with Your Success Coach

Visit with Your Success Coach

Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.

Schedule an Appointment

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Cruz O. Mata
Dr. Antonio H. and Gloria Rivera Campus
215 W. Zavala Street
Crystal City, TX 78839
alt="" comata@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 374-2828

Crystal City - Monday - Wednesday & Friday

Pearsall - Thursday

Crystal City Last Name A - L: 
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Pearsall: 
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Idalia DeLaCruz
Dr. Antonio H. and Gloria Rivera Campus
215 W. Zavala Street
Crystal City, TX 78839
alt="" idelacruz@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 374-2828

Crystal City Last Name M - Z:
alt="" Schedule an Appointment

Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Teresa Crow.

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Please choose from a virtual appointment or an in-person appointment by clicking on the link to schedule an appointment with your Success Coach.

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Eva De Anda
Charles and Polly Chandler Student Services Building (Building C), Office 116
207 Wildcat Drive
Del Rio, TX 78840
alt="" ekdeanda@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 703-1593

Del Rio:
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Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Eva De Anda.

International students, please schedule your appointment with Eva De Anda.

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Areli Fisher
Administration & Student Services Building
3101 Bob Rogers Drive
Eagle Pass, TX 78852
alt="" afisher@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 758-4167

Eagle Pass Last Name A - K:
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A Herrera

Alexya M. Herrera
Administration & Student Services Building
3101 Bob Rogers Drive
Eagle Pass, TX 78852
alt="" amherrera2@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 758-4156

Eagle Pass Last Name L - Z:
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Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Alexya M. Herrera.

Veteran students, please choose any Advisor.

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Olivia Guerrero-Rish
Virtual Appointments

alt="" olguerrero-rish@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 591-7276

Hondo:
alt="" Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Teresa Crow.

Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.

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Olivia Guerrero-Rish
Fly Memorial Building (Building S)
2401 Garner Field Road
Uvalde, TX 78801
alt="" olguerrero-rish@swtjc.edu
alt="" (830) 591-7276

Uvalde:
alt="" Schedule an Appointment

Disability Support Services students, please schedule your appointment with Teresa Crow.

Veteran students, please contact our Veteran Affairs Certifying Official to schedule an appointment.