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

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.

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)

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

Occupations

Occupational Profiles

Gainful Employment Disclosure (Certificate)

Gainful Employment Disclosure (Advanced/Paramedic Level I)

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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

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 is pending CAAHEP and CoAEMSP accreditation. The Paramedic program is currently under the LOR status from the CoAEMSP #600954.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs

9355 113th St. N, #7790
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)

8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
(214) 703-8445
FAX: (214) 703-8992
www.coaemsp.org