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 Level 1 Certificate Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B), Level 1 Certificate Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) –Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P).

The EMT Basic Level 1 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.

The EMT Paramedic Level 1 Certificate is a three semester program that prepares students for certification by Texas Department of State health Services (DSHS) and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT-P). 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 Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. EMT 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 emergency patients who access the emergency medical system.

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)

1. Recognize the nature and seriousness of the patient’s condition or extent of injuries to assess requirements for emergency medical care.
2. Administer appropriate emergency medical care based on assessment findings of the patient’s condition.
3. Perform basic non-invasive skills – lift, move, position and otherwise handle the patient to minimize discomfort and prevent further injury.
4. Perform safely and effectively the expectations of the Texas Department of State Health Services-approved curriculum.
5. Implement the standards of care related to the Texas Department of State Health
6. Implement the standards of care related to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P) – Paramedic certification exam

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