how to become emt in texas

Become an EMT or Paramedic in Texas

Texas is one of the largest states in the United States, both in terms of population and area. With large urban centers like Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, as well as rural communities, Texas offers a diverse environment for individuals interested in pursuing a career as an EMT or paramedic.

Before working as an EMT or paramedic in Texas you must meet the state requirements. These include:

• Completion of a state approved EMT or Paramedic training program
• Successful completion of the National Registry Exam

Prerequisites

To become an EMT in Texas, you must meet the following requirements in addition to completing a training program:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• You must have a valid driver’s license recognized by Texas law enforcement authorities and your local medical director (the medical doctor who oversees your education and training).
• You must have successfully completed a CPR course for healthcare providers within the past two years (many EMT training programs include this course as part of their curriculum).
• Finally, you must not have any misdemeanor or felony convictions on your record that would prevent you from being licensed as an EMT by the state of Texas (if you’re concerned about whether something happened in your past might affect your ability to become an EMT, contact DSHS before beginning the application process).

Steps to become a State of Texas Licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

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Step 1 obtain a high school diploma or GED

• Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete an accredited EMT training program.
• Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and receive your certification as an EMT-Basic (EMT-B).
• Submit your application to get licensed as an EMT in Texas.

Step 2 apply for admission to an approved EMT course.

The next step is to apply for admission to an EMT course. Approved EMT courses are available through community colleges, universities, hospitals, and ambulance services. You may also attend a class online. The course must be approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and cover the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards as set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most programs accept high school graduates or those who hold a GED certificate; some require that you have taken either English composition or college-level biology classes prior to entering their program. An EMS training program typically lasts approximately 150 hours, though some are longer. Courses will include instruction on topics such as:

• Airway management
• Lifting and moving victims
• Assessing patients
• Managing cardiac arrest

Step 3 complete an EMT course and clinical hours.

Step 3: Complete an EMT course and clinical hours

You will need to pass a state-approved EMT course to become licensed. You should contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at 512-231-5700 or their website www.dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/education/course_information.aspx to find out if the educational training program you are considering is approved by the state of Texas.

An approved educational training program must meet minimum hours in each of the following categories: didactic (120), laboratory (36), and clinical (48). For more information about approved programs, visit www.dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/education/approved_programs_listing_by_level_.aspx.

You can also contact your local ambulance service for more information on how to obtain an Emergency Medical Technician card.

Step 4 take the NREMT exam.

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Step 5 submit your application packet and fingerprints to TDSHS.

Now that you have completed the EMT training course and passed the NREMT exam, you are ready to submit an application packet to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). The TDSHS will evaluate your application materials and, if you pass muster, will issue you a provisional certificate of registration as an Emergency Medical Technician.

In order to complete your packet, make sure that you include:

• your completed online application form;

• proof of completion from your accredited EMT training program;

• proof of completion from your health care provider CPR or BCLS class;

• proof of completion from your TCFP-approved driver safety instruction class; and

• payment for the fees due based on the level of certification sought (payable by check or money order).

Step 6 receive your state license as an EMT.

Once you have taken and passed the NREMT exam, you can receive your state license as an EMT. You must continue to maintain your license by taking continuing education courses.