Becoming a Paramedic or EMT is a worthy career goal. Yet, before beginning one most realize that the process is a thorough one, this ensures that those responding to emergencies have the knowledge and skills to provide the needed assistance. If you are looking to continue your career in Texas here is an overview of what you can expect.
Texas has five levels of Paramedic and EMT certification
Here are the five listed lowest to highest:
- Emergency care attendant (ECA)
- EMT-basic
- EMT-intermediate
- EMT-P
- Licensed Paramedic
Steps to Becoming a Paramedic in Texas
STEP # 1
- Be at least 18 years old
STEP # 2
- Complete high school or GED certificate
STEP #3
- Successful completion of a DSHS approved EMS training course
- Currently the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is a programmatic postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and carries out its accrediting activities in cooperation with 19 review committees (Committees on Accreditation). CAAHEP currently accredits over 2100 entry level education programs in 23 health science professions.
- You can get a list of Accredited Programs in Texas – http://www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/
STEP #4
- Submit Texas EMS Personnel Certification Application and fee
- Application processing takes approximately four to six weeks.
- Submit the initial certification/licensure application for EMS personnel with fee, if not exempt, to: Texas Department of State Health Services, Attn: Cash Receipts Branch, MC2003, PO Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347
- Electronic application and fee submission is available through Regulatory Services Online Licensing System.
STEP #5
- Pass National Registry exam
- The single most important goal of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is to offer assurance that EMS personnel providing treatment to patients—at their highest moment of need—are competent.
- Find out more about the exam here – http://www.nremt.org/
This is an overview of the process for more information that best place to start is here
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