How To Become An EMT In Texas
Becoming an EMT in Texas will follow a similar set of steps as many other states. EMT training in Texas begins by taking an approved emergency medical technician (EMT) program and then passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exams. The next step is to apply for a Texas EMT license by meeting all the state requirements and sending in an application.
This page will discuss how to become an EMT in Texas by going through each step in the process. You can find lists of requirements for getting accepted into Texas EMT schools, applying for your state license, and getting your Texas EMT certification.
Texas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are currently certified at one of five levels, which are all listed below.
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Office of EMS – Trauma Systems is the state agency that handles EMS certification and licensure in Texas. In fact, the office handles the needs of about 61,000 EMS personnel in the state.
Texas EMS Certification Levels
• Emergency Care Attendant (ECA)
• EMT-Basic (EMT-B)
• Advanced EMT (AEMT)
• EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P)
• Licensed Paramedic
EMT Training Texas
Texas EMT training will teach candidates to respond to emergencies in a pre-hospital environment using basic life support skills. EMT’s will treat and transport sick and injured patients within the Texas EMS system.
An Emergency Care Attendant (ECA) in Texas must become certified with a minimum of 40 hours of training in bleeding control, CPR, oxygen therapy, and splinting.
EMTs provide an invaluable link between the healthcare system and the scene of an accident or injury. Texas EMT training will prepare students to recognize emergency situations, manage airways, splint injuries, bandage wounds and transport patients when necessary.
Texas Paramedics go through at least 624 hours of advanced training that will focus on advanced life support for patients. Paramedics will be trained in topics like pharmacology, fluid therapy, advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, and use of Automatic External Defibrillators.
EMT Schools In Texas
EMT schools in Texas will usually require students to attend classroom learning, hospital clinicals, and ambulance rotations. However, it’s possible to do the classroom portion online at certain EMT training programs.
EMT students will be taught important skills like patient assessment, airway management, wound care, and spinal immobilization. After completing an EMT school in Texas, candidates will be competent at taking vital signs, getting a patient history, handling traumas, and scene management.
Texas EMT training begins by finding an approved schooling program for whatever EMS level you want to train for.
EMT programs in Texas are offered through colleges, universities, technical schools and other EMT training programs located throughout the state.
A good Texas EMT program will prepare graduates to quickly respond to emergency situations and provide life-saving care along with transportation to the sick and injured.
Texas EMS training programs should be approved by your local field office and Paramedic programs must be accredited. For details on EMS courses available in your area, contact your local EMS field office.
Texas EMS Field Offices
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DHSH) has many EMS field offices located throughout the state. DSHS field offices can handle many things including EMS licensing, EMS course approvals, and help with EMS training program information.
Texas has EMS offices separated into four service areas, which are labeled as groups. These are the North group, East group, South group and Central group, and they are pictured on the map below.
You can also find local EMS offices listed on the Texas DHSH website.
