Emergency Medical Services

Paramedic Certificate

EMT-Paramedic takes only one semester to finish. You must be Texas certified as an EMT-I within the first six weeks of the beginning of class. 

EMT-P is currently only offered one semester a year. All deadlines (registration, financial aid, etc) are identical to those found in the COM Academic Calendar. Upon completion, students must take a state certification exam to become eligible to work in the state of Texas.

Call for information about the Mandatory Orientation generally held the week prior to classes starting.

Prerequisites

1. Minimum reading score of 62 (reading grade 10.5) on the ACCUPLACER test or equivalent.
2. Math testing scores indicating the student is eligible to enroll in Math 0320 or above.
3. Cleared background check, required by the Texas DSHS for certification and clinical sites for student attendance. Texas DSHS will not certify a candidate with certain background problems. Additionally, clinical sites may not accept students with lesser violations. If you have questions, contact Kris Kern, clinical coordinator.
4. Physical evaluation and clearance by a physician. See form here.
5. American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR (AHA-HCP CPR) certification is required prior to attending clinicals; it is also required prior to certification testing by NREMT. The class is offered through COM—see the Continuing Education Catalog. It is also possible to find local fire departments, hospitals and companies that offer the class. Just ensure the class is AHA CPR (not Red Cross CPR).
6. All other College requirements (placement testing, meningitis vaccine, etc.).

Curriculum

EMT-Intermediate classes are approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The program exceeds NHTSA National EMS Scope of Practice and Education Standards and includes classroom lectures and activities; hands-on, life-saving skills training; and scenario-based practice.  Additionally, students attend on-site clinical training at hospitals and with area ambulance services. The curriculum is incorporated into the following courses:

• EMSP 2248—Pharmacology
• EMSP 2444—Cardiology
• EMSP 2434—Medical Emergencies
• EMSP 2330—Special Populations
• EMSP 2143—Assessment-Based Management
• EMSP 2360—Clinical-Emergency Medical EMT Paramedic
• EMSP 2268—Practicum/Field Experience-Emergency Medical Technology/Technician II ("Internship")

Note: These courses are web-enhanced, i.e. course materials and study aids are available online through COM’s Blackboard Learning System.

The syllabus may help you with additional questions regarding the program.

Course Completion

Upon successful completion of required elements, students are "authorized to test" via the National Registry online system. Also, an initial application must be made to the Texas DSHS. Students must also demonstrate skills proficiency at a National Registry-sanctioned event (in person). COM makes every effort to sponsor such events in a timely manner. Students also have the option to take NR Skills anywhere it is available.

Current Cost

• Students who did not complete prior training in our program will need to purchase uniforms, which cost approximately $150.
• The book for EMT-I is also used in the paramedic curriculum.

Textbooks

You may purchase the textbooks anywhere you choose.

• Nancy Caroline’s Emergency Care in the Streets, 7^th Edition (Jones and Bartlett) ISBN: 978-1-4496-4586-1
• Nancy Caroline’s Emergency Care in the Streets, 7^th Edition  (Student Workbook)ISBN: 978-0763744120
• Clinical Packet (COM Press—only available at on-campus bookstore)

Uniforms

Previous students of the program will already have the required uniform components which includes:

• COM polo shirt
• Black EMT Pants
• Stethoscope
• Black belt
• Black work shoes or boots

Financial Aid/Scholarships/Other Funding Sources

In order to receive financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the COM Financial Aid Application, regardless of the type of financial aid sought. Veterans should contact the Financial Aid Office directly for additional guidance in Veterans Affairs.

Another possible source of funding is the COM Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization that distributes a wide variety of need and non-need-based scholarships. Look under the category "Public Service Careers" for those scholarships designated specifically for EMS candidates. The deadline to apply is generally inlate July.

Students may also qualify for receive grants from Texas Public Education Grant. (Note: The FAFSA application determines eligibility for these grants.) The College for All Texans website may give you additional suggestions such as Veteran’s and Texas Workforce (see subtitle B here) benefits.  As always, contact the experts in the Financial Aid Office at 409-933-8274 for additional information.

Application and Registration Procedures

Prospective EMS students must first

• Apply to College of the Mainland. Applications generally take three to five business days to process. You may check the status of your application by calling the Office of Admissions and Records (409-933-8264).
• A checklist of additional requirements (preenrollment testing, verification of vaccines, etc) can be found here.
• Allnew students must see an academic advisor prior to registration. The Allied Health Advisor is Theo Moody.
• Finally, register for classes!  Because the paramedic curriculum includes excessive semester-hours, you will need to pick up a registration form from the Public Service Careers building and then take it to registration to register in person.

Still need help? Contact us!