The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs at Grayson College offer three levels of EMS education: the EMT Occupational Skills Award, the EMT to Paramedicine Level 2 Certificate, and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paramedicine.

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program’s mission is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels. The curriculum includes classroom, skills labs, simulation labs, and clinical courses. Students must satisfactorily complete all the EMSP courses in each semester concurrently in order to progress to the next semester of the program, and all semesters must be taken in sequence. Acceptance into the program is required to take the EMSP courses.

Successful completion of an EMS Program will prepare the student for the National Registry Certification exam, to obtain state licensure, and to gain employment as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic.

Detailed information about the program is provided in an information packet, available by sending an email request to EMS@grayson.edu.

The following general information about the EMS program is current at the time of printing, but all information is subject to change without notice or obligation.

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Core Performance Standards/Physical and Mental Capabilities

• EMS personnel must have the ability to communicate verbally via telephone and radio equipment;
• ability to lift, carry and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance);
• ability to interpret written, oral and diagnostic instructions;
• ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations;
• ability to work effectively in an environment with loud noises and flashing lights;
• ability to function efficiently throughout an entire work shift;
• ability to calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print under life threatening time constraints;
• ability to read and understand English language manuals and road maps;
• ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers;
• ability to interview patient, family members and bystanders;
• ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such;
• ability to converse in English with coworkers and hospital staff as to the status of patients. 
• EMS personnel should possess good manual dexterity, with the ability to perform all tasks related to highest quality patient care;
• the ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven terrain and the ability to withstand varied environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold and moisture is vital; and
• The ability to work in low-light, confined spaces, and other dangerous environments is required.

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Paramedic Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Integrate comprehensive knowledge to improve the health of EMS personnel, patients, and the community.
2. Safely and effectively perform all psychomotor skills within the national and state scope of practice for the paramedic.
3. Model exemplary professional behavior including integrity, empathy, communication, teamwork/diplomacy, respect, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service in clinical practice settings.

 

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Award, Certificate & Degree Options

Emergency Medical Technician – Occupational Skills Award

The EMT must demonstrate competency in handling emergencies utilizing all Basic Life Support equipment and skills in accordance with all behavioral objectives in the Department of Transportation/ EMT curriculum. The program includes classroom, laboratory, hospital and field instruction. This course can be completed in one semester.

EMT to Paramedicine – Level 2 Certificate of Completion

The minimum curriculum includes all content required by the current national paramedic education standards and competencies as defined by the Department of Transportation which address the following areas: Preparatory, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, Life Span Development, Public Health, Pharmacology, Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation, Assessment, Medicine, Shock and Resuscitation, Trauma, Special Patient Populations, and EMS Operations. The program includes classroom, laboratory, simulation, hospital and field instruction. 

Paramedic – Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science degree is identical to the Certificate of Completion for the Paramedic, but also includes the general education coursework required to be awarded the 60-hour Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedicine.

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Eligibility for Certification or Licensure

Eligibility for Certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)

The National Registry does not issue a permit to work or license to practice and does not warrant job performance of applicants and EMS professionals.

Eligibility for Certification

• Successful completion of a state-approved EMS training course that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards.
• Candidates must have completed the course within the past two years and the course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the National Registry website.
• Have a current CPR-BLS for "Healthcare Provider" or equivalent credential.
• Successful completion of the National Registry EMT cognitive (knowledge) examination and a state approved psychomotor (skills) examination.
• Passed portions of the cognitive and psychomotor exam remain valid for 24 months provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
• All National Registry fees are the responsibility of the student.
• For more information see NREMT.org

Eligibility for Certification with the Texas Department of State Health Services

Requirements for Initial Certification/Licensure

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Successful completion of a DSHS approved course EMS training course
• Submit a completed EMS personnel certification application and fee (paid for by student)
• Pass National Registry Exam
• Submit fingerprints for Texas/FBI criminal history check.

For more information see Certification/Licensure Information (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/dshs-ems-trauma-systems/ems-personnel-certification-licensure/initial-certification-licensure) 

For questions regarding Eligibility, please contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at EMSCert@dshs.texas.gov; 512-834-6734 (phone).

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Transfer of EMT Coursework 

Students who completed EMT coursework at a college or university other than GC must submit official transcripts from each college or university previously attended to the GC Office of Admissions and Records. EMT coursework completed via continuing education or a training site other than at Grayson College must be approved by the Director of EMS Education for credit award. Minimum documentation required for the approval process includes a copy of the initial course completion and copy of current certification and/or licensure. Other documents may be required depending on individual circumstances. Paramedic courses are non-transferable and credit awards will not be granted.

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EMS Advanced Placement and Experiential Learning Policy

The Grayson College EMS Program recognizes that some individuals applying to the Paramedic program may come with other medical licensure and/or experiences. However, advanced placement of students into the program or credit awarded for experiential learning is not permitted to maintain the continuity and consistency of the program. Therefore, all those seeking admittance into the program, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, or other allied health professionals, will apply through the standard application process and adhere to all attendance and course policies.

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Contact information regarding program accreditation

The Grayson College EMS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (www.coaemsp.org) with the goal "To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession."

Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession (CoAEMSP)
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-213
Rowlett, Texas
214.703.8445
CoAEMSP Website (Opens new window)

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Gina Scarboro, DBA, CCA
Executive Director
9355 - 113th Street North #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350 (phone)
727.210.2354 (fax)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Website (Opens new window)