Dallas College

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)


3 Certificates 1 Associate Degree
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Are you interested in a rewarding, fast-paced career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives? The EMS program at Dallas College offers hands-on training that prepares you for the realities of working in emergency medicine.

With certification programs for both Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic, Dallas College gives you the skills to enter the field and the opportunity to advance your career.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at a Glance

Dallas College offers many different ways to reach your career goals. Whether you want to jump into the workforce quickly or spend more time building advanced skills, we have the programs that fit your needs and timeline.

Certificate Programs

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$891-$4,158

Estimated time to complete1:

4-8 months

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley
  • Richland3

Associate Degrees

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$5,940

Estimated time to complete1:

2 years

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley3

Which Degrees and Certificates are Right for Me?

Credit Certificates

Dallas College offers credit certificates that provide focused, career-ready skills recognized by employers.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Associate Degrees

Dallas College's associate degrees provide a strong academic foundation for career entry or transfer to a four-year institution.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Questions About Degrees and Certificates?

We know applying to college can be confusing. If you are not yet a Dallas College student, you have a whole team of recruitment coaches to help guide you through programs and the enrollment process.

Current students, contact your success coach (advisor) who can answer any questions you have about Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs and your degree and certificate options.

Contact a Recruitment Coach

What Can I Earn? Will There Be Plenty of Jobs?

As our population ages, demand is increasing for first responders trained to help people in medical emergencies. Check out a few of the incredible career opportunities you’ll be ready for. Your future starts here!

ambulance truck driving down the highway

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants

$15/hr

Median Salary

24

Job Openings

+11%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Service Orientation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning
  • Instructing
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
Businessman and two doctors talking and shaking hands

Medical and Health Services Managers

$53/hr

Median Salary

1984

Job Openings

+31%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Time Management
  • Writing
  • Social Perceptiveness
Female paramedic writing notes on medical records

Paramedics

$28/hr

Median Salary

133

Job Openings

+14%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Service Orientation
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
Woman wearing headset sitting at a desk.

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

$26/hr

Median Salary

214

Job Openings

+11%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring

All jobs data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence and Lightcast4.

“The best part of the program was the size of the classes; they really take care to keep the student-instructor ratio low. Our instructors were always very approachable so that if we had questions, issues or problems, there was always someone you could find and ask.” Read Meredith Rima Garee, LP's story.
Meredith Garee
Meredith Rima Garee, LP
Field Paramedic Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services

A Look Inside Emergency Medical Services

Are you interested in a rewarding and fast-paced job in the medical field where you can make a difference in people's lives? The EMT and Paramedic Programs at Dallas College will prepare you for the reality of your future career. There are two levels in the emergency medical services program: Emergency Medical Technician-Basic and Paramedic.

The Emergency Medical Technician provides basic life support and emergency health care in settings such as ambulance agencies, hospitals, and fire departments. The Paramedic program is designed to prepare you to provide advanced pre-hospital emergency care, such as intravenous fluids and medications, endotracheal intubation and electrocardiogram rhythm identification and treatment.

The Emergency Medical Services Programs provides classroom instruction, access to cutting edge technology, ambulance experience, and hospital rotations with an emphasis on emergency department experience.

To learn more, visit our website and begin your Dallas College experience.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) careers typically have two main certification levels: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. Dallas College provides certification training for both.

EMT is the most common certification and is a starting point for a rewarding career in the health care field. The EMT training at Brookhaven, Cedar Valley or Richland will teach you to provide basic life support and emergency health care in settings such as ambulance agencies, hospitals and fire departments.

Becoming a Paramedic requires that you have a current EMT certification and successfully complete EMSP 2471, an anatomy and physiology course. The Paramedic program, offered at Brookhaven or Cedar Valley, is a 34-credit-hour program that prepares you to provide advanced health care to patients. Students can also complete the AAS-Paramedic degree plan. We offer Paramedic classes year-round in full-time, shift-based and hybrid formats.

Labs and equipment include cutting-edge technology similar to what you will find in the workplace. Clinical rotations are conducted at area hospitals for completion of the program. Internships are conducted with local emergency services providers and fire departments.

Learn about each program's requirements, eligibility, schedules and more.

 

EMT Program   Paramedic Program

Apply to the EMT Program

Enrollment in the EMT program is restricted. To register, contact Amy Smith Carman.

You must submit copies of the following documents to register (can be emailed as PDF files):

  • State-issued photo ID or driver's license
  • Verification of medical insurance
  • BLS-CPR current course completion from American Heart Association
  • Physical (simple school​ sports type OK, no specific form or format needed) done within six months of program start.
  • Immunization records
    • Records are reviewed by program staff. Upon approval, students will submit records to SurScan.​

If you are using financial aid to pay for the EMT program, your aid must be awarded and accessible before the first day of class. Please contact the Financial Aid Office with further questions.

 

Apply to the Paramedic Program

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Amy Smith Carman to submit required documents (below) and complete registration.

Texas DSHS EMT Credential (NREMT can be used for conditional admission)​​​

Applicants to the Paramedic program must have completed previous training as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and have a current and valid state of Texas EMT certification. National Registry credential can be used for conditional admission pending completion of the Texas​ state certification.

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)

Students must take EMSP 2471 as the first course of the Paramedic cohort sequence.​ This is the only approved anatomy and physiology course for the EMT and paramedic programs.

Other Requirements

  • Graduation from high school or successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test.
  • Application and current admission to Dallas College.
  • Submission of official transcripts from each college or university previously attended (transcripts from the campuses of Dallas College are not required).
  • Submission of copies of the following documents to EMS office (in person or by email as PDF files):
    • State-issued photo ID or driver's license
    • Verification of medical insurance
    • BLS-CPR current course completion from American Heart Association or American Red Cross
    • Physical exam (simple school sports type OK, no specific form or format needed) done within six months prior to program start
    • Immunization records including titers for Hep-B, MMR and varicella. A recent TB skin test is also required.​
    • Current and valid state of Texas EMT certification

 

Paramedic Program

The Dallas College Paramedic program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org​​

To Contact CoAEMSP:
214-703-8445
www.coaemsp.org​

CAAHEP Accredited Paramedic Programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).  

Paramedic Program

The goal of the Paramedic program is to prepare paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report is for calendar year 2024.  

 

CoAEMSP Reported Outcomes – Program Total 2022 2023 2024
Retention 91% 91% 84%
NREMT Exam Passage 97% 85% 85%
Positive Placement* 97% 95% 97%
CoAEMSP Reported Outcomes – Brookhaven Campus 2022 2023 2024
Retention 91% 91% 82%
NREMT Exam Passage 98% 91% 82%
Positive Placement* 98% 96% 100%
CoAEMSP Reported Outcomes – Cedar Valley Campus 2022 2023 2024
Retention 98% 95% 93%
NREMT Exam Passage 88% 100% 94%
Positive Placement* 93% 92% 85%
 * Positive placement is defined by the CoAEMSP as ‘Employed full or part-time in a related field and/or continuing his/her education and/or serving in the military’.  Positive placement is measured at completion of the program. 

About the Program

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate is an entry-level certificate that will train you to provide basic life support and emergency health care in settings such as an ambulance agencies, hospitals and fire departments. EMT is the most common certification and is a starting point for a rewarding career in the health care field. The EMT training at Brookhaven, Cedar Valley or Richland campuses will teach you to provide basic life support and emergency health care in settings such as ambulance agencies, hospitals and fire departments.

The EMT certificate program includes classroom and laboratory instruction, emergency ambulance experience and hospital rotations with an emphasis on emergency department experience. You will receive instruction in basic life support, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automatic external defibrillator use, patient physical assessment, bandaging and splinting, traction splinting, spinal immobilization, airway management, medication administration, oxygen therapy and other noninvasive procedures.

The EMT certification program requires 272 training hours that consist of hospital rotations, classroom instruction, lab practice and internships​ in an ambulance. After the training, successful candidates must take a national exam called the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

 

Class Schedules

We offer training classes year-round, so review our class schedule to find a training class that works for you. Dallas College offers several course formats to help meet the needs of all of our students (availability of formats varies): In person, hybrid, evenings and weekdays.

EMT classes are offered in cohorts, where a group of students go through the entire program together. Once students choose a cohort, they will continue with that cohort and in that format for the remainder of the program.

 

Cost of Training

Not including tuition, here are the average out-of-pocket costs you can expect to pay in throughout EMT program. Prices are subject to change and are approximations.

  • Uniform: $22-$26
  • SurScan account: $15 for document tracking (background and drug screening are separate)
  • Drug screening: $42 via SurScan
  • Criminal background check: $45 via SurScan
  • Fingerprinting (approximate cost): $50
  • Texas criminal background check: $45 
    • The SurScan background check is only for program use. The State of Texas uses their own system for background checks.
  • State fee (payable to Texas Department of State Health Services): $64
  • NREMT exam (payable to National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians): $80
  • TB test — chest X-ray (if skin test is positive)

Immunization Requirements

Individuals applying to any program within the School of Health Sciences are required to obtain specific immunizations. Visit the School of Health Sciences Program Immunization Requirements page for full details.

About the Paramedic Program

The Paramedic program is designed to prepare students to provide advanced prehospital emergency care to patients. Training will include classroom instruction, laboratory practice, ambulance experience and hospital rotations with an emphasis on emergency department experience. Students will also earn ACLS, PHTLS, PEPP and AMLS credentials during the Paramedic courses.

The Paramedic program can be completed in approximately 7.5 months in its fastest format. Students will complete 39 credit hours beyond the prerequisites of EMT training.

The Paramedic program will prepare you to function as an advanced life-support provider with invasive skills training such as:

  • Intravenous (IV) initiation
  • External jugular cannulation
  • Endotracheal intubation
  • Medication administration by various routes
  • Intraosseous (IO) access
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm identification
  • 12-lead ECG interpretation
  • Defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion
  • Transcutaneous pacing
  • Needle thoracostomy

Paramedic cohorts start year-round. Please review our class schedule to find a class that works for you.

 

Class Schedules

Paramedic cohorts start year-round. Please review our class schedule to find a class that works for you. The program offers several cohorts to help meet the needs of all our students (availability of cohort varies). Once students choose a cohort, they must continue with that cohort and in that format through the remainder of the program.

The Paramedic program is an accelerated program that will require a significant time commitment, including time studying outside of class. Regardless of which class format a student chooses, they should prepare to commit approximately 40 hours per week to lecture, laboratory sessions, hospital clinicals or an ambulance internship.

  • Fast Track Academy (Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.): Class meets every weekday. The length of the program in this format is approximately 7.5 months. ​This format is offered multiple-rolling dates throughout the year. It is intended for member fire departments. If there are openings, any student can apply.
  • “B” Shift-Based (Mon-Sat, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.): Class meets every third day on “B” shift days Monday–Saturday for lecture and laboratory. Clinical requirements are fulfilled outside of lecture and laboratory time. The length of the program in this format is approximately 10.5 months. This format starts in June of each year.​
  • Hybrid Fast Track (online/on campus, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.): Lectures take place online while laboratory sessions take place on campus two days a week. Clinical requirements are fulfilled outside of laboratory time. The length of the program in this format is approximately 7.5 months. This format starts only in July of each year.
  • Night Medic (Tues, Wed, Thurs, 6 pm -10 p.m. AND B shift Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.): The length of the program is 13 months.

 

*Please see program office for details regarding shift schedule.*

*There are multiple schedules available. Please contact program office for more information.*

 

Cost of Training

Not including tuition, here are the average out-of-pocket costs you can expect to pay throughout paramedic program. Prices are subject to change and are approximations. Textbooks are included with your tuition.

  • ACLS card: $5
  • AMLS fee: $15
  • PHTLS fee: $15
  • Personal health care insurance coverage
  • Transportation
  • Parking fees at hospital clinical sites, if applicable
  • Texas Department of State Health Services registration
  • National Registry of EMTs cognitive exam testing fee

 

Eligibility Requirements

Texas DSHS EMT Credential (NREMT can be used for conditional admission)​​​

Applicants to the Paramedic program must have completed previous training as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and have a current and valid state of Texas EMT certification. National Registry credential can be used for conditional admission pending completion of the Texas​ state certification.

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)

Students must take EMSP 2471 as the first course of the Paramedic cohort sequence.​ This is the only approved anatomy and physiology course for the EMT and paramedic programs.

Other Requirements

  • Graduation from high school or successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test.
  • Application and current admission to Dallas College.
  • Submission of official transcripts from each college or university previously attended (transcripts from the campuses of Dallas College are not required).
  • Submission of copies of the following documents to EMS office (in person or by email as PDF files):
    • State-issued photo ID or driver's license
    • Verification of medical insurance
    • BLS-CPR current course completion from American Heart Association or American Red Cross
    • Physical exam (simple school sports type OK, no specific form or format needed) done within six months prior to program start
    • Immunization records including titers for Hep-B, MMR and varicella. A recent TB skin test is also required.​
    • Current and valid state of Texas EMT certification

Immunization Requirements

Individuals applying to any program within the School of Health Sciences are required to obtain specific immunizations. Visit the School of Health Sciences Program Immunization Requirements page for full details.

EMS_Paramedic_Student_Handbook (DOCX - 246KB) - Updated as of Feb. 25, 2026

Student_Handbook_Update_Summary (DOCX - 35KB) - The Program Policies Student Handbook was updated Feb. 25, 2026, with policy clarifications. No new policies were added.

Paramedic Technical Standards and Occupational Risks

Essential Job Functions:

  1. Patient Assessment & Care
  • Perform complete physical assessments of patients across the lifespan.
  • Recognize life-threatening conditions and initiate appropriate interventions.
  • Administer medications via oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and
  • other approved routes.
  • Perform advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation and
  • surgical airway procedures.
  1. Communication & Documentation
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, bystanders, and medical professionals.
  • Accurately document all aspects of patient care and interventions in a timely and legal manner.
  1. Operations
  • Safely operate emergency vehicles in accordance with state and local laws.
  • Maintain and inventory medical equipment and supplies.
  • Participate in quality assurance, continuing education, and training exercises.
  1. Professional Conduct
  • Adhere to protocols, scope of practice, and legal/ethical standards of care.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
  1. Scene Management
  • Coordinate with law enforcement, fire services, and other responders.
  • Ensure scene safety and utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Triage and manage multiple patients in mass casualty incidents.

Technical Standards and Functional Requirements:

Physical Abilities

  • Lift, carry, and balance up to 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance).
  • Perform prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking.
  • Bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crawl, and climb.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to perform clinical procedures and operate equipment.
  • Visual acuity to assess patients and read documentation.
  • Auditory ability to hear faint sounds, auscultate, and interpret alarms.

Cognitive and Affective Abilities

  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills under stress.
  • Apply clinical reasoning and make decisions independently.
  • Maintain emotional stability and composure in high-pressure situations.
  • Adapt quickly to changing environments and patient needs.
  • Understand and communicate in English (verbal and written).
  • Environmental Tolerance
  • Work in varied environments including inclement weather, confined spaces, and
  • hazardous scenes.
  • Tolerate exposure to bodily fluids, infectious agents, noise, and chemical substances.
  • Operate during day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays

Occupational Risks

Provision of emergency medical services poses inherent occupational risks for EMS responders. Risks include the following:

  1. Violence/assaults
  2. Verbal threats/aggression
  3. Motor vehicle crashes
  4. Infectious disease
  5. Lifting injuries
  6. Sprains and strains
  7. Psychological trauma
  8. Hazardous chemical exposure
  9. Hyper/hypothermia

College Credit

College credit is granted for all coursework successfully completed through Dallas College for the EMT Basic, Paramedic or Associate Degree. If a student has previously earned a minimum of the EMT Basic Certification, noncollege credit, whether it was at an independent or fire service-based EMS school, a high school, another agency, or out-of-state, college credit may be awarded by exam. This is NOT advanced placement, the prior course and state certification must be completed.

Credit by Exam

  • To get credit for a noncredit EMS program/course, a student must take a credit by examination. This is NOT advanced placement. The student must have completed the prior EMS program and be certified in the state of Texas.
  • The cost of each credit by exam is available in the Dallas College Course Catalog.
  • The student must be currently enrolled at the college to be eligible for credit by examination(s).
  • For additional information, students must contact the Dallas College EMS Academic Chair at 972-860-7879. Students should bring all certifications when meeting with the Academic Chair.

Advanced Paramedic Placement / Bridge Policy for Licensed Health Care Providers

Licensed medical professionals seeking advanced placement -a bridge- to complete the Paramedic program should be guided by this policy.

This “bridge” program combines classroom teaching with supervised clinical and field experience for licensed medical professionals seeking certification as a Paramedic with the Texas Department of State Health Services.

An associate's degree, or higher, in healthcare is required. (RN, RRT, PA, DO/MD)

Regular admissions to the College requirements apply. This can be started online.

Program admissions requirements include submission of copies of:

  • Valid, current license in nursing, respiratory therapy, physician, or physician assistant. Verification of a minimum clinical experience of two years. Clinical assignments may vary to assure competence in all areas.
  • State issued picture ID or DL
  • BLS CPR from AHA or ARC active completion card
  • ACLS from AHA or ARC active completion card
  • Simple school sports physical completed on more than six months prior to course start
  • Complete vaccination and titter records. Refer to online vaccine record for the School of Health Sciences

All required documents must be submitted to the Program Director for review.

Upon successful completion of the first 48 contact hours section of the program, students must take and successfully complete the National Registry of EMT exam for the EMT basic level. Documentation of successful completion must be submitted prior to advanced-level clinical and internships assignments (EMSP 2463).

Those who are successful continue their course work for the paramedic level. Completers are then eligible to take the exam for registration as a Paramedic through the National Registry of EMT. Upon successful completion of that examination, the student is eligible to apply for certification as a Paramedic in the State of Texas.

Students must test, and earn, the EMT-Basic NREMT registration, or DSHS certification, during this course, AND prior to beginning the advanced practicum assignments (EMSP 2463). Students will attend two 24-hour ambulance basic-level internships; AND, when eligible, eight to ten, 24-hour MICU-ambulance advanced-level internships. Uniforms are required for clinical and internship sessions.

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1Length of time is based on catalog degree plans. Prerequisites may be required, which are not included in this estimate. For most programs, full-time student status is assumed, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

2Cost for credit courses is based on tuition rates for program hours for Dallas County residents. The price of most required learning materials (books, software, supplies, etc.) is included with the price of tuition. Certain programs may have additional costs above the standard tuition. Continuing Education and Ed2Go courses may vary by program. Please review the Area of Study Overview and/or the Health Information Packets for additional costs and details. Visit our Paying for College site to learn more about cost, financial aid, scholarships and more.

3Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options. Not all degree and certificate offerings are available for admission/start at all campuses every semester.

4A portion of Lightcast’s data comes from O*NET Online by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Lightcast has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

HB1508 Notice

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible.

For more information, please visit DallasCollege.edu/HB1508.

Updated June 25, 2026