Emergency Health Sciences

Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have fulfilled prescribed requirements by a credentialing agency to practice the art and science of out-of-hospital medicine in conjunction with medical direction. EMS is most easily recognized when emergency vehicles or helicopters are seen responding to emergency incidents, but EMS is much more than a ride to the hospital. It is a system of coordinated response and emergency medical care, involving multiple people and agencies. A comprehensive EMS system is ready every day for every kind of emergency.

Paramedics and EMTs are integrated with other services and systems intended to maintain and enhance the community's health and safety and operate at the crossroads between health care, public health, and public safety.

The emerging roles and responsibilities of the paramedic include disaster management, health promotion, community paramedicine and advanced practice. As the scope of service and practice continues to expand, the paramedic will function as a facilitator of access to care and part of a coordinated and seamless system of out-of-hospital medical care.

The Department of Emergency Health Sciences offers certificate programs for EMT-Basic and paramedic that, at a minimum, prepare graduates for national certification and entry into the EMS profession. The department also offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Health Sciences degree program for applicants already holding paramedic certification. The certificate programs are accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312, Rowlett, TX 75088, and by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Bureau of Emergency Management, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3199. 

THE DIVISION OF INITIAL EDUCATION

The Division of Initial Education offers programs primarily for the traditional (civilian) student and include:

  • EMT certification
  • Paramedic certification
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Health Sciences