The road to becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic is probably shorter than you think!
If you don’t have a medical background already, the terms may be confusing. EMT is the most common certification in emergency medical services, and two levels of certification are common to almost every state: EMT-basic and EMT-paramedic.
EMT training comes first, and can apply to many different jobs (see our careers page for more information). Once you complete EMT training, you can choose to move ahead to paramedic training, work as an EMT full time or continue into another field such as nursing or firefighting.
Courses Offered (Curriculum)
Our catalog provides detailed information about the credit courses we offer in both of these programs and the courses required for the following awards.
Brookhaven College offers a program in Emergency Medical Services:
El Centro College, in cooperation with UT Southwestern Medical Center, offers a Paramedic certificate:
Accreditation
All seven DCCCD colleges are individually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Why is accreditation important? Being accredited means that a college has met certain standards of quality set by an independent accrediting agency. Attending an accredited institution is the best way to ensure your degree (and all the hard work that went into it) will be recognized by other colleges and universities when you transfer and by future employers. Federal financial aid is only available to students of accredited colleges and universities.
The EMS and Paramedic programs are each accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in conjunction with the Committee on Accreditation for Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP), recognizing the programs’ compliance with nationally established standards. Graduates will complete requirements for Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) EMT-paramedic certification, which includes the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) examination.
Tuition
DCCCD Tuition
Both Brookhaven and El Centro are part of the Dallas County Community College District. Where DCCCD tuition is applicable, Dallas County residents pay $135 per three-hour class — that’s $45 per credit hour, or less than $550 for a full semester load of 12 credit hours.
Compare that to what you’d pay elsewhere! See DCCCD tuition rates for tuition according to your place of residency.
Brookhaven College
Students in the EMS program pay tuition to Brookhaven College along with various other fees (including fees for Texas Department of State Health Services registration and National Registry of EMTs testing).
El Centro College in Cooperation With UT Southwestern Medical Center
Students in the Paramedic program pay tuition to El Centro College, a registration fee to UT Southwestern Medical Center and various other fees (including fees for Texas Department of State Health Services registration and National Registry of EMTs testing). See the tuition chart on UT Southwestern Medical Center’s general information page for complete fee and tuition information. El Centro College tuition is waived for individuals employed by a fire department.
Rising Star Program
If you are a Dallas County high school graduating senior, you may qualify for Rising Star funds to help pay for this program. The Rising Star program offers academic support services and up to $4,000 for tuition and books, if you have established financial need.
Related Programs at DCCCD
Not sure what you want to study? DCCCD offers a number of programs that might also interest you.
Look at other programs in Health Sciences such as Nursing, Radiologic Sciences and Respiratory Care. Or check out DCCCD programs in Law and Public Safety, such as Fire Protection Technology and Criminal Justice.
Developing Skills for Success
EMS and paramedic training are conducted in a hands-on atmosphere that will prepare you for the reality of your future career in emergency medicine. 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.
Faculty Profiles
Our faculty members have relevant academic degrees and advanced certifications, paired with real-world experience that enables them to relate to the challenges you’ll face on the job.
They work closely with you one-on-one, encouraging you and helping you to succeed in your training and on the job. See profiles of our EMS faculty at Brookhaven College and Paramedic faculty members at El Centro-UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Transferring From DCCCD
EMS and Paramedic courses are designed for direct entry into the workforce. However, if you are interested in earning a degree at a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Services website for guidance on the transfer process.
Links for More Information
Note: Links to the following websites are provided for your convenience and information and do not constitute official endorsement by DCCCD.
- Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC), a nonprofit organization responsible for the administration and development of the Certified Flight Paramedic Exam (FP-C)
- Education Portal, with resources, articles, links and information for students interested in paramedic certification
- The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), headquartered in Washington, D.C., represents nearly 300,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,200 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada. The IAFF is one of the most active lobbying organizations in Washington
- National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), dedicated to expanding EMS knowledge and education, enhancing professional development and advancing the cause of EMS through advocacy and research
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), national certifying agency for EMTs, with information on EMT-basic registration entry requirements, the examination process and registration procedures
- Paramedic.com, an online gateway to news, information and resources
- Texas Online gives information about how to get licenses, permits and registrations required of Texas health care professionals.
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Contact Us
If you have questions that aren’t answered on this website, please feel free to contact us.