Are you interested in a rewarding, challenging and fast-paced medical field that will always have job openings? One where you can truly make a difference in people’s lives in their time of greatest need?
Can you think on your feet and make accurate decisions quickly? Are you good at talking to people, even in stressful situations? Do you keep a level head under pressure? Then DCCCD’s Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic programs could be for you.
The biggest differences between emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are the training and the scope of what they are allowed to do. Basic EMTs usually receive from 150 to more than 200 hours of training, while paramedics receive at least 1,000 hours of training. Paramedic programs often award two-year degrees, such as Brookhaven College’s associate degree in paramedicine.
In other words, a paramedic is also an EMT (since he or she has had to complete EMT-basic training to get to EMT-paramedic training), but an EMT is not a paramedic.
EMT and paramedic training can be used in a wide variety of careers where emergency medicine is required. Get started working on your certification today!
EMS and Paramedic Degree and Certificate Options
Brookhaven College’s EMS program includes the following associate degree in paramedicine and certificates for EMT-basic and paramedic training:
Brookhaven College’s Continuing Education Divison also offers several noncredit emergency medical skills certifications, as well as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
El Centro College offers a Paramedic certificate program for college credit in cooperation with UT Southwestern Medical Center.
El Centro College and UT Southwestern also cooperatively offer an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program for noncredit continuing education units.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus 36 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location.