EMS PROGRAM INFORMATION PACKET

Program Information

This comprehensive program combines rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, and extensive clinical and field training to ensure students are ready for the challenges of the profession. The curriculum meets or exceeds national standards and is accredited by DSHS, CAAHEP, and CoAEMSP.

What You’ll Learn

  • Advanced Patient Assessment: Gain expertise in recognizing and managing medical and trauma emergencies.
  • Life-Saving Interventions: Learn advanced airway management, cardiac life support, and pharmacology.
    Trauma and Medical Management: Master treatment protocols for critical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and traumatic injuries.
  • Leadership and Communication: Develop the ability to lead in high-pressure situations and work effectively with healthcare teams.
  • EMS Operations: Understand legal, ethical, and operational aspects of paramedic practice, including scene management and documentation.

Program Features

  • Skills Labs: Practice critical interventions in state-of-the-art simulation labs with realistic training scenarios.
  • Clinical Rotations: Gain hands-on experience in emergency departments, intensive care units, operating rooms, and more.
  • Field Internship: Work alongside experienced paramedics during ambulance ride-alongs to apply your skills in real-world settings.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from certified paramedics and healthcare professionals with extensive field experience.

Certification and Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Paramedic Program will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Certification Exam or state licensure exams. Certified paramedics are in high demand and can pursue rewarding careers in:

  • Ambulance services
  • Fire departments
  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Search and rescue teams
  • Industrial and event safety teams

Admission Requirements

  • Successful completion of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program
    Current NREMT/DSHS EMT Basic certification or eligibility
    Health screenings, immunizations, background check, and drug screening
    CPR certification

Take the next step toward becoming a leader in pre-hospital emergency care. The Paramedic Program at College of the Mainland offers the training, experience, and support you need to succeed in this vital profession.

Steps to Successful Admission into the Emergency Medical Services Program

  1. Apply to the College
    • Submit the necessary documents (transcripts, meningitis vaccination if under 22 and proof of Texas residency). About a week after your application is processed and approved, you will be issued a COM ID# and student email account.
  2. Download the EMS Program Information Packet.
  3. Complete the Background Check (refer to page 7 of the packet)
    • Before being admitted into the program you will need to complete a background check through SurScan and submit it no more than 30 days before the start of class and no less than one week before the start of the term you are applying for to be enrolled into the program.
    • BEFORE you begin the background, watch the SurPath Information Video.
    • Go to https://com.surpath.com/ to begin the background process.

  4. Once your background check has cleared, an Administrative Assistant for Public Service Careers will reach out to you to confirm which courses you will enroll in. A registration form will be sent to your new College of the Mainland email address. This form must be thoroughly looked over for errors in class scheduling and personal identifying information. If the form is correct, the student must approve it by electronically signing. Once submitted, the form will be sent to the Admissions department for entry into the system.

    Any delay in performing the steps above may prevent you from enrolling in your courses.

  5. Gather Pre-Clinical Requirements as listed in the packet (refer to page 13 of the packet)
    • All Pre-Clinical Requirements must be gathered before the beginning of classes except for the Drug Screen. (You must wait until class begins and are instructed to do so.)
    • AEMT/Paramedic applicants must also present a current NREMT/DSHS EMT Basic certification or eligibility.
  6. Attend MANDATORY Orientations
    • EMS students must attend a mandatory Program Information Session and Clinical Orientation on the prescribed date and time. The Program Information Session will be held at 9 a.m. the Saturday, two weeks before the start of classes. Clinical Orientation will be held at 9 a.m. the first Saturday after the start of classes.
  7. Classes begin

Financial Aid/Scholarships/Other Funding Sources

In order to receive financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the COM Financial Aid Application, regardless of the type of financial aid sought. Veterans should contact the Financial Aid Office directly for additional guidance in Veterans Affairs.

Another possible source of funding is the COM Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization that distributes a wide variety of need and non-need-based scholarships. Look under the category "Public Service Careers" for those scholarships designated specifically for EMS candidates. The deadline to apply is generally in late July.

Students may also qualify for receive grants from Texas Public Education Grant. (Note: The FAFSA application determines eligibility for these grants.) The College for All Texans website may give you additional suggestions such as Veteran’s and Texas Workforce benefits. As always, contact the experts in the Financial Aid Office at 409-933-8274 for additional information.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

College of the Mainland provides gainful employment information about graduation rates, the median debt of students and other important information to all interested persons regarding the College’s certificate programs.

View the disclosure template for the Paramedic Certificate