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Paramedics

Paramedics and EMTs are like real-life superheroes who rush to help people when they’re hurt or sick. They’re also called first responders because they’re the first ones on the scene of accidents or emergencies. They give life-saving medical care while on the scene of an emergency and while taking patients to the hospital.

There will always be a need for Paramedic jobs and EMT jobs because we’ll always need people to help in emergencies. If you like a fast-paced job in the medical field, being a Paramedic or EMT could be a great fit for you!

13.93%
Projected Growth
by 2030

Paramedics/EMTs in Texas will always be needed. As the region and population continue to grow, the demand for these skilled workers may also increase.

50
Openings in Our Region

According to the Texas BLS, there are approximately 50 openings for Paramedic jobs and EMT jobs in Deep East Texas.

$46,820
Average Salary (median/yr)

The average paramedic salary could go up in the next few years because more and more people are needing EMTs and Paramedics in this area.

$22.51/hr
Median Hourly Wage

As more and more people need emergency help, EMT pay will go up. As you work with other EMTs and gain experience, your pay or paramedic salary should stay competitive.

$17.66/hr
Entry Level Wage

Entry-level Paramedic jobs or EMT jobs usually don’t require much experience, but some employers pay more for workers with specialized skills and extra certifications.

How to Get Started

How to Become a Paramedic

Wondering how to become a paramedic or EMT? Deep East Texas has lots of ways to learn about emergency medical services and start your career. You can find technical programs and job training at a high school near you.

High Schools
Offering Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs:

Coldspring-Oakhurst High School offers courses in Emergency Services. They also offer opportunities to volunteer with Huntsville-Walker County EMS and the San Jacinto County First Responders — meaning you can have work experience before you even graduate!

Links to school websites:

To Earn a Paramedic Salary

Will I need a college degree?

Wondering how to become a paramedic? A Licensed Paramedic (LP) has earned an EMT associate degree or a bachelor’s degree (any subject) along with previously earning an EMT certification. An Emergency Medical Technician -Paramedic (EMT-P), on the other hand, has completed an accredited certification training program and has also previously earned an EMT certification.

Below you’ll find two-year colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and other post-secondary institutions in East Texas that offer degree programs and certifications related to the EMT field. These programs provide hands-on training and prepare students for entry-level (or higher) positions.

For the 2022-23 academic year, 3 students from AC earned a Paramedic Certificate and 4 students graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Emergency Medical Services
Retention rate: 15% for full-time students and 13% for part-time students
Graduation rate: 25%
Transfer-out rate: 26%
Student-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
Financial aid: 47% of students receive financial aid, with an average scholarship or grant award of $2,449
Tuition and fees: $70 (in-district residents) or $115 (out-of-district residents) per semester credit hour for Texas residents

Source: www.angelina.edu

For the 2022-23 academic year, 2 students from KC earned a Level 1 Certificate in Emergency Medical Services.
Retention rate: 63% for full-time students and 37% for part-time students
Graduation rate: 33.5%
Transfer-out rate: 22%
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Student-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
Financial aid: 78% of students receive financial aid, but amounts vary
Tuition and fees: $90 (in-district residents) or $169 (out-of-district residents) per semester credit hour for Texas residents

Source: www.kilgore.edu

For the 2022-23 academic year, 3 LIT students earned a Paramedic Certificate and 1 graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as an Emergency Medical Technician
Retention rate: 61% for full-time students and 46% for part-time students
Graduation rate: 32%
Transfer-out rate: 13%
Licensure/certificate program pass rate: 94.1% average, with a 100% pass rate in 12 programs
Financial aid: 69% of students receive financial aid, with an average scholarship or grant award of $4,699
Tuition and fees: $80 per semester credit hour for Texas residents

Source: www.lit.edu

For the 2022-23 academic year, 1 student from LSC earned a Level 1 Certificate, 47 earned Paramedic Certificates, and 15 graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Emergency Medical Services
Retention rate: 48% full-time, 52% part-time
Graduation rate: 10-20%
Student-faculty ratio: 21:1
Financial aid: 27% of students receive financial aid, with an average scholarship or grant award of $3,885
Tuition and fees: $111 per semester credit hour for In-District Texas residents

Source: www.lonestar.edu

For the 2022-23 academic year, 2 students from PC earned a Paramedic Certificate
Retention rate: 55% for full-time students and 44% for part-time students
Graduation rate: 28%
Transfer-out rate: 18%
Student-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
Financial aid: 45% of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid
Tuition and fees: $33 per semester hour with a minimum charge of $60 for in-district residents

Source: www.nces.ed.gov

For the 2022-23 academic year, 2 students from TVCC earned a Paramedic Certificate
Retention rate: 91% for full-time students
Graduation rate: 24%
Transfer-out rate: 16%
Financial aid: 90% of undergraduates receive financial aid of varying amounts
Tuition and fees: $39 per semester hour in-district residents and $150 for non-residents

Source: www.nces.ed.gov

For the 2022-23 academic year, 19 students from TJC earned a Paramedic Certificate and 15 graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Emergency Medical Services
In 2023, the retention rate for first-time students was 85.4%
Graduation rate: 33.6%
Student-faculty ratio: 20:1
Financial aid: 78% of students receive financial aid, with an average scholarship or grant award of $5,503
Tuition and fees: $216 per semester credit hour for In-District Texas residents

Source: www.tjc.edu

Teamwork

The ability to work well with your co-workers to achieve a common goal

Punctuality

The ability to report to work on a designated day at the designated time

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)

Communication

The ability to use industry-specific language, speak clearly and confidently and write professionally

Finger Dexterity

The ability to use your fingers with great precision to grasp, manipulate, or assemble small things

Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm, or while holding your arm and hand in one position

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong

Attention to Detail

The ability to focus on the small details of a task to ensure accuracy and quality

Problem-Solving

The process of identifying a problem, analyzing it, developing solutions, and implementing the best one

Physical Strength

The ability to exert force and endure physical activity, like lifting and moving patients

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents

Interpersonal Skills

The ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with other EMTs and patients

Quick Thinking

The ability to think and react rapidly, especially in stressful situations

Empathy

The ability to understand and respond to the emotional needs of others

Critical Thinking

Weighing the pros and cons of different options to make the best choice

Quality Control Analysis

Examining products or processes to make sure they’re high quality and perform as expected

Stress Management

The ability to cope with the stress of handling emergencies and reduce stress effectively