Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Workforce Recruitment and Retention Playbook
Thank you for considering the exciting career opportunities in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) industry.
Here you will find:
- EMS Employment and Education Opportunities
- Why Join Team Texas EMS?
- EMS Education, Training and Certification
- EMS Education and Training Scholarship
- A Look at EMS in Texas
Across Texas, EMS careers, jobs, education, and volunteer opportunities are available now!
Use the map to find and contact a Regional Advisory Council for EMS employment and education opportunities by area.
Texas Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) manage EMS and trauma services across Texas. Contact a RAC for information about EMS career, job, education, scholarship, or volunteer opportunities in the area they serve.
FIND YOUR REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Step 1. Click the button above to use the map and identify the RAC serving your area of interest.
Step 2. Click on your RAC for contact information including an email address and website link.
Step 3. Call or email your RAC to ask about EMS career, job education, scholarship, or volunteer opportunities in the area.
Why Join Team Texas EMS?
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services EMS Workforce Survey, 71% of respondents have worked in EMS for 10 years or more.
Top five reasons people work in EMS:
- Helping others and my community
- Camaraderie within the EMS system
- Pay and benefits
- Enjoy the EMS job and work
- Career advancement in healthcare
In EMS, you can work full-time, part-time, or volunteer your time to support your community and neighbors with their emergency health care needs. It's a career path that allows you to grow your knowledge, expand your personal worth, and it never gets boring. In the State of Texas, there are almost 800 EMS agencies, staffing over 72,000 responding professionals, on over 5,000 ambulances.
Career advantages in EMS:
- There is a high demand for EMS professionals
- Competitive salaries and benefits
- You can start working in as little as 15 weeks
- EMS training scholarships are available in Texas
EMS Education, Training and Certification Information
Use the below information and resources to learn more about EMS education, training and certification.
Related Resources
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Texas has five levels of certification. The highest is Licensed Paramedic, followed by EMT-Paramedic, Advanced EMT, EMT-Basic, and Emergency Care Attendant (ECA).
View information on the application process, certification requirements and testing.
Great! You've decided to join Team Texas EMS! Here's how to get started:
EMS Education and Training Scholarships in Texas
Scholarships for EMS training and education may be available. Contact a regional advisory council (RAC) for any available scholarship opportunities in their area of service. Courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid.
Scholarship information:
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$2000.00 per student that completes an EMT class including books, materials and one NREMT exam fee.
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$3200.00 per student that completes an AEMT class including books, materials and one NREMT exam fee.
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$8000.00 per student that completes an Paramedic class including books, materials and one NREMT exam fee.
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Students must commit to serving:
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One year as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
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Two years as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) or Paramedic if upgrading your certification
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Within 90 days of completing a DSHS approved EMS course students must:
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Pass the National Registry exam
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Complete State certification process.
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Begin working or volunteering for a DSHS licensed EMS Provider
Scholarships are provided by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to approved EMS Education programs or licensed EMS providers. Scholarships are available based on documented need, with special attention given to rural and underserved areas within Texas.
Related Resources
Special Edition
Texas EMS Trauma News - Senate Bill 8
A Look at EMS in Texas
Across Texas, dedicated professionals are ready to meet our communities’ emergency health care needs. Watch the videos below for a look at EMS in Texas. Come back often as new Texas EMS videos and teams are featured on this site.
Montgomery County Hospital District EMS (MCHD)
- Handles over 70,000 service calls every year
- Serves over 620,000 residents
- Covers 1,100 square miles
- 260 field staff and 35 EMS vehicles on the road daily
Williamson County EMS
- Handles over 30,000 service calls every year
- Serves over 500,000 residents
- Covers 1,080 square miles
- 145 field staff with 17 EMS vehicles and 1 squad unit on the road daily
EMS Agenda 2050 Project
The EMS Agenda 2050 envisions people-centered innovative possibilities to advance EMS systems. This 2-minute video shares what people can expect from the project.