Paramedic

Program Goal

To prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.

Program Overview

Wilson County ESD #3 Training Academy's in-person Paramedic program will prepare you for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ Paramedic exam and an exciting career as a Paramedic!

The Paramedic program consists of four components – in-person coursework, hands-on Skills Labs, clinical/field experiences, and a Capstone field internship. Each stage of our program is crucial in making sure you have the confidence and training necessary to help patients and gain the certification you require to obtain a license.

Coursework

Wilson County ESD #3 Training Academy learning environment emphasizes content, not class time. 

One of our most frequently asked questions is how long it takes to become a Paramedic. The is a 12 month program that includes in class time, field and clinical experiences, Capstone, and summatives. All components of the program – including coursework, hands-on Skills Labs, clinical / field experiences, and capstone internship – must be completed within the 12 months.

Students are required to have a laptop, not a tablet, for the program. 

Clinical and Field Experiences

You’ll participate in clinical / field experiences at leading hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services in Texas. During this phase of the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience and have an opportunity to put your skills into practice in real-life situations – all while being guided by experienced EMS and medical personnel.

Capstone Internship

You’ll serve as the Lead Paramedic on an ambulance at a 911 ambulance service in Texas, while providing direction to your peers and practicing at the highest level of EMS Care.

Capstone internships are effective for networking within the local area and our Paramedic program in Texas helps you to accumulate real-world experience that you can include on your professional resume.

What You'll Learn

Wilson County ESD #3 Training Academy paramedic program is designed to prepare you to meet the challenging demands of the EMS career field, and to prepare for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians’ (NREMT) Paramedic cognitive and psychomotor skills exams.

NREMT Cognitive Knowledge

The Paramedic program is designed to prepare you for the NREMT Paramedic cognitive exam and for a rewarding career as a Paramedic. The Paramedic program consists of the following in person only courses:

• Online Courses:
• EMSP 1901 Anatomy & Physiology
• EMSP 1902 Pathophysiology
• EMSP 2020: Section 1 - Preparatory
• EMSP 2021: Section 2 – Airway
• EMSP 2022: Section 3 - Cardiology
• EMSP 2023: Section 4 - Medical Emergencies
• EMSP 2024: Section 5 - Special Patients
• EMSP 2025: Section 6 – Trauma Emergencies
• EMSP 2026: Section 7 - Operations

                      Didactic Hours - 362

• EMSP 2027: Laboratory Portion

                       Lab Hours - 176

• EMSP 2028:  - Paramedic Clinical Experience

                       Clinical Experience Hours - 180

• EMSP 2029:  - Paramedic Field Experience

                       Field Experience Hours - 240

• EMSP 2030: Paramedic Capstone Field Internship 

                      Capstone Hours - 120 Hours

• EMSP 2031: Paramedic Summative (medical and trauma) - 8 didactic hours

Psychomotor Skills

This course covers the proper order, procedure, and practice required to master psychomotor skills that are important to the paramedic's education and ability to perform at the required ALS level.

You’ll learn how to execute Paramedic skills with confidence through the following methods:

Patient Assessment-Trauma and Medical Scenarios

• Scene Size-Up
• Primary Survey/Resuscitation
• History Taking
• Secondary Assessment
• Patient and intervention management

Cardiac Management Skills and Scenarios

• Dynamic Cardiology
• Static Cardiology
• Dissection of swine heart

Airway Management Skills and Scenarios

• Pharmacologically assisted intubations
• Vent Management
• Vent mechanics course  that includes swine airways 
• Cadaver lab to practice intubation, tracheostomy and other airway skills

Why Become a Paramedic?

The healthcare field is home to numerous fast-paced careers, but few come close to that of a Paramedic. These experts provide immediate care to patients, and it’s common for Paramedics to perform jobs that are more advanced than those that an EMT is trained to complete.

Training to work as a Paramedic means you’ll be able to assist those with respiratory complications, open wounds, medication withdrawals, and other time-sensitive conditions until a doctor or specialist can take over. Paramedics have more experience in the field and additional training compared to a standard EMT. As a result, the position typically comes with more responsibilities and a higher rate of pay.

Full-Time Paramedic Program Eligibility

Wilson County ESD #3 Training Academy accepts current EMT/AEMT Texas residents that are 18 years or older to participate in the Paramedic program. 

All students must provide a valid ID, current EMT or AEMT certification, American Heart Association BLS CPR certification, and vaccination records. 

We require all applicants have a high school diploma or equivalent level of education to enroll. Current COVID vaccination and flu shot (or exemption forms) as well as a current TB test must be provided prior to starting ride outs/clinical rotations. Background checks and drug screens are required for enrollment.