PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

Program Goal

To prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels. 

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 coursework for the Paramedic program should be completed within 16 months. All components of the program – including coursework, hands-on Skills Labs, clinical / field experiences, and capstone internship – must be completed within 16 months.

If you have a laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access, you have the basic tools you need to get started.

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 courses:

• HTH 2306 Anatomy and Physiology (On-line Course)   
• HCA 1301 Medical Terminology (On-line Course) 
• HTN 2303 Pathophysiology  (On-line Course) 
• HTH 1305 Pharmacology (On-line Course) 
• EMSP 2023: Section 1 - Preparatory 
• EMSP 2024: Section 2 - Cardiology
• EMSP 2025: Section 3 - Medical Emergencies
• EMSP 2026: Section 4 - Trauma Emergencies
• EMSP 2027: Section 5 - Special Patients
• EMSP 2028: Section 6 - Operations
• EMSP 2029: Clinical Experience
• EMSP 2030: Field Experience
• EMSP 2031: Capstone 
• Course Completion Scenarios with Medical Director and Lead Instructor

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
• Dissection of swine trachea and lungs 

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 Texas residents that are 18 years or older to participate in the Paramedic program. All students must provide a valid ID, their current EMT or AEMT certification, CPR certification, and vaccination records. We also ask that all participants 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 are required.