How to Become a Paramedic in Texas

Requirements

• You must have reached the legal age.
• You must have graduated high school or received GED.
• Go through an EMS instructional program approved by DSHS.
• Supply the officials with the EMS Personnel Certification file and cover the application cost.
• Get a passing grade on the NR exam.
• Provide your fingerprints so that the state or FBI can check your criminal records.
• The candidates for obtaining a paramedic’s license must go through these steps and provide a document proving the completion of a two-year EMS program or four-year training program in any field. Check equivalency.

Application Process

A candidate must meet all the prerequisites for base paramedic certification or a license no later than two years after they’ve graduated from a course. Certified EMT-Paramedics who grow to meet the prerequisites of better qualification can reach higher status later on.

The basic application must be supplied through the website or downloadable application, that must be printed and sent to Department of State Health Services in Austin. If an applicant has graduated from an accredited educational course, they must apply before participating in an exam. However, you can delay it until you pass the necessary tests.

A candidate who qualifies to be a Licensed Paramedic must prove their education credentials by providing a grade transcript. The costs associated with the application are $126 for LPs, $96 for EMT-Ps.

Candidates must pay the reciprocity fee of $126, regardless of endorsement type.

Licenses must be renewed once every four years.

State Certification Status

Once you’ve taken the test, you can check the certification search website to find out the current state of your certificate.

You won’t be able to find your exact score on this website. Instead, you’ll see the status of your certificate. If it says ‘certified’, then you got the passing grade and met all the prerequisites. If it says ‘Pending deficiencies’, your application is lacking in one way or another. Officials will not be notified about your NR deficiencies. NR tends to reach out to candidates individually. If you’re unsure about the flaws in your application, reach out at 512-834-6734.

If you’re curious about the examination process or how to handle the associated files, get in touch with National Registry.

Certificate

After you’ve supplied a filled-out form and met all the prerequisites, It can take about a month to obtain your certificate/license and identification card. If your application is lacking in some way, you will be warned about it and you might receive your papers later.

Texas Paramedic Programs

How to Transfer Paramedic License to Texas?

If you obtained your EMS license from another state, you can use the principle of reciprocity to get certified in Texas. Remember that some professions like ECA, FR, EMR are not qualified. EMS is the only profession that can be certified using this process.

Every applicant must satisfy these prerequisites:

• Have reached the legal age.
• Supply the officials with specific forms that describe your certification status in every state where applicable.
• To be applicable for certificate reciprocity at the high endorsement level, you must have education regarding airway intubation devices, IV initiation, and other subjects taught to Advanced EMT students in Texas educational system.
• Fill out the application online.
• Go through the background check. Here are the steps involved:
  • Each candidate must have his/her criminal records checked using his/her fingerprint scan.
  • Use the Texas Fingerprint Service Code Form to provide the necessary files.
  • Provide fingerprints using IdentoGo.

The Texas Fingerprint Service Code Form contains guidelines for arranging a meeting with IdentoGo. You will have to cover any associated costs.

Verify Paramedic License in Texas

You can see the present condition of your license on this page: Verify Your EMT License Status.

Additional Information

State provides guidelines about acquiring a license or a certificate in Texas. You can contact – EMS Certification and Licensing Group over the phone at (512) 834-6700 or write them an email at EMSCert@dshs.texas.gov.

You can find professional advice at The Texas Emergency Medical Services Board website. This is not a standalone agency; instead, it operates under the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association of Texas. This organization arranges various meetings, conferences and protects EMS professionals.