Licensed Paramedic (LP) is the highest level of Emergency Medical Technician and involves a significant amount of training in advanced life support (ALS) practices. In Texas this a Licensed Paramedic requires an Associate Degree in EMS or higher.
The following is a list of requirements you will need to satisfy prior to becoming a licensed Paramedic in the State of Texas:
- 18 years of age
- High School diploma
- Completion of 2 year Associate EMS Degree
- Criminal background check, criminal records may result in rejection
- NREMT certification
- Valid drivers license not a requisite for an EMT license but may be required for better job prospects
Step 1
In order to get to the the highest level of Licensed Paramedic you will have to undergo extensive education which consists of a 2 year Associate EMS Degree.
It is very important that you only register for a degree at an approved education facility, as non-approved courses will not be accepted for aParamedic license.
In order to ensure that you sign up for an approved degree contact your local EMS Compliance Field Office: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/regions.shtm
Step 2
Paramedic license applicants must pass the NREMT exams, which are made up of two parts, a written cognitive exam and a psychomotor exam. For the written exam an applicant will need to register with the NREMT (http://www.nremt.org) and pay the $110 application fee. When the applicant is ready to take the exam they will need to get in touch with Pearson Vue (http://www.vue.com) who provide the computer based testing for the NREMT exam.
For the psychomotor examination you should check with your Paramedic training provider whether they are able to provide such certification in conjunction with the Paramedic course. Alternatively contact your local EMS Agency for details about test schedules. Note that this exam tests the applicant for 12 separate skills and is likely to incur a fee by the training facility.
Once the applicant has received certification for both exams they will be issued with an NREMT certificate which is valid for 2 years; this certificate is needed for the state EMT license application.
For some tips and recommendations on preparing for these exams take a look at our Preparing For NREMT Exams page.
Step 3
In order to speed up the registration process you can submit the application prior to completing training and exams. You will just leave the training and NREMT related sections blank, and the EMS will be able to complete data entry, fee processing and background check. Once you have completed training and the exams you can contact your local EMS Compliance Field Office and inform them of the details.
In order to submit an application you must do the following:
- The most efficient way is to submit your application electronically here: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/Txonlinelinks.shtm
- Make sure you correctly fill in the EMT course and NREMT certification details
- Make payment for $126 fee
Alternatively you are able to apply by post as follows:
- Complete the “Initial certification/licensure application for EMS personnel” form available here: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/emstraumasystems/formsresources.shtm
- Make sure you correctly fill in the EMT course and NREMT certification details
- Include payment of $126 fee (check or money order payable to Texas Department of State Health Services)
Step 4
EMT Applicants must undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. During the application process in step 3 you will notice a section in the application for the Fingerprint Application Services Texas (FAST). The form details instructions about how to make an appointment to have your fingerprint taken. A $44.20 fee will have to be paid at the fingerprinting facility and is payable by check, money order or credit card.
Knowing all these steps in advance will greatly help in planning your training and ensuring a quick and efficient process as possible.
