EMS – San Angelo
San Angelo EMS Program
The EMS–Paramedic Program is a fast-paced, condensed program that covers 38 credit hours in less than 12 months. Once accepted, students attend class 40 hours per week. After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations and pursue employment in a variety of emergency medical settings.
Resources
- EMS Academic Catalog and Degree Plan
- Health Professions Application
- Paramedic Checklist
- CastleBranch Background Check and Drug Screening
Select the Health Professions option in CastleBranch to begin the background check and drug screening process.
Paramedics must be confident leaders who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility required by the profession. They must demonstrate excellent judgment, prioritize decisions, act quickly in the best interest of the patient, and work independently in environments that are often unstructured and constantly changing.
Paramedics must also communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups, build rapport with patients, manage difficult interactions, and maintain emotional stability in high-stress and potentially dangerous situations.
Physical Demands
The profession requires strong physical stamina, endurance, and coordination. Paramedics may need to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance loads exceeding 125 pounds. They must also protect the safety of patients, coworkers, and themselves while working on uneven terrain.
The EMS–Paramedic Program covers 38 credit hours in less than 12 months. Once accepted, students attend class 40 hours per week. Graduates may pursue employment in settings such as:
- Private ambulance services
- Fire departments
- Police departments
- 911 emergency response services
- Hospitals
Accreditation
The Howard College Emergency Medical Services Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
The program is also certified by the Bureau of Emergency Management, a division of the Texas Department of State Health Services. Certification levels include Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. Students may complete one certification level or continue through each level. Texas paramedics who hold an associate degree in EMS or a higher degree may be eligible for Licensed Paramedic status rather than Certified Paramedic status.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the EMS Paramedic Program at Howard College, an integral part of the Health Professions Division, is to educate students through innovative and academically sound learning opportunities. The program serves a 13-county area ranging from Lamesa to Junction and supports the personal development of each student so graduates can serve their communities as competent paramedics.
Program Goal
The goal of the Howard College EMS Program is 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, Emergency Medical Technician, or Emergency Medical Responder levels.
Application Process
All applicants should attend a Health Professions Orientation as the first step in the application process. The initial meeting helps determine applicant options and establish a timeline for completing acceptance requirements.
The EMT program does not begin at the same time each year and does not have a fixed annual application deadline. Applicants to the Paramedic program must submit the application by the deadline established by the Program Chair and complete all admission criteria by that date.
Admission Criteria
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Apply to Howard College and complete all general admission requirements.
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Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing with Howard College and any transfer institution.
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View the Health Professions Orientation video posted on the Health Professions San Angelo homepage. Completion is required for all applicants to San Angelo Health Professions programs.
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Complete a physical examination after acceptance into the program and before the first day of class. The program will provide the required form.
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Provide proof of immunizations required by Texas Health Department Rule 97.64. Additional immunizations may be required by clinical facilities.
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Successfully complete a criminal background investigation through the approved Howard College vendor.
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Submit an Emergency Medical Services program application to the Program Chair by the established deadline.
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For Paramedic applicants, provide proof of Emergency Medical Technician or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification.
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Understand that the number of admitted students is determined by available classroom and clinical capacity.
The Howard College Emergency Medical Services Program does not offer advanced placement or credit for experiential learning.
Curriculum
For complete curriculum information, refer to the Howard College Catalog.
Program Effectiveness Data, 2019–2024
| Measure | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NREMT Skills Pass Rate | 100% | 66% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| NREMT Cognitive Test Pass Rate | 85% | 66% | 100% | 94.4% | 83% | 87% |
| Program Retention | 100% | 75% | 90% | 90% | 100% | 88% |
| Positive Job Placement | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 83% | 100% |
Martha Alvarez
VN Health Professions Division Director and VN Program Chair
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3425
Email: malvarez@howardcollege.edu
Tracey Riddle
Health Professions Coordinator
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3435
Fax: 325-481-8373
Email: triddle@howardcollege.edu