LSC-North Harris is a leader among emergency medical services educational institutions. The EMS Professions program is intended for students who wish to receive a high quality educational experience and desire to dedicate themselves to careers in emergency medical services. LSC-North Harris provides the educational and clinical background necessary to become eligible for certification/licensure at the EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic levels.

Certification/licensure is not automatic; the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and/or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) administers all certification examinations upon completion of a DSHS recognized educational program. Completion of the EMS Professions program does not guarantee eligibility for DSHS/NREMT certification/licensure. Criminal background checks are conducted by DSHS as part of the certification process. Candidates with concerns about their background should contact the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin.

Accreditation Status

The Lone Star-North Harris EMS Professions Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (http://www.caahep.org/) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

To contact CAAHEP:

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
http://www.caahep.org/

To contact CoAEMSP:

8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

The EMS Professions program at LSC-North Harris and its course offerings are approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Program Goals

The EMS Professions program at LSC-North Harris is committed to preparing students to become competent entry-level Paramedics that meet state and national expectations within the profession. Upon graduation, the graduate will demonstrate:

1. the ability to comprehend, apply, analyze, and evaluate information relative to the role of an entry-level Paramedic.
2. technical proficiency in all of the skills to fulfill the role on an entry-level Paramedic.
3. personal behaviors consistent with the professional and employer expectations of an entry-level Paramedic.

Estimated Costs of the Program

Tuition is paid each semester based upon the number of semester hours being attempted in the semester. The below tuition and fees are estimated for an in-district student.

Sequencing of Courses

The paramedic program at LSC-North Harris is a 21 months or 5 semester program beginning every fall semester. At the conclusion of the first year or second semester, the student is eligible to sit for the EMT-Intermediate certification examination. At the end of the second year or fifth semester, the student is eligible to sit for the Paramedic certification examination. Students are admitted as a cohort and are required to take the following courses in sequence as listed below:

Application Procedures for Advanced Coursework (Intermediate and Paramedic)

Students must make formal application to the EMSP Program to pursue coursework beyond the EMT-Basic level (EMSP 1501/1160). Applicants who are currently certified at the EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate level or have completed EMSP 1501 (EMT-Basic) and EMSP 1160 (EMT-Basic Clinical) but who do not yet hold EMT-Basic certification may be accepted, with the provision that they obtain EMT-Basic certification prior to beginning the first paramedic clinical assignment. Completion of the following prerequisites may be required for admission into the program. ENGL 0304 or ENGL 0339 AND ENGL 0305 or 0355, OR higher level course (ENGL 1301) OR placement by testing. Completion of MATH 0306 OR placement by testing.

1) Complete the online Paramedic Program Application during the March 1st through July 1st application period.

2) Create a user profile through Castlebranch.com in order to upload and maintain the following clinical requirements:

1. Provide documentation of EMT or EMT-Intermediate certification or NREMT Registration (Students who are currently enrolled in an EMT course or who have completed EMT coursework and are engaged in the credentialing process should indicate that on the online application)
2. Complete LSCS Health History and Physical Forms found on CertifiedProfile
3. Submit proof of immunizations
4. Submit proof of American Heart Association's Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers CPR card
5. Complete background check and drug screen

3) Submit the following documentation to the Division Academic Advisor, Kenya Hicks in Winship 174G:

1. Documentation of high school graduation or a GED.
2. Copies of all relevant academic transcripts: high school, college or university, military service schools, and other proprietary schools.
3. A resume or curriculum vitae showing work history with an emphasis on EMS or other health care experience.
4. Copy of the front and back of Texas Drivers License or official state ID.
5. Completed and notarized EMS Professions program FERPA form.

Instructions and package code for Castlebranch can be obtained online, in Winship 174, or by calling the EMSP Program at 281-765-7957. The online application as well as all additional documentation must be submitted prior to July 1st, preceding the fall semester for which admission is desired. Application portfolios will be accepted after the deadline if available slots still exist.

Clinical facilities may also require completion of a satisfactory drug screening, personal medical insurance, and additional immunizations.  All of which are at the students expense.

Letters regarding admission status will be mailed at the conclusion of the application process.

Admission and Selection Criteria of Candidates

EMS Professions students are admitted for advance coursework every fall semester. If there are more applicants who meet the admission criteria than space will allow, applicants will be ranked for placement in the class. Ranking for placement will be based on a point system for:

• 1 year full time or 2 years part time or volunteer service in EMS; or relevant military experience
• Employment by clinical affiliates
• EMT-I, RN, PA, EMT-P, LP, DO, MD.
• BIOL 2401 or equivalent
• BIOL 2402 or equivalent
• 1-10 completed college credits (excluding BIOL 2401, 2402)
• 11-20 completed college credits
• 21-30+ completed college credits
• Per College Grade Point (Example: 3.5 GPA = 3.5 Points)

Readmission of Transfer to the Advanced Program

Readmission into the advanced program will be considered if the student left or was dismissed in good standing from the program. Transfers into the program are not accepted. If eligible, readmission is based upon seat availability and decisions are made on an individual basis. Readmission is not guaranteed. A student who wishes to apply for readmission must do so by completing the application packet and submitting it to the program director by the established deadlines each semester. Readmission to the program will require applicants to restart the cohort, including repeating previous course or clinical work, and/or additional requirements.

PARAMEDIC PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIOD:  MARCH 1st through JULY 1st
 

Further information can be obtained by calling Kenya Hicks at 281-765-7957 or by visiting Winship 174.