Dallas Paramedic Schools
Students can find one school offering a paramedic certification program directly in Dallas and a few schools offering such programs in the surrounding area. To discover what training in this field entails, take a look at the courses and clinical experiences required at three institutions. A table of school stats is provided for additional details on the profiled colleges. Those looking for even more choices can check out the info on a fourth school option in the area as well.
- In the city's downtown area, students may pursue a paramedic certification program at the 2-year, public El Centro College.
- Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch is another community college that offers paramedicine certificate and associate's degree programs. The campus is roughly 13 miles from central Dallas.
- The largest of the schools profiled here is Collin County Community College District, which is located around 30 miles from downtown Dallas. Students can complete a paramedic certificate program as well as an associate's degree program in emergency medical services.
Comparison of Schools
Explore the similarities and differences among the profiled colleges in the table below. It contains facts and figures on costs, campus settings, graduation rates, student enrollment and more to help you make an informed education decision.
| El Centro College | Brookhaven College | Collin County Community College District | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | 2-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 12,947 | 13,718 | 33,686 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large suburb | Midsize suburb |
| Tuition and Fees (2022-2023)* | $1,770 in-district $3,330 in-state $5,220 out-of-state | $1,770 in-district $3,330 in-state $5,220 out-of-state | $1,864 in-district $3,514 in-state $5,614 out-of-state |
| Percent of First-Year Students Receiving Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 74% | 52% | 57% |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A Open enrollment | N/A Open enrollment | N/A Open enrollment |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021)* | 53% full-time | 60% full-time | N/A |
| Graduation Rate for Students Beginning in 2016* | 19% | 18% | 16% (for Students Beginning in 2015) |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator
El Centro College
El Centro College is part of the Dallas County Community College District and offers a paramedic certification program. Students wishing to enroll in this program need to have emergency medical technician (EMT) certification prior to applying for entrance. Current EMS personnel are given priority spots in the program, though there are typically 8-20 spots remaining for civilian applicants.
Paramedic Certification
This is a six-and-a-half-month program of intensive study that requires students to attend classes Monday through Friday during the day. The clinical rotation and field experience portions of the programs can be scheduled for any time of day or night, and students must be available 24/7. Courses are taught in classroom, emergency ambulance experience and hospital rotation formats. Instruction covers areas of paramedicine that include cardiology, intubation, drug administration and intravenous initiation.
Brookhaven College
Students at Brookhaven College must have Texas EMT and professional rescuer CPR certifications in place prior to performing the clinical and field experience portions of the paramedicine certificate program, and they must also meet Texas Success Initiative standards. Associate degree students must meet the same admission criteria.
Paramedicine Level II Certificate
Students must complete a series of prerequisite courses before entering this program. An EMT who's certified in Texas may earn credits by exam for two of the courses. This is a 48-credit program that can be completed in four semesters. The curriculum covers studies in patient assessment, airway management, cardiology and trauma management. Students are encouraged to include American Sign Language or Spanish in their studies.
Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine
The associate degree program offers a curriculum that includes basic EMT studies, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and psychology as well as general education classes. The program lasts four semesters, and students who earn this degree are qualified to take the Texas Department of Health and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - Paramedic (NREMT-P) certification exams.
Collin County Community College District
Paramedic training admission requirements include EMT Basic and CPR certifications, a high school diploma or GED, drug screening, criminal background check, immunizations and a personal interview. Prospective students must also have health insurance and pass a health occupations aptitude exam.
Certificate Level I - Paramedic
Prerequisite courses for this program include classes in anatomy and physiology along with basic emergency services medicine studies. The certificate program lasts for six semesters, which includes two summer sessions. Subjects in the curriculum include studies in airway management, cardiology and trauma management. Students get hands-on experience through their clinical rotations and field experiences.
Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Services Professions
The prerequisite courses are the same as those for the certificate program with the addition of composition. Students who already have the EMT-Basic certification will be excused from taking some of the prerequisite classes. The associate's degree program lasts for five semesters, including a summer session, and incorporates several general education courses that complement the emergency services studies. The program was created for students seeking professional advancement in paramedicine.
Other School Options
Tarrant County College District, located about 32 miles west in Ft. Worth, offers both EMT and paramedic training programs.
