Advanced Program Information

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 EMS Profession program at LSC-North Harris is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) based on the review and recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). 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.

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:

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 is 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.

An official application portfolio can be downloaded (.pdf file), obtained in Winship 174, or by calling the EMSP Program at 281-765-7957. The application 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. The portfolio must include:

1. A completed application for admission.
2. Documentation of high school graduation or a GED.
3. Copies of all relevant academic transcripts: high school, college or university, military service schools, and other proprietary schools.
4. A resume or curriculum vitae showing work history with an emphasis on EMS or other health care experience.
5. Documentation of EMT-Basic certification. Students who currently are enrolled in an EMT Basic course or who have completed EMT-Basic course work and are engaged in the credentialing process should provide a statement to this effect.
6. Verification of immunization against TDaP, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B.
7. Negative results from a tuberculosis skin test (Manatoux or Gold) or chest x-ray performed within the last 12 months.
8. Proof of successful completion of the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers, or an equivalent course approved by the Program Director, within the previous year.
9. A completed the physical examination/medical history form. 
10. Copy of Background check results from a LSCS approved vendor.
11. Copy of Texas Drivers License or official state ID.

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 or transfer into the advanced program will be considered if the student left or was dismissed in good standing from their former program. If eligible, readmission is based upon seat availability and decisions are made on an individual basis. Readmission or transfer is not guaranteed. A student who wishes to apply for readmission or transfer must do so by completing the application packet and submitting it to the program director by the established deadlines each semester. The program director may require the applicant to repeat previous course or clinincal work, and/or place additional requirements on the applicant.

Summer admission application deadline      April 1st
Fall admission application deadline             July 1st
Spring admission application deadline         November 1st

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