So you want to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic? As a prospective first responder, it‘s important equip yourself with quality education that prepares you for the realities of emergency medicine.
Fort Worth offers several exceptional options for EMT and paramedic training to start your career off right. This guide examines the top programs available and key factors to weigh when choosing the best fit for your needs.
Overview of EMT & Paramedic Training Basics
Let’s first understand EMT classifications and typical education timeframes:
EMT Levels
- EMT-Basic: Entry-level, provides basic trauma/medical care
- Advanced EMT: Can administer IV fluids/medications
- Paramedic: Highest level, performs advanced life support
Program Lengths
- EMT-Basic: 120-150 Hours (4-6 weeks)
- Paramedic: 1000+ Hours (9 months to 2 years)
EMT/paramedic students gain a foundation in areas like anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology and more. Program content equips trainees to:
- Respond to 911 calls & transport patients
- Assess injuries & conditions
- Administer oxygen, first aid, splints
- Provide CPR & resuscitation
- Assist in hospital emergency care
Programs blend classroom lectures with crucial hands-on skills application including clinical rotations and ambulance ride-alongs.
Certification demonstrates competency to employer emergency response services. All levels require passing knowledge and practical skills exams.
Now let’s explore highly-rated EMT & paramedic training schools in the Fort Worth area.
1. Tarrant County College
With decades of experience behind them, Tarrant County College (TCC) stands as the foremost provider of EMT education in Fort Worth.
As a large community college system, TCC offers both EMT-Basic and paramedic associate degree programs at multiple area campuses:
TCC’s EMT-Basic Certificate
TCC‘s 5-credit, 158-hour EMT-Basic course serves as an ideal launchpad for work in emergency medicine. The curriculum covers all aspects of patient assessment, trauma care, medical administration and transport:
- Identifying life & limb threats
- Bandaging wounds
- Safely moving patients
- Monitoring vital signs
- Radio communication
- Writing detailed reports
Small class sizes ensure individualized instruction. Upon completion, 92% of TCC EMT students pass their state and national certification exams. Graduates can immediately apply for EMT positions or continue towards a paramedic degree.
TCC’s Paramedic Associate Degree
For EMTs pursuing advanced skills, TCC‘s 63 credit, 5-semester paramedic program elevates practitioners to the highest rung of prehospital care.
Over 1350 hours of combined classroom and experiential training empowers paramedics to provide:
- Cardiac monitoring & interpretation
- Starting IV lines
- Administering 30+ medications
- Applying advanced airway devices
- Leading ambulance crews
TCC paramedic students complete over 500 internship hours in emergency departments, ICUs, pediatrics and on ambulances. The depth of exposure produces compassionate, decisive paramedics ready to lead emergency response.
92% of graduates pass their National Registry Paramedic Exam on the first attempt.
Why Students Choose TCC
Students consistently praise TCC’s EMT & paramedic programs for:
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Established reputation: 50+ years of medical training expertise
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Great instructors: Active & former paramedics give insider knowledge
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Clinical practice: Rotate through Dallas/Fort Worth’s level I trauma centers
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Affordability: As a public community college, TCC offers lower tuition rates than private schools
With advanced resources, high graduate success rates, and affordable pricing, TCC EMT & paramedic programs set the local standard in prehospital medical education.
Contact Info:
Northwest Campus \
4801 Marine Creek Pkwy\
Fort Worth, TX 76179\
(817) 515-8223
Trinity River Campus\
245 E Belknap St \
Fort Worth, TX 76102 \
(817) 515-8223
Website: www.tccd.edu
2. Lone Star Paramedic Program
Based in Fort Worth, Lone Star Paramedic Program delivers elite paramedic education and associate’s degrees built on small class sizes and practical learning.
Through 18 months of intensive training, Lone Star students gain expertise in areas like:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Medical administration
- Ventilation management
- Trauma care
- Ambulance operations
The 1300+ hour program includes over 500 hours devoted to clinical rotations and field experiential assignments. Training takes place under close mentorship of seasoned EMS veterans.
Lone Star’s hands-on approach sees students responding to real 911 calls at local fire departments starting early on. Through repetition in realistic environments, trainees become comfortable managing high-stakes medical emergencies.
Program Results
Lone Star Paramedic Program outcomes speak to the quality of education:
- 100% instructor retention demonstrates engaged teaching
- 100% National Registry Paramedic Exam first-time pass rate
- 100% graduate employment rate
With compassionate instruction and emphasis on field readiness, Lone Star Paramedic Program delivers confident paramedics fully equipped to operate in crisis situations.
Contact Info:
2555 N Beach St Suite A \
Fort Worth, TX 76111 \
(817) 439-8338
Website: www.lonestarparamedic.com
3. American Medical Response (AMR)
As America‘s largest ambulance services provider, AMR offers EMT & paramedic pathways tailored to prehospital emergency careers across its national medical transport network.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, AMR provides EMT and paramedic education plus direct avenues for employment within the company’s expansive Texas operation:
AMR EMT Training
- Partners with Tarrant County College on 120-hour EMT-Basic course
- Students get college credits & preferred AMR hiring
AMR Paramedic Training
- All classroom & 1000+ clinical hours at AMR’s paramedic school
- Preparation for National Registry Paramedic Exam
- Graduates receive job offers from AMR
AMR also offers continuing EMT & paramedic education courses to refine responder skills and meet re-certification needs.
With structured paths to join AMR emergency crews, training programs supply the firm with skilled personnel across its Fortune 500 ambulance services wing.
Contact Info:
4600 Airport Freeway \
Fort Worth, TX 76117
(817) 732-6329
Website: www.amr.net
4. USA Fire & Rescue Academy
USA Fire & Rescue Academy provides accelerated firefighter, EMT and paramedic programs. The 140-hour EMT-Basic course imparts core emergency response capabilities like:
- Patient assessment
- Vital sign monitoring
- Bleeding control
- Fracture immobilization
- Safe transport
The 52-week, 1300 hour paramedic program meets National Standard Curriculum requirements through:
- 500 hours classroom lectures & labs
- 600+ clinical hours at hospitals
- Field rotations on ambulances
All programs are taught by veteran first responders who bring realism and context to instruction. USA Fire & Rescue Academy delivers graduates fully prepared to serve communities with prompt, quality care.
Contact Info:
USA Fire & Rescue Academy \
Greggory Circle Suite A \
Fort Worth, TX 76116 \
(817) 244-0300
Website: www.fireandrescueacademy.com
5. Texas EMS Academy
As a premier EMS education facility, Texas EMS Academy believes quality training derives from instilling leadership capabilities beyond medical skills.
Texas EMS Academy EMT and paramedic programs leverage:
- Small class sizes
- Blended online/in-person learning
- 200+ clinical/field hours
The immersive 4-week 120 hour EMT-Basic course prepares trainees for National Registry testing and positions in emergency response.
The 9-12 month paramedic diploma and 2-year associate’s degree tracks offer enhanced care instruction meeting DOT paramedic guidelines:
- Advanced Life Support
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Trauma
- Medical Administration
- Ambulance Operations
Paramedic students complete capstone leadership instruction and self-reflection exercises to elevate critical thinking and decision-making skills.
With innovative experiential training focused on confidence and teamwork proficiency, Texas EMS Academy develops the highest caliber EMTs and paramedics ready to serve local communities.
Contact Info:
5920 Watauga Rd.\
Watauga, TX 76148\
(817) 701-6806
Website: www.txemsa.com
How To Choose The Best EMT/Paramedic Training
When researching EMT and paramedic programs in Fort Worth, keep these key decision factors in mind:
Program Length & Schedule
Standard EMT-Basic courses run 120-150 hours over 4-6 weeks. Paramedic programs last 9 months to 2 years for 1000+ training hours. Pick schedules fitting your timeframe.
Hands-on Training
Look for ample clinical rotations and field ride-alongs. This real-world experience is vital for understanding how to apply skills.
Instructor Expertise
Choose programs with teachers holding recent field experience. Their insider knowledge lends invaluable context.
Costs & Financing
Tuition ranges widely. Seek financial aid if needed through grants, scholarships, employer/military benefits or reasonable payment plans.
Outcomes
Review program completion rates, graduate certification pass rates and job placement success. This signals quality education.
Finding the best EMT or paramedic training comes down to meeting your career goals through a program delivering realistic preparation under expert guidance. By following these pointers and considerations, you can pick the right educational springboard into emergency response.