The Emergency Medical Services program at Texas State Technical College takes pride in preparing students for their futures in health care with hands-on training that will allow them to get to work on day one.
Instructor Daniel Forbing discussed the emphasis that the program places on real-world environments, as well as an opportunity that allowed eight TSTC EMS students the chance to roll up their sleeves and get to work when they volunteered at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
“Students assisted with the rehab portion of the vaccine, which included the 15-minute check after patients received their dose,” he said. “They were able to facilitate care and interact with patients.”
Current EMS student Vanessa Hurtado said she is grateful that she was able to play a role in a historic moment for the Rio Grande Valley.
“I learned that organization, communication and teamwork are the formula for success,” she said. “There were 6,000 vaccinations given that day, and I am happy I was able to be a part of it and play a tiny, but important, role in a huge piece of our history.”
While experience outside of the classroom is essential, the tools that students are able to learn with also make a difference.
“Students in our program train with top-of-the-line equipment, like our ambulance simulator,” Forbing said. “We prepare them for the national registry and provide them with all certifications to get a job.”
It is essential that students graduate with several achievements under their belt.
“All of our students graduate with all required certifications, such as CPR training, to get straight to work,” Forbing said. “TSTC establishes a real-world learning environment for them.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, as well as certificates of completion in Emergency Medical Services – Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic.
To learn more about the EMS program at TSTC, visit www.tstc.edu/programs/EmergencyMedicalServices or email Daniel Forbing at [email protected].
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
