Texas State Technical College in Brownwood will begin offering an Emergency Medical Services certificate beginning in fall 2016.

Andy Weaver, Allied Health division director for TSTC in West Texas, said the new program revives a previously offered program.

“We used to offer Emergency Medical Services a number of years ago in Brownwood,” Weaver said. “Now, there was some local motivation for more health care programs to be available, so we’re bringing it back.”

The 16-credit-hour certificate can be completed in two semesters and prepares graduates to enter the field as an emergency medical technician.

Chris Furry, Lifeguard-Brown County EMS chief said Lifeguard is excited that TSTC is again offering the program in Brownwood.

“We are excited for the opportunity to work with the TSTC EMS program,” said Furry. “With the local program, students will be able to gain a direct understanding of Lifeguard’s services and patient care expectations, thus expanding our local candidate pool as they complete the program.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 29 percent growth in emergency medical technician and paramedic jobs through 2022, with Texas being the nation’s top employer in that field.

“We have an ever-growing geriatric population and a reduction in the workforce,” Weaver said. “These combined are making it more challenging for organizations to remain staffed.  We want to open and grow the Brownwood Emergency Medical Services program to help serve the EMS industry in and around Brownwood.”

Before enrolling in the program, students must attend an information session, where they will be given a packet with pre-requirement information. Sessions will be offered at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, and Wednesday, Aug. 10, in Brownwood. Students can also attend a session in Abilene, where they are offered every Tuesday.

For more information on the program or the information sessions, contact TSTC in Brownwood at 325-643-5987.