Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program is preparing for a new group of first responders.

Registration for the fall semester is underway, and instructors are excited to train the next cohort of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, especially in the new Immersive Interactive labs available at the Abilene, Brownwood and Harlingen campuses.

“We are hoping to get a good group of students for all of our programs this fall,” said Tim Scalley, the EMS instructor at the Brownwood campus.

Scalley said no experience is needed for anyone planning to enroll in the EMT program.

“We are going to teach you everything you need to know from the start,” he said.

Prospective students who have already completed their EMT certification can enroll in the Paramedic program.

“We have had inquiries about our paramedic program,” he said. “A lot of EMTs are looking to expand their knowledge in order to become better first responders.”

The highlight for students will be training in the Immersive Interactive lab. The realistic settings — enhanced with sounds and even smells — include a garage with a car on fire, a grandmotherly living room, a city park, a lake and a volcano, to name a few. TSTC is the first college or university to provide the technology in Texas.

Current Paramedic student Robert Rodgers said the lab’s features will help him when he completes the program.

“It is interesting to see what each scenario will bring to us when we are training,” he said. “It is a realistic situation that makes you keep in mind the environment around you. Anything can happen and probably will.”

Scalley said he has heard of the need for more paramedics around the state.

“Many services are needing more paramedics on their ambulances,” he said. “I know many companies are actively pursuing our graduates as soon as they graduate.”

According to onetonline.org, the need for paramedics in Texas is expected to grow 11% by 2028.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, as well as certificates of completion in Emergency Medical Services – EMT, Emergency Medical Services – Advanced EMT AEMT, and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic. An occupational skills achievement award in Emergency Medical Services – EMT is also available.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.