Paramedics Enrolled in
Emergency Medical Services Courses

Program Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide an exemption from the payment of tuition and laboratory fees for eligible emergency medical services courses for any person enrolled in an institution of higher education and employed as a paramedic by a political subdivision of this state.

Note: This webpage is intended to provide basic information for the public by highlighting requirements that appear in the Texas Education Code (TEC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC). When reviewing eligibility requirements this exemption program, you should always refer to the relevant statutes and rules. The information on this webpage is to be used solely as a resource and does not override the statute or rules for this exemption program. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, legal advice.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this exemption, the applicant must:

  • Be enrolled at a participating institution.
  • Hold an EMT-Paramedic certification or Paramedic license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
  • Be employed as a paramedic by a political subdivision of this state.
  • Have filed a Selective Service statement of registration status.

To continue receiving this exemption after initially being awarded, the student must:

  • Meet all program eligibility requirements.
  • Meet the institution’s financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirement.
  • Not have attempted an excessive number of semester credit hours as an undergraduate student (see TEC Section 54.014).

Note: A student who does not meet the GPA requirement to satisfy the institution’s SAP or excessive hour restriction may qualify for a hardship exception; contact your institution for more information. GPA requirement to satisfy the institution’s SAP or excessive hour restriction may qualify for a hardship exception; contact your institution for more information.

Eligible Institutions

Texas public colleges and universities that offer emergency medical services degree and certificate programs.

Award Amount

This program exempts an eligible student from the payment of tuition and laboratory fees for courses pertaining to emergency medical services certificates and degree programs. Courses that make up the general education core curriculum required for all degrees are not covered by this exemption, unless the courses are identified by the institution as being a part of the emergency medical services curriculum.

Exemption from tuition is only for courses in which the institution receives formula funding (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its costs).

Application Process

Contact your institution if you are interested in this exemption program. See the office of the registrar, the admissions office, or the student financial aid office. Your institution will determine the documentation you must submit to confirm proof of eligibility for this exemption.

Additional Information