Future Students

Admission Information

EMS Information Packet

Admission to the EMS program is selective, with registration in the EMS courses by permission only. To be considered for acceptance into the program, applicants must submit all required application information by the deadlines (Fall - August 1st, & Spring (EMT Only) - January 1st). Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the EMS program. Minimum admission requirements include the following:

• Admission to Grayson College
• Completion of the Paramedic Information Packet (intake form)
• Unofficial copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
• Documentation of FISDAP Entrance Exam (Contact Grayson College Testing Center for testing schedule and procedure at testing@grayson.edu) Scores will be made available to GC EMS Program Director only. 
• Copy of current EMT certificate or license
• Copy of current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider
• Pre-Entrance Physical Exam and Health Statement
• Completion of required immunizations
• Apply to the EMS program

Selection and Acceptance Procedure

1. Applications are reviewed for required documentation by the EMS Admissions Committee during the five days immediately following the deadline. Only those with complete files will be considered for admission. It is the applicants responsibility to make sure files are complete.
2. In the case where applicants having equal scores must be chosen for limited space availability, the selection will be made by the EMS Admissions Committee and/or Program Director. 
3. Applications will be prioritized for selection to the Paramedic Wait List using the score of the FISDAP Entrance Exam.
4. Applicants will be notified via email at least five days prior to the scheduled orientation. Final acceptance is contingent upon completion of final acceptance requirements, listed below.

Final Acceptance Requirements (Following notification of admission)

1. Attend the mandatory orientation
2. Pass a urine drug screen as stipulated by the EMS program
3. Pass a criminal background check as stipulated by the EMS program

Required Immunizations

All students must submit a copy of the following immunizations with a valid stamp or signature, signed statement from a physician, or lab report indicating serologic immunity. Please note that some of these immunizations take up to six months to complete.  Immunizations must be started in time to complete the series before the FIRST DAY OF CLASS.  If unable to complete the series before beginning of class, the applicant is not eligible for admission. 

1. Tetanus / Diphtheria / Pertussis  (Tdap) - One dose of the Tetanus / diphtheria / pertussis (Tdap) immunization within the last 10 years.
2. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)  (Immunization or blood test proving immunity) - If born after January 1, 1957, must have proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine administered on or after the 1^st birthday and at least 30 days apart – or – proof of serologic immunity. 
3. Varicella (Chickenpox) (Immunization or blood test proving immunity) - Series of two Varicella vaccines at least 30 days apart – or – proof of serologic immunity. History of the disease is not acceptable.
4. Hepatitis B (Immunization or blood test proving immunity) - Series of three Hepatitis B vaccines – or proof of serologic immunity. This series takes 6 months to complete.
5. Negative tuberculosis skin test (or negative chest x-ray with positive skin test)
6. Influenza Vaccine - Annual influenza immunization as recommended by the CDC in the fall of each year.
7. Meningococcal Vaccine - All on-campus college students who are under the age of 22 must have the meningococcal vaccination within the previous five years. Even though not required for students over the age of 22 it is highly recommended. Please consult your primary care physician.
8. Pneumococcal Vaccine - Even though not required for the EMS program it is highly recommended. Please consult your primary care physician.

Due to compliance with clinical facility requirements and the Texas Department of Health recommendations, GC Health Science programs may not waiver immunization requirements for any reason.  If immunizations are not complete, application to the program must be delayed.

Copies of records from physician’s offices, public health department, public schools, other colleges and the military are acceptable.  Students should provide a copy of the records.  Please do not turn in the originals.

Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression

In order to accomplish the objectives of the program, students must be able to meet certain core performance standards/requirements:

1. Visual acuity with/without corrective lenses to identify cyanosis, absence of respiratory movement in patients, and to read small print on medication containers, healthcare provider orders, monitors, and equipment calibrations.
2. Hearing ability with/without auditory aids to understand the normal speaking voice without viewing the speaker’s face and to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, call bells from patients, and stethoscopic sounds originating from a patient’s blood vessels, heart, lungs, and abdomen.
3. Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, lift patients, and move from room to room or maneuver in limited spaces. Must be able to meet the physical and/or lift requirements of the assigned clinical agencies.
4. Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form. Ability to speak clearly and succinctly when explaining treatment procedures, describing patient conditions, and implementing health teaching. Ability to legibly and correctly document.
5. Manual dexterity to use sterile techniques, insert catheters, and prepare and administer medications (IV, PO, and IM).
6. Ability to function safely under stressful conditions, adapting to ever-changing clinical situations involving patient care

Transfer of College Coursework

A transfer student is a person who attended another paramedic program and transferred course credit for advanced placement in Grayson College's EMS program. Students who provide evidence of academic credit in paramedic level course work from a Nationally (CAAHEP/CoAEMSP), fully accredited college or university in good standing at the time of the student's attendance may be eligible for admission and advanced placement in Grayson College Emergency Medical Services program if all transfer requirements have been satisfied. 

Advanced Placement

An advanced-placement option is available for students currently holding a current National Registry Paramedic certification who have a desire to obtain an Associate in Applied Science in Paramedicine degree, or a Certificate of Completion in Paramedicine, Through an assessment of professional certifications and previous professional experience, you may be eligible to exempt a maximum of 24 credit hours toward the A.A.S. degree in Paramedicine, or 15 credit hours towards a Certificate of Completion in Paramedicine, Grayson College reserves the right to require students to demonstrate competency through satisfactory completion of coursework, certification, challenge or exemption exams, or experiential learning. Each student's certification and experience will be reviewed on an individual basis. 

Grayson College EMS program does not offer any advanced placement for anyone seeking an A.A.S. in Paramedicine or Certificate of Completion in Paramedicine, holding paramedic certification or licensure from any entity other than the National Registry of EMTs. There is no advanced placement, or bridging, of other allied health certifications/licenses.