Dr. Jeff Pinnow, MD
EMS Medical Director
Odessa College offers two National Registry Certification levels of EMS training: EMT and Paramedic. The Odessa
College Emergency Medical Services Professional Program grants two levels of awards:
a level one certificate in Emergency Medical Services Professional – Paramedic and
an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services Professional.
All courses in the level one certificate apply to the associate’s degree. Depending
upon individual circumstances, students may be required to repeat courses or complete
competency exams prior to acceptance into the program after completing an award or
are transferring from another institution. A Prior Learning Assessment will be conducted
to determine if college credit equivalency will be awarded towards a degree pathway.
The program combines classroom and/or online instruction with supervised laboratory,
clinical/practicum, and ambulance experiences to prepare the graduate for certification.
EMT classes are exciting and challenging courses. Students are expected to spend a
large amount of time outside of class studying and applying the material that is presented
in class. With department approval, students can take EMT-Basic classes even if unsure
of future plans to continue with paramedic level training. Although students do not
earn an Odessa College certificate at this level, successful completers can become
certified through the credentialing agency.
Program Goals
EMSP classes are fun, active, challenging, fast-paced courses designed for the adult
learner. These courses are not your typical college classes. Students are expected
to spend a large amount of time outside of class studying, practicing skills, and
applying the material that is presented in class.
Classes are typically team taught by certified instructors who are active participants
in EMS. Lead instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, skills
instructors help the students master the various skills presented in the class and
preceptors help the students master their skills in a clinical setting with live patients.
Students work in a collaborative environment designed to help them stay motivated
and excited about the profession.
As a program, our goal is "to prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills),
and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession."
Emergency Medical Services Professional
An EMT-Basic is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while
transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction.
Entry-level First Responders (EMT-Basic) are trained to provide basic emergency medical
care because they tend to be the first persons to arrive at the scene of an incident.
Many firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers have this level of
training.
The Emergency Medical Services Professional program prepares students for careers
in paramedicine, a fast-paced and challenging health care field. Emergency Medical
Technicians and Paramedics provide immediate, life-saving care to the sick and injured.
EMT Certification requirements:
- Minimum age 18
- high school diploma or GED
- EMT-Basic skills proficiency verification by training program
- state administered National Registry certification exam
- submission of EMS Personnel Certification Application and fee
Competency and workforce skills within the EMT course include but are not limited
to the following:
- CPR
- bandaging and splinting/ traction splints
- mechanical aids to breathing (oxygen, bag-mask, suctioning, oral and nasal airways,
and pocket masks)
- patient assessment
- vital signs
- spinal immobilization
- automated external defibrillation
- epinephrine auto-injector
- nebulizer bronchodilators
With department approval and certification as a DSHS EMT-Basic provider, students
can continue with paramedic level training. Odessa College includes intermediate and
advanced skills in the paramedic curriculum.
Students considering registering for emergency medical services professional (EMSP)
courses must have approval from the EMS department before enrolling. Enrollment in paramedic level
EMSP courses is limited, and students are urged to contact the department early to
ensure acceptance to the program. Current application periods are the following:
- Application periods for the Spring term are from Oct 1st to Nov 30th
- Application periods for the Summer term are April 1st to April 31st
- Application periods for the Fall term are May 1st to July 1st
The EMT-Paramedic has more advanced training and assessment skills that allows the
administration of intravenous fluids, interpreting electrocardiograms and giving lifesaving
shocks to a stopped heart, as well as performing advanced airway techniques and using
equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies.
The Emergency Medical Services Professional program prepares students for careers
in paramedicine, a fast-paced and challenging health care field. Emergency Medical
Technicians and Paramedics provide immediate, life-saving care to the sick and injured.
Paramedic Certification requirements:
- Minimum age 18
- high school diploma or GED
- Prior DSHS EMT Basic Licensure
- Intermediate and Paramedic skills proficiency verification by training program medical
director
- Cognitive exam administered by National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
A licensed paramedic has an associate’s degree (or higher) and tests on the same skills
for EMT-Paramedic.
Once a student successfully completes requirements for the National Registry, he or
she may become certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services EMS Division.
Both levels of certification require periodic and specific recertification hours and
activities to continue to practice as an emergency medical technician.
Students considering registering for emergency medical services professional (EMSP)
courses must have approval from the EMS department before enrolling. Enrollment in paramedic level
EMSP courses is limited, and students are urged to contact the department early to
ensure acceptance to the program. Current application periods are the following:
- Application periods for the Fall term are May 1st to July 1st
Applicants, or those seeking additional information, should contact the EMS department
or a Student Success Coach in the Help Center. The student must purchase required
equipment and supplies in order to participate in laboratory and clinical/practicum
training. To obtain a list of the necessary equipment, the student should contact
the department director, secretary, or one of the faculty members before attempting
to enroll in the class.
Students enrolled in any EMSP practicum or clinical course are required to have liability insurance as well as health and accident insurance each semester.
Liability insurance is included in course fees. If the student does not have a health
and accident policy, student health insurance can be purchased. Students must have a health check-up and pass a background check and a drug screen to participate in the EMS program. All immunizations
must be on file in the EMS department, in compliance with state regulations, before the student can participate in clinical or practicum courses.
The Odessa College Emergency Medical Services Professional (EMSP) program does not offer advanced placement or credits for experiential learning, however students can
transfer credit to Odessa College through the process listed in the current Odessa
College academic catalog.
The EMT and Paramedic program’s grading scale for the EMSP courses at Odessa College
for a grade of “C” is awarded for numeric grades set forth by the program. To be eligible
for graduation and Course Completion Verification, the EMT and paramedic student must have completed each of the prerequisite courses in the curriculum with a minimum grade
of “C.” Each of the non-EMSP courses required for the degree must also be passed with
a minimum grade of “C.” The candidate for graduation must score satisfactorily on
the EMT and Paramedic Program Exit exam, complete the National Registry Prep Course,
satisfy all college financial obligations, complete a degree application in the Registrar’s
Office (if applying for an Associate in Applied Science Degree or Certificate of Completion)
by the specified deadline, and return any borrowed school property.
Upon successful completion of all prerequisite EMSP courses and/or Level I-Paramedic
EMSP courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course, the student will receive
an EMSP department approved course completion certificate issued by the TDSHS approved
Medical Director, Program Director, and Coordinator which is required for eligibility
to test for certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Accreditation
The Odessa College Emergency Medical Technologies Program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs
for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
These accreditation Standards are the minimum standards of quality used in accrediting
programs that prepare individuals to enter the Emergency Medical Services profession.
Standards are the minimum requirements to which an accredited program is held accountable.
Guidelines are descriptions, examples, or recommendations that elaborate on the Standards.
Guidelines are not required but can assist with interpretation of the Standards.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; (727) 210-2350; www.caahep.org
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services
Professions;
Phone (214) 703-8445; www.coaemsp.org; Accreditation #600500
The Odessa College Paramedic curriculum plan is approved by the Texas Department of
State Health Services (TDSHS): 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3199; Phone: 512-458-7111
CAAHEP required outcomes report (with in the first 3 cumulative attempts)
*EMT-BASIC NREMT Written Exam PASS RATES
Year
Odessa College Pass Rate
Texas Pass Rate
National Pass Rate
Threshold
2024
85%
77%
79%
70%
2023
76%
77%
74%
70%
2022
75%
77%
73%
70%
2021
76%
N/A
79%
70%
2020
76%
75%
78%
70%
2019
82%
75%
79%
70%
2018
75%
N/A
N/A
70%
2017
89%
75%
80%
70%
2016
77%
79%
82%
70%
*EMT-PARAMEDIC NREMT Written Exam PASS RATES
Year
Odessa College Pass Rate
Texas Pass Rate
National Pass Rate
Retention
Job Placement
Threshold
2024
95%
81%
85%
90%
100%
70%
2023
74%
85%
85%
90%
100%
70%
2022
62%
85%
85%
66%
100%
70%
2021
100%
N/A
84%
88%
100%
70%
2020
100%
86%
85%
80%
100%
70%
2019
100%
89%
85%
91%
100%
70%
2018
84%
89%
87%
82%
100%
70%
*Data collected from the OC, NREMT, CoAEMSP, and DSHS reports.
Odessa College offers two National Registry Certification levels of EMS training: EMT and Paramedic. The Odessa College Emergency Medical Services Professional Program grants two levels of awards: a level one certificate in Emergency Medical Services Professional – Paramedic and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services Professional. All courses in the level one certificate apply to the associate’s degree. Depending upon individual circumstances, students may be required to repeat courses or complete competency exams prior to acceptance into the program after completing an award or are transferring from another institution. A Prior Learning Assessment will be conducted to determine if college credit equivalency will be awarded towards a degree pathway.
The program combines classroom and/or online instruction with supervised laboratory, clinical/practicum, and ambulance experiences to prepare the graduate for certification.
EMT classes are exciting and challenging courses. Students are expected to spend a large amount of time outside of class studying and applying the material that is presented in class. With department approval, students can take EMT-Basic classes even if unsure of future plans to continue with paramedic level training. Although students do not earn an Odessa College certificate at this level, successful completers can become certified through the credentialing agency.
Program Goals
EMSP classes are fun, active, challenging, fast-paced courses designed for the adult learner. These courses are not your typical college classes. Students are expected to spend a large amount of time outside of class studying, practicing skills, and applying the material that is presented in class.
Classes are typically team taught by certified instructors who are active participants in EMS. Lead instructors are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, skills instructors help the students master the various skills presented in the class and preceptors help the students master their skills in a clinical setting with live patients. Students work in a collaborative environment designed to help them stay motivated and excited about the profession.
As a program, our goal is "to prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession."
Emergency Medical Services Professional
An EMT-Basic is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction.
Entry-level First Responders (EMT-Basic) are trained to provide basic emergency medical care because they tend to be the first persons to arrive at the scene of an incident. Many firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers have this level of training.
The Emergency Medical Services Professional program prepares students for careers
in paramedicine, a fast-paced and challenging health care field. Emergency Medical
Technicians and Paramedics provide immediate, life-saving care to the sick and injured.
EMT Certification requirements:
- Minimum age 18
- high school diploma or GED
- EMT-Basic skills proficiency verification by training program
- state administered National Registry certification exam
- submission of EMS Personnel Certification Application and fee
Competency and workforce skills within the EMT course include but are not limited to the following:
- CPR
- bandaging and splinting/ traction splints
- mechanical aids to breathing (oxygen, bag-mask, suctioning, oral and nasal airways, and pocket masks)
- patient assessment
- vital signs
- spinal immobilization
- automated external defibrillation
- epinephrine auto-injector
- nebulizer bronchodilators
With department approval and certification as a DSHS EMT-Basic provider, students
can continue with paramedic level training. Odessa College includes intermediate and
advanced skills in the paramedic curriculum.
Students considering registering for emergency medical services professional (EMSP) courses must have approval from the EMS department before enrolling. Enrollment in paramedic level EMSP courses is limited, and students are urged to contact the department early to ensure acceptance to the program. Current application periods are the following:
- Application periods for the Spring term are from Oct 1st to Nov 30th
- Application periods for the Summer term are April 1st to April 31st
- Application periods for the Fall term are May 1st to July 1st
The EMT-Paramedic has more advanced training and assessment skills that allows the
administration of intravenous fluids, interpreting electrocardiograms and giving lifesaving
shocks to a stopped heart, as well as performing advanced airway techniques and using
equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergencies.
The Emergency Medical Services Professional program prepares students for careers
in paramedicine, a fast-paced and challenging health care field. Emergency Medical
Technicians and Paramedics provide immediate, life-saving care to the sick and injured.
Paramedic Certification requirements:
- Minimum age 18
- high school diploma or GED
- Prior DSHS EMT Basic Licensure
- Intermediate and Paramedic skills proficiency verification by training program medical director
- Cognitive exam administered by National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
A licensed paramedic has an associate’s degree (or higher) and tests on the same skills for EMT-Paramedic.
Once a student successfully completes requirements for the National Registry, he or she may become certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services EMS Division. Both levels of certification require periodic and specific recertification hours and activities to continue to practice as an emergency medical technician.
Students considering registering for emergency medical services professional (EMSP) courses must have approval from the EMS department before enrolling. Enrollment in paramedic level EMSP courses is limited, and students are urged to contact the department early to ensure acceptance to the program. Current application periods are the following:
- Application periods for the Fall term are May 1st to July 1st
Applicants, or those seeking additional information, should contact the EMS department
or a Student Success Coach in the Help Center. The student must purchase required
equipment and supplies in order to participate in laboratory and clinical/practicum
training. To obtain a list of the necessary equipment, the student should contact
the department director, secretary, or one of the faculty members before attempting
to enroll in the class.
Students enrolled in any EMSP practicum or clinical course are required to have liability insurance as well as health and accident insurance each semester. Liability insurance is included in course fees. If the student does not have a health and accident policy, student health insurance can be purchased. Students must have a health check-up and pass a background check and a drug screen to participate in the EMS program. All immunizations must be on file in the EMS department, in compliance with state regulations, before the student can participate in clinical or practicum courses.
The Odessa College Emergency Medical Services Professional (EMSP) program does not offer advanced placement or credits for experiential learning, however students can transfer credit to Odessa College through the process listed in the current Odessa College academic catalog.
The EMT and Paramedic program’s grading scale for the EMSP courses at Odessa College for a grade of “C” is awarded for numeric grades set forth by the program. To be eligible for graduation and Course Completion Verification, the EMT and paramedic student must have completed each of the prerequisite courses in the curriculum with a minimum grade of “C.” Each of the non-EMSP courses required for the degree must also be passed with a minimum grade of “C.” The candidate for graduation must score satisfactorily on the EMT and Paramedic Program Exit exam, complete the National Registry Prep Course, satisfy all college financial obligations, complete a degree application in the Registrar’s Office (if applying for an Associate in Applied Science Degree or Certificate of Completion) by the specified deadline, and return any borrowed school property.
Upon successful completion of all prerequisite EMSP courses and/or Level I-Paramedic EMSP courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course, the student will receive an EMSP department approved course completion certificate issued by the TDSHS approved Medical Director, Program Director, and Coordinator which is required for eligibility to test for certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Accreditation
The Odessa College Emergency Medical Technologies Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
These accreditation Standards are the minimum standards of quality used in accrediting programs that prepare individuals to enter the Emergency Medical Services profession. Standards are the minimum requirements to which an accredited program is held accountable. Guidelines are descriptions, examples, or recommendations that elaborate on the Standards. Guidelines are not required but can assist with interpretation of the Standards.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; (727) 210-2350; www.caahep.org
Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions;
Phone (214) 703-8445; www.coaemsp.org; Accreditation #600500
The Odessa College Paramedic curriculum plan is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS): 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3199; Phone: 512-458-7111
CAAHEP required outcomes report (with in the first 3 cumulative attempts)
*EMT-BASIC NREMT Written Exam PASS RATES
| Year | Odessa College Pass Rate | Texas Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | Threshold |
| 2024 | 85% | 77% | 79% | 70% |
| 2023 | 76% | 77% | 74% | 70% |
| 2022 | 75% | 77% | 73% | 70% |
| 2021 | 76% | N/A | 79% | 70% |
| 2020 | 76% | 75% | 78% | 70% |
| 2019 | 82% | 75% | 79% | 70% |
| 2018 | 75% | N/A | N/A | 70% |
| 2017 | 89% | 75% | 80% | 70% |
| 2016 | 77% | 79% | 82% | 70% |
*EMT-PARAMEDIC NREMT Written Exam PASS RATES
| Year | Odessa College Pass Rate | Texas Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | Retention | Job Placement | Threshold |
| 2024 | 95% | 81% | 85% | 90% | 100% | 70% |
| 2023 | 74% | 85% | 85% | 90% | 100% | 70% |
| 2022 | 62% | 85% | 85% | 66% | 100% | 70% |
| 2021 | 100% | N/A | 84% | 88% | 100% | 70% |
| 2020 | 100% | 86% | 85% | 80% | 100% | 70% |
| 2019 | 100% | 89% | 85% | 91% | 100% | 70% |
| 2018 | 84% | 89% | 87% | 82% | 100% | 70% |
*Data collected from the OC, NREMT, CoAEMSP, and DSHS reports.
Only 16 weeks on either Fall or Spring and 12 weeks in the Summer semesters!
Most EMS agencies do shift ork such as 12 or 24 hour shift rotations. Other workforce options such as hospitals and hospital-based EMS agencies offer the same shift rotations and 48 on/96 off shift work schedule.
Fire Departments, County EMS Agencies, Private Inter Facility Transport Companies,Government Contracts with Emergency management, Flight Transport Agencies, and hospitals.
* These figures can vary based on experience and specific area.