Waco, TX – Officials have announced that the scholarships are intended for those interested in beginning a career or volunteering in EMS, and to those already working in the profession who wish to acquire higher level certifications.
The scholarship program is part of the state’s efforts to address a shortage of EMS personnel working on ambulances.
Pre-COVID-19, Texas had more than 77,000 Texans working in the field as emergency medical technicians, advanced EMTs or paramedics.
The staffing shortages the healthcare system experienced during the pandemic, however, led many in EMS to move out of ambulances and into other healthcare positions in hospitals and clinics.
During and after COVID-19, the number of certified EMS personnel dipped below 73,000.
The DSHS program to retain the current EMS workforce and fund scholarships for EMS education requires scholarship recipients to commit to serving in an ambulance for at least one year as an EMT or two years as an advanced EMT or paramedic.
This ensures newly certified personnel will operate in ambulances in Texas communities upon completion of their studies and certification.
