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EMT Class FAQ

Is taking an EMT Course worth it for Pre-Health Students?

Yes! BUT there are some important considerations. Our program is one of the only programs in North Texas that caters specifically to college undergraduate students. This is really important because while there are many great programs available, they are designed for students that do not have schedules and commitments such as Pre-Health Students at a college like UTD. An EMT course is an AMAZING way to gain valuable experience during your undergraduate years, and the program is challenging but very rewarding.

Pros of taking an EMT Class in College as a Pre-Health Student:

  • The best form of patient care experience (unlike shadowing, you are actually treating patients!!)
  • You are able to experience the true reality of healthcare and interact with patient populations that you wouldn’t otherwise.
  • Develop professional skills that you will carry into any graduate program (Medical School, PA School etc)
  • Experience being an actual healthcare provider, and see if it is the best career for you.
  • Are able to demonstrate to graduate programs (Medical School, PA School etc) that you had the initiative to place yourself in the healthcare environment prior to applying.
  • Gain a great paying part-time job or be eligible to apply to volunteer with UEMR, gaining clinical hours as well.

Cons of taking an EMT Class in College as a Pre-Health Student:

  • Is a challenging class that may be overwhelming if you are taking a high course load that semester (18+ credits)
  • It takes a considerable amount of dedication (comparable to a 4 hour credit class)
  • Emergency Medicine may not be for everyone, but at least by taking the course you don’t waste time in medical school figuring that out!
  • If you take another non-UTD course, you may find that the schedule may clash with your UTD work. Also, you may find that the clinical rotations are a lower standard than our clinical relationships. Just a consideration when comparing other programs.

When is payment due?

As soon as you register! Your spot in the class is not confirmed until you complete payment. You can either pay in full or use a payment plan (use the word paymentplan when you complete the registration process, and it will generate an invoice for half.) Classes fill quickly!

Are there any refunds?

No refunds unless authorized by the course director for extenuating circumstances.

Once I finish the course, does that make me a licensed EMT?

Successful completion of our course is the only way to be eligible to test for the National Registry of EMTs certification, which is a requirement for Texas EMT Licensure.

Will I get College Credit for this course?

Yes, if you are a UTD student and space in the HLTH4304 course allows. You are eligible to receive credit for internship courses (HLTH 4301, and others). You must have enrolled in the EMT course prior to enrolling in HLTH4304. Only those with UEMR’s program staff permission may enroll in the EMT course section of HLTH4304. You will be required to pay for regular UTD tuition on top of the UEMR course tuition. HLTH4304 will go on your UTD transcript, and your grade will affect your UTD GPA.

Is the course online or in-person?

We have 2 formats. The “Hybrid” format means that you will complete certain aspects online then also have a required in-person lab time. A student should expect to spend anywhere from 10-15 hours per week on completing online materials. The “Academy” format meets every day Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.

What does my clinical rotations consist of?

After successful skills testing and taking our final exam, you will be released to clinical rotations. You will complete three 12 hour Emergency Department Clinicals and one 24-hour clinical rotation with a local fire department. You will get to practice your newly learned skills on real patients! Our clinical partners include THR Plano, THR Dallas, Methodist Dallas, Medical City Dallas and Medical City Plano. Our internship partners include Richardson FD, Irving FD, Mesquite FD, Garland FD, McKinney FD, and Plano FD.

Will I be eligible to apply for UEMR after the course?

Yes. The only way to be eligible to apply for UEMR is to either take the UEMR EMT course or have extensive EMS experience.