Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses

The State of Texas recognizes and appreciates the contributions and sacrifices made by military service members, veterans, and spouses. The Texas Department of State Health Services in collaboration with other State of Texas agencies provides information for current military service members, veterans, and spouses about eligible licenses and assistance in their search for employment within the state of Texas. 

Current military service members, military veterans, and military spouses who received emergency medical technician (EMT) training in the military and have a current National Registry certification are eligible for a Texas EMT certification.  Military service members, military veterans, and military spouses shall follow the same application process as Out of State/Reciprocity applicants because Military courses are not Texas approved/certified courses; therefore, military course work and training is considered in the same manner as out of state courses. In order to gain Texas certification you must complete the Reciprocity online application, submit the completed application and required $126 application fee, and successfully complete a FBI background check.

If during deployment, a military service member and/or military spouse allows an EMS certification to expire, DSHS rules allow a one-year grace period following demobilization for military personnel and spouses to renew certification without late fees and/or skills verification.

To renew, please visit the EMS certification and licensure renewal page.

We extend our sincere gratitude to military veterans, current military personnel, and their families for their dedicated service to the United States of America and to the State of Texas.