EMS scholarship program attracts and retains personnel in Texas

New Advertising Campaign Seeks to Further Increase Recruitment

The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services Scholarship Program has helped attract EMS personnel in Texas, contributing to an increase of 6,000 certified professionals in the last three years.

There are now 74,357 certified EMS professionals in Texas after years of decline dropped that number to 68,252 in 2020. The increase means more ambulance crews are available to respond to emergency calls and may lead to improved response times in parts of the state that saw the biggest declines.

“With the increase in certified personnel in Texas, I believe it is safe to say that we stopped the attrition that occurred over the last several years,” said Joe Schmider, DSHS State EMS Director. “This funding has given Texas the resources to attract new interest in making EMS a career and encourage Texans to volunteer and help their communities.”

The state budget provided $12.3 million in funding for EMS scholarships to help grow the profession and retain personnel, especially in the state’s remote rural areas. DSHS has processed more than 2,000 scholarships totaling $11.7 million, and funds are now available for additional scholarship awards.

The agency is also launching an advertising campaign to encourage Texans to enter the EMS profession or get certified at a higher level. The new media campaign – Life Saving. Life Changing. – began its statewide run on Aug. 28 and will continue through October. Texans will see EMS scholarships and career messaging across TV and digital platforms, social media, radio and on billboards, including testimonials in English and Spanish.

A new website at ems.texas.gov is online and provides information about available EMS education and scholarships, certifications, career benefits and jobs available.

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(News Media Contact: pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov)