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Texas EMS Recruitment and Retention Funding Program SB8

Overview

To address EMS staffing challenges across Texas, the Texas legislature has allocated $21.7 million to support EMS education and retention as part of Senate Bill 8 (SB 8). The Senate Bill (SB) 8 EMS recruitment and retention initiative aims to increase the Texas EMS workforce by 2,500 certified personnel by the end of 2024.

As a result, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has created the EMS Education (EMSE) scholarship fund, which will cover the full cost of EMS education for individuals who wish to obtain their EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification, with priority given to rural and underserved areas of Texas.

Interested in the process for applying to the Texas EMS Education scholarship fund? Give us a call at (325) 480-2617 and we can help guide you through he application process, or answer any questions about earning your EMS certification.

How To Apply

Texas residents wishing to take advantage of this program will need to contact the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) office associated with their area of residence. From there, the RAC office will help the applicant locate an EMS sponsor, if necessary, and direct them to the application process for that district.

To learn more about which RAC governs your area and for contact information, please click here to visit the Texas DSHS RAC web page.

During the application process, you will need to reach out us for our program information and projected start/end dates. To request that information, please send an email to support@percomcourses.com with the title “Help With SB8 Funding”.

What Is The Approval Process?

Upon receipt of a complete application, the RAC will compile the application information to ensure complete information is ascertained for approval. The RAC will then approve the funding request application.

EMS/TS will prepare for contract initiation to the DSHS, Contract Management Unit (CMU), who will develop contracts for entities purchasing textbooks/workbooks and all other instructor(s) and or coordinator(s) fees.

An EMSE scholarship application will not be approved for payment if the course starts prior to the official notification by the RAC. Do not start a class before receiving final approval, as any class that begins without prior approval will not be funded.

How Much Funding Is Available Per Student?

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT):  $2,000
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT):  $3,200
  • Paramedic:  $8,000

How Can The SB 8 Funding Be Used?

SB8 funds can be used towards your education, education material and the ability to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination.

SB8 funds CANNOT be used towards your student uniform, lab coat, required equipment, etc. or towards your state certification. Additionally, scholarship funds cannot be used for travel costs or backfill payments for employers when the student is in class.

Who Is Eligible For SB 8 EMSE Funding?

 All EMS providers currently licensed by DSHS are eligible for scholarship funding. Additionally, any person interested in becoming an EMT with an official sponsor (EMS agency) can apply.

How Long Will SB 8 EMSE Funding Be Available?

RAC offices must have funding dispursed by 12/31/2024.

Can I Use This Funding To Advance From EMT to Paramedic?

Yes, there is $8,000 available per student to advance to Paramedic.

Is There Work Requirements After Utilizing This Funding Option?

The Department of State Health Services will provide EMS education to students who agree to perform emergency medical services (EMS) for at least one (1) year with a local emergency medical services provider at the EMT level and two (2) years for AEMT and Paramedics.

Are The Textbooks and Other Costs Included?

It is the responsibility of the education program or sponsoring EMS provider to provide the education, books, necessary materials, and the student cost for taking the National Registry EMT examination process one (1) time.

PERCOMOnline included the physical textbooks into our SB8 programs.

How Long Do I Have To Complete The Course?

Each EMSE scholarship funding application will have a prescribed start and end date, which should be ample time to complete the course.

  • EMT – maximum of 120 days
  • AEMT – maximum of 240 days
  • Paramedic – maximum of 365 days

How Long Do I Have To Become Licensed?

Once the student completes the course, they have 90 days from the last official day of scheduled class to complete the certification process and start serving 96 hours a month in a volunteer or paid capacity.