PARAMEDIC License in Texas
Quick Answer
Texas paramedic licensure through DSHS requires completing an approved degree program, passing the NREMT exam, and meeting background check and physical exam requirements.
- Exam
- NREMT Paramedic Examination
- Timeline
- 12-18 months
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Every 2 years
Requirements
PARAMEDIC license in Texas
PARAMEDIC Salary in Texas
Entry Level
$39,120
Median
$53,960
Experienced
$74,810
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed PARAMEDIC in Texas.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NREMT Paramedic Examination
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 12-18 months.
PARAMEDIC Licensing in Texas: What to Know
Texas licenses paramedics through the Department of State Health Services. Paramedics deliver pre-hospital emergency care at accident and illness scenes, providing both basic life support (CPR, bleeding control, fracture care, shock treatment, childbirth assistance) and advanced cardiac care with medication administration. Texas recognizes four EMS levels: Emergency Care Attendant, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic. A degree is required, a third-party exam (NREMT) must be passed, specific conviction types are prohibited, and a physical exam is required. Texas is the highest level of emergency medical personnel in the state's four-tier system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a PARAMEDIC license in Texas?
- The process typically takes 12-18 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a PARAMEDIC license in Texas?
- You need to pass the NREMT Paramedic Examination. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare PARAMEDIC requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.