Scholarship

EMS Scholarship

At RAC-R, one of our goals is to provide unwavering support to licensed EMS providers in rural areas of Texas. In collaboration with DSHS, we proudly offer scholarships to deserving individuals in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, and Orange Counties. These scholarships are awarded based on documented need, ensuring that those who are passionate about healthcare delivery can fulfill their dreams and make a difference in their communities.

For an update on the Incentive Program please read the attached memo from the State EMS Director.

Incentive Program Update

Please fill out  the Scholarship Inquiry Form or Application and submit via email to racrinfo@rac-r.com.

Frequently Ask Questions

Scholarship Applicant

  • Where can I obtain information about EMS training scholarships that are available in my area of the state?

    Contact racrinfo@bcesd3.com for a list of EMS Sponsoring Agencies in your area.

  • What can be paid for using scholarship funds?

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

  • What cannot be paid for using scholarship funds?

    Scholarship funds cannot be used towards your student uniform, lab coat, required equipment, mileage, etc. or towards your state certification.

  • What style of courses are eligible?

    Courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid.

  • Can I receive education to move from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) consecutively, and receive funding?

    Yes. Appliest to AEMT -> EMT-P or EMT -> AEMT

  • What happens to my tuition or any remaining balance if the education program closes without notice and i cannot finish my course? Who do I contact for help?

    Contact racrinfo@bcesd3.com and you EMS Sponsoring AGency for assistance with completing the agreed commitment requirements.

  • I have one year left on my volunteer/employment commitment in this program. I accept another job offer with an out-of-state ambulance. What happens?

    Contact EMS Sponsoring Agency or racrinfo@bcesd3.com. Funding may need to be returned by the EMS Sponsoring Agency. In some cases, EMS Sponsoring Agency may allow for transfer of volunteer/employment commitment to another program in Texas.

  • What is the process if my application is denied?

    Submit a letter for appeal to racrinfo@bcesd3.com.

Education Entity

  • How will programs be able to use awarded incentives? Are there any restrictions or must it go towards direct costs?

    There are no restrictions on how an EMS Education program uses the awarded incentives.

  • Does the funding for one National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination include funding for psychomotor (skills) testing at the Advanced Emergency Medical technician (AEMT) and paramedic level?

    Yes, this includes one skills exam session.

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EMS Providers

  • What if my county is urban. Do we qualify?

    An urban county EMS provider may qualify if they have documented evidence of delay in response times reaulting from COVID related staffing or operational shortages.

  • Who is eligible to receive funding under this program?

    All EMS providers currently licensed by DSHS.

  • May time employed or volunteering with my local fire department on the fire truck or rescue unit count toward the volunteer or employment commitment?

    You may only count time volunteering or employed on a Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) licensed ambulance.

  • What happens if someone becomes injured on or off the job and cannot complete the commitment to volunteer or work on an ambulance?

    If an extenuating circumstance were to occur, contact racrinfo@bcesd3.com for assistance. RAC-R Chair will facilitate a decision by DSHS.

  • What happens if a Scholarship Applicant has not fulfilled their volunteer or employment commitment and accepts a job offer with an out-of-state ambulance service?

    Contact EMS Sponsoring Agency or your RAC. Additional information pertaining to transferring the commitment obligation to another entity will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • What happens to scholarship funds if a Scholarship Applicant does not complete the education program?

    Notify racrinfor@bcesd3.com. Funding will need to be returned by the Scholarship Applicant ans subsequently EMS Sponsoring Agency will refund scholarship amount to RAC-R. RAC-R will resistribute the returned or collected funds to eligible applicants as lon as the program is still active.

  • What happens with the refunds or collected funds?

    RAC-R will resistribute the returned or collected funds to eligible applicants as long as the program is still active. Please contact racrinfo@bcesd3.com for questions.

National Registry Certification Process (www.nremt.org)


  • Create your account/log in to your profile
  • Create an application  - Select the EMT level. Verify your personal information and make any necessary changes. Then, follow the prompts through the application process.
  • Pay the application fee of $104.00 - EMT, $136 - AEMT, $160 - Paramedic (US funds). The application fee is no-transferable and n0n-refundable. This fee is charged for each attempt of the cognitive examination.
  • Monitor the progress of your application from your "Certification Application Status" in case additional actions are needed. Once the National Registry approves your application and your status is "Ready to Test", you can view your ATT letter and contact Pearson Vue to schedule your exam.

TX DSHS Certification Process ( Texas DSHS EMS Certification and Licensure)


Note that the processes for state application and National Registry (NR) application are separate and distinct. You must pass the NR exam to become eligible for state certification; therefore, you must meet all requirements (such as application, fee, etc.) set forth by NR. If you want to work in Texas, you must gain state certification by following the application instructions below. You are allowed to take the NR exam prior to submitting your state application


  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Successfully complete a DSHS approved EMS training course
  • Submit a completed EMS Personnel Certification application and fee*
  • ECA or EMT - $64
  • AEMT or Paramedic - $96
  • Pass the National Registry exam and complete a state approved jurisprudence exam
  • Submit fingerprints for Texas/FBI criminal history check (IdentoGo)

*Fee exemption is allowed ONLY if you volunteer exclusively for a licensed provider or registered first responder organization. This means that you do not receive pay from ANY service for providing EMS care. This does not include reimbursement for medical supplies, gasoline, clothing, meals, and insurance incurred while volunteering. If you submit an application fee, it will be considered a declaration of non-exempt fee status. Volunteers are not exempt from fees when applying for inactive status.

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