TEEX Paramedic Program receives national accreditation from CAAHEP

COLLEGE STATION – The TEEX Paramedic Program has been awarded full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), a national accrediting agency for 24 health science professions.

The TEEX program is the only stand-alone, non-college-based Paramedic Program in Texas to receive this national accreditation, said Program Manager Mike Schuler. The 1,033-hour program is approved for CEUs by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Students may use their VA Education Benefits for the training and apply for college credit through the American Council on Education (ACE).

To become a certified Paramedic in Texas, students must attend an accredited program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) Paramedic Skills Examination and Computer Based Test (CBT). While awaiting the full accreditation, graduates of the TEEX program have been eligible to take the NREMT exam thanks to a Letter of Review from CAAHEP. TEEX graduates are currently working for the fire service and other agencies across the state and nation, Schuler said.

Full accreditation also will draw more students to TEEX from other states, and it will be easier for them to attend the TEEX program, he added. Graduates of an accredited program who pass the NREMT Examination can usually apply for reciprocity in other states.

“This is a milestone for us and another confirmation of the quality of our Paramedic Program,” Schuler said. The full accreditation has been an intensive process, involving a self-study, peer review and a site visit by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions and the CAAHEP’s Board of Directors, he added.

In a letter to TEEX Director Gary Sera, CAAHEP President Cameron Harris said: “The commission commends you and your colleagues for your commitment to continuous quality improvement in education, as demonstrated by your participation in program accreditation.”

About TEEX 

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, as well as exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. TEEX serves more than 169,000 people each year from every U.S. state and territory and 79 countries worldwide. Home to the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, TEEX also sponsors the elite Texas Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team. TEEX makes a difference by providing training, developing practical solutions and saving lives. TEEX is a member of The Texas A&M University System.

CAAHEP Accreditation
The TEEX Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).