Students at The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg join in a drill as part of instruction in emergency medical technology. Until recently, we didn t have enough equipment to establish independent programs at three sites. Garcia also has been able to add instructors.
Basic instruction lasts one semester.
Intermediate instruction requires one additional semester, and advanced instruction spans a total of four semesters. Graduates then must pass examinations for certification. The expansion will allow full instruction at all three sites by next fall, Garcia said. The demand for paramedics is quite high. The nearest comparable paramedic instruction is in adjoining Cameron County in the cities of Harlingen and Brownsville.