Articles

HCC Emergency Medical Service Program Ranked No. 1 in Texas

Aug 1, 2025


HCC EMS students provide care to a training dummy.

Houston Community College’s (HCC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program has been recognized as the top EMS education program in Texas, according to a comprehensive analysis of 2024 National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The  results were released by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and were based on a three-year trend that evaluates more than test scores. The analysis also considered student retention, employability and adherence to National Education Standards.

HCC’s EMS program ranks at the top of 62 programs across Texas that graduate both paramedic and EMT students. The college’s program stood out with 389 total students and a 99% pass rate on the National Registry exam – the highest overall score in the state and far above the state average.

“The ranking confirms the feedback we receive from our health care affiliates, who are consistently pleased with the caliber of students we send to them, which typically leads to offers of employment,” said HCC’s Vicki May, EMS program director. “We have a great team of experienced and dedicated faculty who maintain high standards in educating our students.”

To determine the top program, evaluators assessed how well institutions transformed students into trusted health care professionals, achieved first-attempt certification exam passes without external test preparation and delivered comprehensive instruction aligned with national standards.

The 42-year-old training program is part of the HCC Public Safety Center of Excellence at Northeast College, with classes offered at the Northeast, Missouri City and Spring Branch campuses.

“I am extremely proud of the work our faculty and staff provide to support students in reaching their dreams,” said Interim Northeast College President Betty Fortune, Ed.D. “To have the HCC EMS program receive the ranking of number one in the state of Texas is a testament to our promise to prepare students to enter the workforce as highly prepared professionals.”

For more information on EMS training, visit hccs.edu/ems.