Rice offers two levels of Emergency Medical Technician certification courses: Basic and Intermediate. Students in the classes learn all the skills they need in order to successfully sit for the National Registry of EMTs' exam. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the standardized exam, students receive Texas EMT certification in the level they tested for, and the ability to transfer that certification to most other states in the US.

Because of the intensive nature of EMT training courses, the need for small class sizes, and time limitations during the semester, enrollment in Rice's two EMT courses is limited to persons in Rice EMS, or who receive instructor approval. Further details on the process for being admitted into the classes are available below.

HEAL 308: Intro to Emerg Care I (EMT-B)

This course is designed to give students a basic knowledge of how to treat medical and trauma patients. Students who complete this course will receive American Heart Association CPR Certification at the Health Care Provider level, as well as the ability to test for certification as an EMT-Basic. Topics covered include patient assessment, pre-hospital treatment of medical emergencies, scene safety, and proper use of personal protective equipment. The course typically meets twice a week for approximately four hours, with additional Saturday meetings required for special instruction (ambulance operations and patient extrication) and clinical internships (Emergency Room and Ambulance).

Enrollment in HEAL 308 is limited to students who successfully pass an application process. Applications are typically made available several weeks before registration for the spring semester (i.e. during October or November). Students will be interviewed, and approximately twenty candidates will be selected (and then allowed to enroll in the class). Because of the costs associated with equipment, uniforms, and clinical rotations, students in the EMT-Basic class may be asked to pay an additional course fee, beyond what is covered by normal tuition. The costs vary from year to year, but typically are around $500. Though Rice EMS may offer to reimburse a student's course fee under certain conditions, this is not guaranteed, and those interested in taking the EMT-Basic course should be prepared to pay this course fee without expectation of reimbursement. HEAL 308 is a 3 credit hour course.

HEAL 310: Intro to Emerg Care II (EMT-I)

This course is designed to be a step between the EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic levels. Students learn additional information on topics covered in HEAL 308, as well as skills such as advanced airway management (intubation), intravenous medication and fluid replacement, administration of intramuscular medications, and other advanced skills. Completion of this course is a requirement to be considered for an In-Charge position in Rice EMS, and is advantageous for those planning on using their EMT certification in an outside service.

Enrollment in HEAL 310 is restricted to 10-12 students, who must have completed a recognized EMT-Basic course and must hold Texas EMT-Basic certification by the time clinical internships begin. Typically, enrollment is further limited to current REMS EMTs, though exceptions may be made at the discretion of the course instructor. Time requirements for this course are similar to HEAL 308, though clinical internship time is significantly increased. Additionally, the costs associated with HEAL 310 are higher than that of HEAL 308 (approximately $900), and must be covered entirely by the student. Upon successful completion of the course, students will take the National Registry exam and complete required skills stations, and if they pass this testing, they will receive Texas and National Registry certification as an EMT-Intermediate. The course also gives the student 3 credit hours in the Health Sciences department.

EMT-Paramedic and Licensed Paramedic

Rice University does not currently offer any EMT courses above the level of Intermediate. Students wishing to achieve Paramedic certification or an AAS Degree in Emergency Medicine (Licensed Paramedic) must do so at an outside organization. Typically, institutions such as Houston Community College and San Jacinto College will offer Emergency Medical Services Classes which satisfy the requirements for testing as an EMT-Paramedic. In addition, some area EMS services offer certification classes for EMTs who work or volunteer with them. Students are encouraged to contact both outside Universities or Colleges and outside EMS services they are affiliated with in order to achieve Paramedic certification. It should be noted that should a student choose to take Paramedic classes at an outside college or university, those classes are not transferable for Rice credit. Additional assistance with finding Paramedic classes is available to Rice EMTs from others in Rice EMS.