Emergency Medical Response Service Staffing Program

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers the Emergency Medical Response Service Staffing Program to address emergency medical response staffing needs across Texas. This program provides grants to Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) licensed EMS providers (firms) to fund scholarships for individuals and employees pursuing careers as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at the Basic, Advanced, and Paramedic levels.

Funding priority will be given to EMS Providers that provide coverage to rural and underserved areas within Texas.

Rural: (1) a county with a population of 50,000 or less; or (2) a relatively large, isolated, and sparsely populated area in a county with a population of more than 50,000.

Underserved: A county or area where the minimum level of EMS care is diminished or does not exist.

Goals

• Address emergency medical response staffing shortages across Texas.
• Increase the number of certified EMTs in the state.

Benefits:

• Provides financial assistance to aspiring EMTs through scholarships.
• Helps EMS providers recruit and train qualified personnel.
• Improves the quality of emergency medical services in Texas.

Who it Serves:

• DSHS-licensed EMS providers (firms) located in Texas
• Trainees pursuing EMT-Basic certification
• Current full-time employees of EMS providers pursuing EMT-Advanced or Paramedic certification

Services Customers May Receive:

• Grant funding for tuition costs associated with DSHS-approved EMT training programs
• Reimbursement for National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam fees (if the participant passes)

Grant payments will be disbursed in two installments as follows: 

• 80 percent of the total grant budget upon execution of the grant agreement
• The remaining 20 percent upon each participant's successful completion of their EMS course

This grant will not fund transportation or lodging to attend training, per diem costs, or meal allowances. It also excludes equipment, books, student uniforms, and lab coats. If awarded a grant, employers may be required to detail training costs on a course-by-course basis.

How To Apply 

TWC will accept applications starting June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CT). Course start dates must begin after September 1, 2026. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with applications open for two months, then closed for one month for grant application reviews and grantee selection. 

Please submit your completed Grant Application, Budget Workbook (Excel), and Form 1020 to EMSapplications@twc.texas.gov. All three documents must be attached in order for the application to be considered.