Strengthening training for EMS and physician assistant students

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Texas State Technical College in Harlingen have recently partnered to provide students with a top-tier education and training in medical emergency services. 

On Monday afternoon, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at ensuring a high-quality educational experience for UTRGV’s physician assistant students and TSTC’s emergency medical services (EMS) paramedic students, which is crucial to their future careers in healthcare.

Agreement highlights:

• Lab Access: UTRGV will grant TSTC EMS paramedic students access to its Cadaver Lab for hands-on skills training, providing a more in-depth education in anatomy and physiology. These labs will be available during the spring, summer and fall semesters.
• Free Certification Classes: TSTC will offer UTRGV physician assistant students’ free instruction in the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) classes during the summer semester at the TSTC Harlingen campus.

Dr. Luis H. Zayas, UTRGV provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said this partnership is a significant benefit for UTRGV and TSTC students who will gain invaluable experiences and training, preparing them to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry.

“We are proud to collaborate with TSTC to enhance the learning environment for students,” Zayas said. “This initiative will enable TSTC students to gain crucial hands-on skills not found in conventional training while also ensuring our physician assistant students can pursue their studies without the financial burden of certification class fees.”

Eladio Jaimez, provost for TSTC’s Harlingen campus, shared Zayas’ sentiments and praised the collaboration set to begin in Spring 2025.

“As our region continues to grow, it is our responsibility as institutions of higher learning to create partnerships and work together in an effort to provide the best training to students in the RGV,” Jaimez said. “This MOU is one example of what these collaborations can look like, and we are proud to partner with UTRGV.”

The signing event, held at the TSTC Harlingen campus, was attended by administrators and students from both institutions. Notable attendees included Dr. Michael Lehker, dean of UTRGV College of Health Professions; Brandon Hernandez, TSTC statewide dean of Allied Health; Frank Ambriz, department chair for UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant; and Anna San Pedro and David Campos, associate provosts for TSTC’s Harlingen campus.

ABOUT TSTC

With campuses across the state, Texas State Technical College helps to strengthen the Texas workforce with highly skilled, technically competent graduates. Operating on a unique funding model based on student employment outcomes, the college celebrated 55 years of service to the state of Texas in 2020. For more information, visit tstc.edu.