San Jac named one of Texas’ top 10 EMS programs
PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College has been recognized as one of the top 10 emergency medical services (EMS) education programs in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Office of EMS/Trauma Systems.
The College’s EMS program earned this distinction based on its three-year average National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians pass rate. With a combined total of 181 paramedic and EMT students and a 91% pass rate on the national certification exam, San Jacinto College stands among the top institutions across the state.
This recognition reflects the program’s commitment to comprehensive education, student success, and training highly competent EMS professionals ready to serve their communities.
“Our goal is to prepare students for life-saving work in the field,” said Sylvia Gallegos, San Jacinto College EMS program director. “We take pride in equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make critical decisions under pressure and serve with compassion and integrity.”
According to DSHS, top EMS programs demonstrate high retention, employability, and first-time certification pass rates—without relying on outside test prep services. These programs also teach to the full extent of the National Education Standards, going beyond local protocols to ensure graduates are ready for a wide range of emergency situations.
Of the 62 programs statewide with both paramedic and EMT graduates, San Jacinto College ranked in the top 10 alongside institutions such as Houston Community College, Austin Community College, and Tarrant County College.
With state-of-the-art simulation labs, experienced faculty, and strong clinical partnerships, San Jacinto College continues to be a trusted training ground for future first responders in the Greater Houston region and beyond.
Learn more about emergency medical services
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
