Do you have a little time? please ask instead
Maria Compian (left), an emergency medical services student at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, practices providing breathing assistance to a medical mannequin with EMS instructor Ede Flores. (Courtesy of Texas State Technical University/TSTC)
HARLINGEN — Maria Compean was overjoyed two months ago when her two sons, Brian and Brandon, graduated from the Electrical Wiring Operator and Management Technology program at Texas State University’s Summer Graduation Ceremony in Harlingen. I did.
Their accomplishments gave Compean the courage to pursue a career in emergency medical services that she had often considered.
“I’ve always loved the medical field but never had the courage,” she said. “After my adult sons graduated, I thought why not give it a try? After searching online, I discovered that TSTC had an EMS program. Not only to have a career, but also to set an example for my 14-year-old daughter.”
Compean is currently studying to earn his Emergency Medical Services – EMT Certificate. Being a non-traditional student is not a problem for her.
“I am older than the other students, so the instructors are patient and help me,” she said. “They know I want to have a good career and I’m working hard.”
The San Benito resident said she is enjoying her first semester at TSTC.
“I love all the skills I’m learning,” she said. “One example is a practical task that our instructor (Ede Flores) asked each student to complete. We had to move a medical mannequin from a stretcher to an ambulance simulator. If they did, (Flores) wanted to know what kind of care we would provide them.”
Flores said Compean showed maturity and ability.
“Maria is driven by a desire to make children proud while helping those in need,” he said. “Not only does she absorb the content quickly, but she is also very enthusiastic about applying the skills she learns.”
Compean said TSTC has given her something to look forward to.
“Once I get my paramedic certification, my goal is to work toward the paramedic program,” she said.
In addition to the Emergency Medical Services – EMT certificate, TSTC offers the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Services – Advanced Paramedic AEMT and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Completion in Abilene, Brownwood, and Harlingen. We provide certificates. campus.
Registration for the spring semester at TSTC begins October 28th. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
