U.S. Army veteran finds fulfillment through Blinn's Emergency Medical Services Program

Tim Collins is training to become an emergency medical technician with plans to pursue a degree in fire science

November 8, 2024

During a recent simulation event for the Blinn College District’s Health Sciences programs, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) student Tim Collins was in control of the situation. A U.S. Army veteran, Collins assured his patient in a clear and steady voice.

“Don’t worry buddy, we’ve got you.”

A Tomball native, Collins enlisted in the army in 2009 at 17, serving as a 12B combat engineer until he was medically discharged. Eager to continue a career in service, Collins was drawn to the first-responder world, which he believes is the perfect fit for former military members.

“When I first got out, nothing really scratched that itch of feeling like I was still giving back to my community,” Collins said. “When I got into the first responder world, that was it. A light went off. I was able to satisfy that desire to make a difference.”

After training and working as a police officer in Colorado and volunteering as a firefighter on weekends, Collins felt the pull to return to Texas to be closer to family. When he found Blinn’s EMS Program, something clicked.

“I love Blinn’s program,” said Collins. “They’ve taught me some amazing things here and I’m excited to keep learning.”

Based at the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan, Blinn offers both EMT and paramedic training that equips students to handle real-life emergencies. The program includes classroom and lab instruction at the campus’s 16,000-square-foot simulation laboratories. Students also complete clinical rotations, which include riding third on an ambulance and supervised work in emergency and labor and delivery departments at area hospitals.

“These professors have put some good skills in my tool bag,” Collins said. “They’re not just teaching us from a textbook, they give us real-world stories about stuff they have dealt with working in the field. I also feel a sense of camaraderie with my classmates because we all want to get out there and start fixing things and improving people’s quality of life.”

He believes this supportive, team-oriented environment will resonate with other veterans and encourages them to consider first-responder careers.

“I think one of the biggest things we look for when we get out is that pack mentality, or feeling of cohesion—that brotherhood or sisterhood,” Collins said. “The first responder pathway provides that feeling even though we’re not soldiers. It’s still very structured. You’re dependent on each other, you’re a unit.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs earn a median salary of $43,100 and Texas has the second highest employment level for EMTs in the United States. Blinn’s EMS Program graduates have extensive employment opportunities and options to continue their education.

As the first member of his family to earn a college degree, Collins takes pride in his accomplishments. After he earns his EMT credentials, Collins plans to enroll in Blinn’s Fire Science Program or continue with Blinn’s EMS Program to become a paramedic.

“These eight weeks have been eye opening in showing me that I have a passion for the medical field,” Collins said. “I also love being able to give back and talk to people about my real-world experiences, so I’m even inspired to become an instructor one day at a police or EMT academy or fire school.”

For more information about Blinn’s EMS Program, visit www.blinn.edu/emergency-medical-services.