(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For Liana Rios, every mile traveled brings her one step closer to becoming the paramedic she has envisioned since high school.
Rios drives one hour each shift as a firefighter and advanced emergency medical technician (EMT) with the Mission Fire Department. Once a week, she makes the nearly two-hour commute to Texas State Technical College, where she is studying for an associate degree in the Emergency Medical Services’s Paramedic program at the Harlingen campus.
“I want to become a licensed paramedic,” Rios said. “Everything I am learning will help me give my patients better care.”
Rios earned an EMT certificate of completion from TSTC in 2024 and later added her advanced EMT certification.
The Rio Grande City native discovered her passion through firefighting and EMS competitions in high school. However, watching her mother and sister recover from a car accident during her junior year strengthened that commitment. Already trained as a volunteer firefighter and first responder, she helped care during their recovery.
“That was a major factor that inspired me to continue my education in the medical field,” she said. “It has been nonstop studying since that point.”
Rios said that TSTC has helped her build the skills needed in a health care career.
“TSTC has definitely opened many opportunities for me through the EMS program,” she said.
Luis Martinez, an instructor in the EMS program, said Rios has the critical-thinking skills needed to succeed as a paramedic.
“Liana’s ability to make critical decisions has evolved from basic life support to advanced life support thinking under high-stress conditions,” he said.
Luis Villarreal, a lieutenant at the Mission Fire Department, said Rios’ dedication is evident.
“Liana is empathetic with her patients and knows how to help people stay calm during difficult moments,” she said.
Rios said every sacrifice is worthwhile while balancing work, college and clinicals.
“Each paramedic training I learn at TSTC brings me closer to providing the same level of care every patient deserves,” she said. “Five years from now, I want to share my knowledge and experience so I can help the next generation.”
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.