EMT Training in Virginia
Emergency medical technicians complete intensive training in order to prepare themselves for responding to accidents and emergencies. Dispatched by a 9-1-1 service, these trained professionals must quickly assess and respond to any victim's injuries. The training each EMT completes involves coursework and hands-on experience that readies them for the position. The state of Virginia offers EMT certifications at several levels, and requires all trainees to maintain their certification status.
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Types of Certification
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In the state of Virginia, there are four types of emergency medical technicians. In order of increasing responsibility and training, the different certifications are EMT-Basic, EMT-Enhanced, EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic. Each certification has strict requirements for the amount of classroom instruction and hands-on experience needed in order to obtain certification.
Coursework
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Whether students hope to achieve EMT-Basic, EMT-Enhanced, EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic certification, they must attend a minimum number of class hours. For EMT-Basic certification, trainees are required to complete at least 111 hours of coursework, while EMT-Enhanced certification calls for 80 hours of instruction. EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic certifications require at least 272 hours and 800 hours of coursework, respectively.
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Clinical Assignments
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Each EMT certification also requires a minimum number of hours spent in hands-on clinical training. This typically involves demonstrations of certain techniques, practicing skills and procedures and taking shifts with an ambulance service. The depth of training varies greatly from EMT-Basics, who perform only basic emergency care, to EMT-Paramedics, who perform more complex techniques like administering medications. The number of required clinical hours for EMT-Basic, EMT-Enhanced, EMT-Intermediate or EMT-Paramedic certification, respectively, are: 10, 48, 68 and 136.
Licensure
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After they have successfully completed their coursework and clinical assignments, students must apply for and pass the Virginia certification exam for that position. They must also obtain certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. EMTs must maintain their certification by taking continuing education classes and exams every few years.
Prerequisites
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In order to be eligible for EMT-Basic certification, students must be at least 16 years old and be CPR certified. They must already be certified as an emergency medical services (EMS) First Responder, as well. For higher level certifications, trainees must be at least 18 years old and have their EMT-Basic certification. Any EMT student must also pass a criminal history check and drug screen.
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References
- Photo Credit ambulance interior - a image by Andrew Gentry from Fotolia.com
