EMT Training Information: What are the Requirements in Virginia?
EMTs in Virginia are lifesavers, literally, who show up on scene to provide the palliative treatment and care to help keep people alive. They bridge the gap between accidents and emergency rooms and help patients clinging to life. Becoming an EMT in Virginia requires formal training, an eye for detail, and a commitment to serve as a first responder in the community.
The Duties of an EMT in Virginia
As a paramedic in Virginia, you will respond to calls for emergency medical assistance throughout your shift. These calls can include everything from car accidents and fires, to shootings, stabbings, and heart attacks. As an EMT, you are responsible for assessing the patient's condition, recording treatments provided, and conveying lifesaving information to nurses and physicians in the emergency room.
Virginia paramedics care for the patient at the scene of the incident and stabilize the patient for transport to a healthcare facility. The nature of the job requires you to quickly assess a situation and determine the most appropriate treatment for the individual's survival.
Educational Requirements for EMT's in Virginia
Individuals who want to work as an EMT in Virginia must first complete a formal educational training program. During the course of study, students must master airway management and ventilation, EMT pharmacology, CPR, anatomy, trauma care, basic psychology, and numerous courses relating to medicine and paramedic care.
Individuals may also choose to add a specialization to their degree program. The more certifications the student earns, the more doors they may be able to open. Most programs require a two-year commitment, however, it is possible for students to accelerate their education and complete the 71 hours of required classes within 19 months.
The Work Environment in Virginia
Virginia's geography and economy is diverse. This means that EMTs must be able to navigate everything from icy mountain roads to industrial accidents in urban environments. Working as a paramedic is not a 40-hour a week job and up to 1/3 of EMT's regularly work longer shifts than their peers in the medical community.
As a paramedic, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in everything from math, regional geography, and psychology, to communicating with physicians, nurses, police officers, and firefighters. Working as an EMT can involve days or weeks without any calls, followed by a single snowy evening with more than a dozen calls.
This means paramedics in Virginia must be able to shift gears rapidly and rely on their training to deliver the appropriate level of care when the call comes in. No matter what the day may bring, you must always be prepared to manage a patient's respiratory, cardiac, and traumatic emergencies.
Age is no Barrier
Some students know from an early age that their goal in life is to serve the community as a paramedic. In Virginia, students with parental permission can begin their studies as soon as they turn 16. This makes it possible for ambitious students to get the jump on the competition when they are ready to move forward with their plans.
Previous Training in Medical Sciences is Transferable in Virginia
Many EMTs are also Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, or Military Corpsmen who have completed their service. The State of Virginia allows these individuals to take the EMT certification exam once they complete and pass the state's 40-hour EMT recertification program. These individuals must also pass the National Registry Cognitive Examination and the Virginia Practical Examination.
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
EMTs in Virginia are required to secure NREMT certification. The exam is thorough and requires comprehensive understanding of emergency medical care. It is not an easy exam, and those who graduate from reliable degree programs generally have the skills and knowledge to complete the exam.
Background Checks for Paramedics in Virginia
EMTs in Virginia are required to pass a number of different background checks prior to employment. These typically include a criminal history check, drug screening, and psychological screening. Individuals must also have a clean driving record, good credit history, and pass a physical examination.
Many employers will also conduct a behavioral assessment, polygraph examination, and social networking background investigation. Combined, these various background checks help employers find the best, most reliable fit for their teams.
If you would like to become an EMT, you will need the education to get you started on your journey. If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting degree program, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.
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