EMT in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become an EMT in Virginia
To become a certified EMT in Virginia, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a current CPR certification. They must then pass both the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam and the Virginia Psychomotor Competency Verification. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, is the licensing body, and certification must be renewed every four years with 40 hours of continuing education. Virginia offers reciprocity for those with current National Registry certifications from any state or U.S. territory.
EMT Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Virginia Psychomotor Exams ($104) |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 16 years old to attend training (parental consent required for those under 18). Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. Requires a criminal background check. Must hold a current CPR certification (healthcare provider level) by the end of the EMT course and at the time of state testing. High School Diploma/GED is required for AEMT, but not explicitly stated as a prerequisite for initial EMT certification, though it is generally expected for entry into higher-level EMS courses. |
Source: Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services
License Tiers
Virginia offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
EMT Salary in Virginia
The median emt salary in Virginia is $45,060 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,890 |
| 25th | $37,900 |
| 50th (median) | $45,060 |
| 75th | $48,630 |
| 90th (experienced) | $57,700 |
Virginia employs approximately 3,780 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.