EMT in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
How to Become an EMT in West Virginia
To become a certified EMT in West Virginia, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program, which typically involves a minimum of 150-155 hours of instruction, along with Hazmat Awareness, MCI Awareness and Operations, and WVOEMS Protocol courses. Candidates must also hold a high school diploma or GED and a current CPR certification. After meeting these educational prerequisites, applicants must pass either the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams or the West Virginia State Initial Examination, and undergo a state and national criminal background check. West Virginia offers reciprocity for EMTs certified in other states or by the NREMT, provided they meet specific requirements including age, background checks, and any necessary state-specific education.
EMT Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Emergency Medical Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program (minimum 150-155 hours), High School Diploma/GED, Hazmat Awareness training, WVOEMS approved MCI Awareness and Operations Training (6 hours), WVOEMS Protocol course, and a current CPR certification at the professional/healthcare provider level. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams OR West Virginia State Initial Examination ($104) |
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 16 years old to take the exam, but cannot function as a primary patient care attendant or driver of an EMS emergency vehicle until 18. Requires a state and national criminal background check. Must create valid WVOEMS and NREMT accounts. |
Source: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Emergency Medical Services
License Tiers
West 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 West Virginia
The median emt salary in West Virginia is $35,060 per year, which is 15.2% below the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $28,250 |
| 25th | $30,390 |
| 50th (median) | $35,060 |
| 75th | $38,360 |
| 90th (experienced) | $44,570 |
West Virginia employs approximately 1,150 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in West Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.