Paramedic in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
How to Become a Paramedic in West Virginia
To become a certified Paramedic in West Virginia, individuals must complete a Paramedic Education Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (WVOEMS). Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a current EMT certification, undergo state and national background checks, and complete additional required trainings such as Hazmat Awareness and MCI Awareness and Operations. West Virginia participates in the EMS Compact, facilitating reciprocity for paramedics licensed in other compact states.
Paramedic Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of EMS |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved Paramedic program |
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($160) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires a state and national background check. Must possess a current EMT certification. Also requires Hazmat Awareness training, WVOEMS approved MCI Awareness and Operations Training (6 hours), an approved CPR training course at the professional/healthcare provider level, and the current WVOEMS Protocol course for the appropriate level. |
Source: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of EMS
Paramedic Salary in West Virginia
The median paramedic 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 paramedics.
Paramedic Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Paramedic 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.