The EMT Course satisfies Virginia Office of EMS requirements to sit for the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) certification examination. Candidates who pass the NREMT will be granted Virginia Office of EMS EMT certification.
The EMT Program at VCU require the completion of a EMT Prep course, which is 100% online. Students must complete this course before gaining admission to the EMT course.
Below is the progression through the EMT Program:
- Apply: Apply to the EMT Program. Students who receive "conditional" offers will be given information on registering for the EMT Prep course.
- Register for the Prep Course: Once you register for the EMT Prep course, you will be given access the the EMT Prep course materials. This is delivered through a Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). If you have already taken/are taking the Prep Course, you will still need to apply. Email Jonathan.Alford@vcuhealth.org for additional information.
- BLS Course: Before the start of the EMT course, students must register for an on-site BLS (CPR) course (the BLS course is included in the registration fee for the Prep Course).
- Register for the EMT Course: Upon successful completion of the EMT Prep course, students will register for the EMT Course.
- EMT Course: The EMT Course includes additional online modules and meets for in-person sessions twice per week.
- Clinicals: Approximately half-way through the EMT Course, students in good standing will be given access to clinical and field opportunities. EMT Students must obtain 12 patient contacts.
- Final Psychomotor Examination: At the completion of the EMT course, those that have successfully completed the online modules, testing, lab components, and the clinical patient contacts will be invited to the Final Psychomotor Examination.
- EMT Readiness Exam: Students must also complete a final comprehensive written exam. This exam mimics the certification exam (NREMT). Students that receive a 70% or higher on this exam have a 95% or more chance of passing the NREMT on the first attempt.
- NREMT Test: Completing ALL components of the course is required before authorization will be given to take the NREMT certification exam.
Below is more information about each component of the course.
EMT Prep Course Information
What is the Prep Course? The EMT Prep Course consists of two online modules: Anatomy and Physiology for EMT's and EMS Operations.
What is the difference between the EMT Prep Course and the EMT Course? The EMT Prep Course consists of two modules that must be taken online before the start of the EMT course. The EMT Course includes additional online modules, weekly in-person class sessions, and clinicals.
How do I register/get access? Once you apply for the EMT program and are given a conditional acceptance, you will receive information on how to register for the Prep Course. You will be added to the Prep Course when we receive your registration.
How long does it take to complete? Most students complete both modules in about 15-20 hours.
What is the required materials? An EMT textbook and the FISDAP testing modules.
How is it presented? The course is 100% online. There are no mandatory meeting times for the Prep course.
What happens if I get stuck or need help? You can schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with the course director at any time.
What happens if I don't complete the Prep course by the time the EMT course starts? Unfortunately you will not be admitted to the EMT Course. You can defer your conditional admission unto the next EMT course.