What Are the Steps to Become a Paramedic in the State of Virginia?

Enhanced EMT Training

The paramedic can begin training with an enhanced EMT training program. The EMT enhanced training program includes 80 hours of classroom training and 48 hours of clinical rotation. The rotations include critical care units, operating room recovery units, pediatrics, labor and delivery, family practice, emergency department, detox units, mental health clinics, extended care facilities and dialysis clinics, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The EMT also receives training in driving an ambulance and rescue techniques. The training program does not qualify the candidate as a paramedic in Virginia, but it can provide a step in the training process.

Candidates with an enhanced EMT certification in Virginia can enter a training program to qualify for certification as a paramedic. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the paramedic program has an additional 800 to 1,200 hours of training with 136 of the hours in clinical rotations. The paramedic training program prepares the individual to care for patients before arriving at the hospital. Paramedic candidates acquire knowledge in airway management, patient assessment, pediatric patients and trauma care.

Virginia paramedics must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification examination for paramedics. The examination consists of a written cognitive exam and a skills evaluation. The written portion of the test has between 80 and 150 questions. The skills section of the examination tests the candidate's abilities in 12 skills areas. The skills include patient assessment, ventilatory management, cardiac management, IV medications, oral skills, pediatric skills, blood control, spinal immobilization of a seated patient and one lying down.

Virginia paramedics must complete continuing education courses to remain certified in the state. Candidates must have 48 hours of face to face instruction and 24 hours in multimedia or self-study courses.