Sponsored and hosted by the Old Dominion EMS Alliance (ODEMSA)
Ready to start a career or volunteer role in EMS? This hybrid EMT course combines online coursework with in-person skills labs at ODEMSA in Henrico. Graduates are prepared for the National Registry EMT (NREMT) cognitive exam and, after passing, earn both Virginia EMT and National Registry EMT certification.
Please read the entire Course Information Packet before applying. The application link is inside the packet, and every prospective student must sign a statement confirming they have read the packet in its entirety. The packet covers attendance, grading, policies, refunds, and everything else you are agreeing to when you enroll.
Course at a Glance
| Format | Hybrid – online coursework (JB Learning) plus in-person skills labs |
| Course Dates | December 7, 2026 – June 17, 2027 Psychomotor exam: Saturday, June 19, 2027 |
| Lab Schedule | Monday and Thursday nights, 6:00–10:00 PM, plus one Saturday per month (two in December) |
| Time Commitment | At least 8–10 hours per week of online work, in addition to labs |
| Location | ODEMSA, 7818 E. Parham Road, Suite 911 (basement), Henrico, VA 23294 |
| Class Size | Up to 12 students; preference given to those who plan to volunteer locally |
| Tuition | $1,100 |
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | October 25, 2026 |
| Interviews | November 1–10, 2026 |
| Acceptance decisions | By November 12, 2026 |
| Pre-course documents and tuition due | On or before December 1, 2026 |
| Mandatory in-person orientation | Monday, December 7, 2026 |
| Course ends (all coursework, skills, and patient contacts due) | June 17, 2027, 11:59 PM |
| Psychomotor exam | Saturday, June 19, 2027 |
All applicants must complete an interview to be considered. Applications that include AI-generated responses will not be accepted or interviewed.
Enrollment Requirements
EMS certification in Virginia is governed by the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) regulations and Training Program Administration Manual (TPAM). We want you to know up front whether you are eligible, so please review these requirements carefully before you apply. If you cannot meet a requirement, you will not be able to complete the course or become certified.
Age
- You must be at least 16 years old on or before December 7, 2026. No exceptions are made to this date.
- Students under 18 must submit a parental permission form (OEMS TR-07) signed by a parent or guardian.
- Students under 18 who are affiliated with an EMS or public safety agency must also provide a letter from an agency officer confirming they are covered by agency insurance while attending the course.
English Proficiency
You must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English so you can clearly communicate with patients, families, and bystanders to determine a chief complaint, nature of illness, or mechanism of injury, and to assess signs and symptoms.
Citizenship and Visa Status
- If you are a foreign national, you must have secured a U.S. Government Student Visa.
- If you have not been issued a U.S. Social Security number, you must submit copies of your student visa with your OEMS enrollment form.
Physical and Functional Ability
- You must have no physical, mental, behavioral, or emotional impairment that would prevent you from performing all required EMT skills independently, without an assistant.
- Skills are physically demanding and include kneeling, chest compressions, crouching, bending, and lifting 150 lbs with a partner. Students practice assessments and skills on one another.
- Temporary limitations (such as a current injury) may be accommodated, but all skills must still be completed before the course ends.
CPR
All students must attend the AHA BLS instructor-led CPR class held at ODEMSA on Saturday, December 12, 2026, as part of the course, even if you already hold a CPR card. There is no extra charge for this class.
Criminal History
Certain criminal records prevent a person from becoming EMS-certified in Virginia, and therefore from taking this course. Students may need to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check after enrolling. Please review the categories below (Virginia EMS Regulations 12VAC5-31-910) before you apply. Questions about your specific situation should go to the Virginia Office of EMS at (804) 888-9100.
Crimes that result in denial in all cases (click to expand)
- Felonies involving sexual misconduct where the victim’s failure to affirmatively consent is an element of the crime, such as forcible rape.
- Felonies involving the sexual or physical abuse of children, the elderly, or the infirm.
- Any crime in which the victim is an out-of-hospital patient or a patient or resident of a healthcare facility, including abuse, neglect, theft, or financial exploitation of a person in the applicant’s care.
- Serious crimes of violence against persons, such as assault or battery with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault and battery, murder or attempted murder, manslaughter (except involuntary manslaughter), kidnapping, robbery of any degree, or arson.
- Permanent revocation of a license or certification by another state EMS office or other recognized healthcare licensing or certifying body.
Circumstances that result in denial except in extraordinary cases (click to expand)
In these cases, certification is granted only if the applicant proves by clear and convincing evidence that it will not jeopardize public health and safety.
- Anyone convicted of any crime who is currently incarcerated, on work release, on probation, or on parole.
- Convictions in the following categories, unless at least five years have passed since the conviction or release from confinement, whichever is later:
• Crimes involving controlled substances or synthetics (possession, distribution, or intent to distribute Schedule I–V drugs)
• Serious crimes against property, such as grand larceny, burglary, embezzlement, or insurance fraud
• Any other crime involving sexual misconduct - Being under any current disciplinary or enforcement action by another state EMS office or healthcare licensing or certifying body.
These rules apply to substantially similar laws in any other state or at the federal level, and include adult convictions and juvenile adjudications for offenses that would be felonies if committed by an adult. If you are on probation for any conviction, you are not eligible for certification until probation ends.
Cost Breakdown
Tuition is $1,100, payable to ODEMSA by December 1, 2026. Payment options (credit card, direct agency billing, or cash/check) are provided after acceptance.
Included in Tuition
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| JB Learning online program and textbook (Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, 13th ed.) | $235 |
| Comprehensive exam and study tools | $33 |
| Uniform shirt | $40 |
| Skills tracking program | Included |
| AHA BLS CPR class (scheduled class date) | Included |
| Psychomotor (skills) testing | Included |
| Various student items | Included |
| NREMT cognitive exam – first attempt | Paid by Virginia OEMS |
Additional Costs You May Have
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical malpractice liability insurance ($1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate required) | About $40 – not needed if covered through an affiliated EMS agency |
| Fingerprint background check | Fee applies if needed |
| Uniform pants and closed-toe shoes (steel toe boots recommended) | Varies |
| Physical exam and immunizations | Varies – only if required by your clinical site |
| Makeup CPR class (only if you cannot attend the scheduled date) | About $65 |
| NREMT cognitive exam retests | At least $104 per attempt |
Scholarships: The Virginia OEMS scholarship fund is not available for fiscal year 2027. Many local EMS agencies offer tuition reimbursement to members who join, stay for a set period, and meet training requirements. If an agency is paying your tuition, let the Course Coordinator know once you are accepted.
Refunds are prorated and must be requested in writing. See the Refund Policy in the Course Information Packet for details.
Ready to Apply?
- Open the Course Information Packet and read it from start to finish.
- Confirm you meet every enrollment requirement listed above.
- Use the Application Link in the packet’s Admission Requirements section to apply by October 25, 2026. Paper applications are not accepted.
Questions? Contact Course Coordinator Andrew Inge at emsinstructorandy@gmail.com.