ACADEMIC PLAN: 221-146-02
CIP CODE: 51.0904
AWARD: Career Studies Certificate
LENGTH: Less than 1 Year
Purpose:
The EMT Plus Career Studies Certificate is designed for students who want to begin their EMS career as an Emergency Medical Technician while also completing foundational general education courses that support success in the Paramedic AAS degree. This pathway is ideal for students seeking EMT certification with additional academic preparation for advanced EMS programs.
Students will gain essential emergency care skills and develop strong communication and problem-solving abilities for professional growth.
Courses in this certificate may be applied toward the Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Students who complete the EMT Plus CSC, including clinical requirements and both the psychomotor and cognitive capstone exams, will be eligible to take the National Registry EMT (NREMT) certification exam.
Note: The EMT Plus Career Studies Certificate is G3 Eligible.
Admissions Requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum standards established by the Virginia Office of EMS and Central Virginia Community College.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Students under 18 must have parental or guardian consent.
- A high school diploma or GED is not required for admission.
- Students may not have been convicted of any disqualifying crime as mandated by the Virginia Office of EMS.
- Students should be prepared for college-level coursework in general education subjects.
- Additional onboarding requirements may include immunizations, health screenings, background checks, drug testing, and other clinical clearances, as per clinical affiliate policies.
Program Requirements:
To successfully complete the EMT Plus Career Studies Certificate, students must:
- Complete all required courses in the program pathway.
- Meet clinical and skills competency requirements as outlined by the Virginia Office of EMS.
- Pass both the psychomotor and cognitive EMT capstone examinations
- Maintain compliance with program policies, including attendance and professional conduct standards.
- Submit an Application for Graduation during the final semester of coursework.
Students should consult the program advisor for guidance on prerequisites, course sequencing, and certification testing.
Completion of all coursework, competencies, and both capstone exams qualifies students to take the National Registry EMT (NREMT) certification exam.
General education courses completed in the EMT Plus CSC also support future progression into AEMT and Paramedic programs within the EMS degree pathway.
Courses:
The Program Pathway for the EMT Plus Career Studies Certificate outlines the recommended sequencing of EMT coursework and foundational general education courses to support future success in EMS degree programs. Students should use the chart below as a planning guide to ensure timely progression toward EMT certification and academic advancement.
- Understand how EMT coursework integrates with general education requirements
- Identify when clinical and field experiences occur
- Information on prerequisites for specific courses.
- Track progress toward the psychomotor and cognitive capstone exams
- Plan for transition into AEMT or Paramedic coursework following EMT certification
Students should review the pathway and consult with an academic advisor or program advisor to ensure proper course planning.
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