Paramedic Program FAQ

The paramedic program is both a certificate and a degree program. Students can choose to complete only the EMS (paramedic) courses required to become a paramedic, earning a certificate.

Students also have the option to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which includes the paramedic courses plus an additional 17–18 credits of general education coursework.

Program length depends on the pathway chosen:

• Advanced EMT – One Semester
• Paramedic Certificate - 24 months
• Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree - Two years
• Accelerated Paramedic Track – EMT to Paramedic, approximately 12 months

Program start dates vary by track. Students entering the traditional paramedic program as EMTs typically begin in the fall semester. Accelerated or workforce programs may have different start dates. Please visit the program webpage or contact the Program Director for current start dates.

The traditional two-year paramedic program is designed to accommodate students who work 24-hour EMS shifts. Most students attend one 8-hour lecture day and one 8-hour lab day each week. The program follows the standard college academic calendar, including scheduled semesters, college breaks, and no required summer courses. This structure allows students to balance work, school, and personal commitments while progressing through the program.

Clinical and field internship hours are scheduled separately and may include evenings, weekends, or daytime shifts depending on availability.

For students enrolled in the workforce (accelerated) paramedic program, classes are typically held every Friday. This program does not follow the traditional college academic calendar and continues through most college breaks, only pausing for major holidays. Clinical and field internship hours are scheduled separately and may include a variety of shifts based on availability.

The paramedic program requires a significant time commitment. In addition to scheduled class sessions, students should expect to spend time completing clinical rotations, studying, and assignments. Time requirements will vary by course and track, but students should plan for a full-time academic workload.

Many students continue to work while enrolled in the paramedic program, especially those on 24-hour EMS schedules. However, due to the time commitment required for class, clinicals, and studying, students should carefully manage their work schedules to ensure academic success.

To be eligible for the paramedic program, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Current Virginia EMT certification (or higher)
• Current BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification
• High school diploma or GED
• Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program

Additional requirements may apply. Students should contact the Program Director for full admission details.

Students must first apply for admission to Central Virginia Community College. After acceptance, students must complete and submit the EMS Program Application along with any required documentation.

Detailed step-by-step instructions are included in the program application. Program applications can be found under the Advising Services section on the CVCC Emergency Medical Services Program Page.

No, you do not have to be a National Registry EMT. However, you must hold a current Virginia EMT certification. If you are not currently certified in Virginia, please contact the Program Director for guidance on meeting this requirement.

Yes. Students are required to complete a background check, drug screening, and other clinical compliance requirements prior to participating in clinical rotations. Please note that certain findings may impact a student's ability to complete clinical requirements or obtain certification.

Students must meet clinical health and safety requirements before patient contact. These may include:

• Required immunizations (such as MMR, Varicella, and Tdap)
  • Other recommended immunizations
• Tuberculosis (TB) testing
• Physical examination
• Additional requirements as determined by clinical sites
• Religious and Medical Exceptions may be granted by the clinical site on a case-by-case basis. 

Please note that CVCC and other VCCS colleges do not require immunizations for admission. However, clinical partner facilities require immunizations and health documentation in accordance with their individual policies. Any exceptions or deviations from these requirements must be approved directly by the clinical facility, and failure to meet clinical requirements may impact a student's ability to complete the program.

Students should complete any developmental English or mathematics courses recommended through placement testing before beginning the program.

Students are also encouraged to complete general education courses before admission. Completing these courses early can strengthen an application, deepen understanding of the material, and reduce the academic workload during the program.

No. Prior EMS experience or membership in an EMS agency is not required, but it is highly recommended. Students who are active with an EMS agency often benefit from additional hands-on experience. However, students should ensure that outside EMS commitments do not interfere with academic responsibilities.

The Accelerated Paramedic Track is a workforce (non-credit) program designed for working EMTs who want to complete their paramedic training in approximately 12 months. The program covers the same curriculum and clinical requirements as the traditional paramedic program but is structured for a faster pace. Classes meet every Friday for 8 hours and the program does not follow the traditional college academic calendar — it runs continuously through most of the year, pausing only for major holidays.

In addition to the standard program requirements, accelerated track applicants must have 2–3 years of EMS experience and submit a letter of recommendation that includes signatures from both their department and their Medical Director. Both endorsements may appear on a single letter.

The accelerated track meets only on Fridays and does not rotate class dates or follow a traditional semester schedule. Students should be aware that the program is not designed to accommodate rotating shift schedules, and attendance consistency is essential given the accelerated pace.

The accelerated track cohort starts once per year, alternating between March and October. Cohorts beginning in March start in even-numbered years, while cohorts beginning in October start in odd-numbered years. The application deadline is 30 days prior to the start date. Please note that enrollment is not confirmed until all required paperwork has been submitted and accepted. Contact the Program Director for upcoming start dates and availability.

Currently the accelerated track is only available at the main CVCC campus. Expansion to satellite campuses is planned for the future. Students at satellite locations interested in the accelerated track should contact the Program Director for updates.

Yes. Since the accelerated track is a non-credit workforce program, graduates who wish to earn the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree must apply separately to CVCC and declare EMS-Paramedic as their degree program. After enrolling, students email their paramedic and auxiliary course certifications to the Program Director, who handles the transfer credit process.

Students who hold a current paramedic certification and all four current auxiliary certifications (ACLS, AMLS, PALS/EPC, and PHTLS/ITLS) will only need to complete the 17 general education credit hours, all of which must be taken at CVCC per accreditation requirements. Students who are missing any auxiliary certifications or whose certifications have expired will need to complete those courses as well. Each auxiliary course is worth one credit hour.

The application form is the same document used for all EMS programs. Accelerated track applicants will complete Sections 2 and 3 of the application along with the clinical packet for the hospital in their area.

Tuition varies depending on the program track (credit or workforce), residency status, and financial aid eligibility. For the most up-to-date tuition and cost information, please visit the CVCC Cost of Attendance page for credit programs and the Workforce Solutions page for workforce program pricing.

Many students may qualify for reduced or no-cost tuition through available funding programs.

There are additional costs beyond tuition associated with the program. These may include:

• Books and learning resources
• Clinical compliance requirements
• Background checks and fingerprinting
• Drug screening
• Uniforms
• Testing fees

Students may be required to purchase certain items such as uniforms, stethoscopes, and other basic equipment. A detailed list of required materials will be provided prior to the start of the program.

A laptop is highly recommended for coursework. Tablets and Chromebooks often have compatibility issues with required course software and may not fully support all program requirements.

Students enrolled in the Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program may qualify for:

• Federal financial aid 
• Virginia G3 funding (for eligible students) 
• Scholarships 
• Other financial assistance programs 

Many students may qualify for significant financial assistance depending on eligibility. Students enrolled in workforce programs should contact Workforce Solutions for available funding options.

Yes. Advanced placement options may be available for:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• EMT-Intermediates
• Advanced EMTs
• Other qualified healthcare providers

Bridge students may complete the program in a shorter time frame, depending on their prior education and experience. Some skills verification may be required before beginning coursework. Students interested in advanced placement should contact the Program Director for an eligibility evaluation.

No, Anatomy and Physiology is not required to complete the paramedic certificate program. However, it is strongly recommended, as it will help build a deeper understanding of patient care concepts.

If you plan to earn an associate degree, you will need to complete Anatomy and Physiology as part of the degree requirements.

Transcripts from other accredited colleges can be evaluated for transfer credit. Students must submit official transcripts to CVCC Admissions and Records. The Registrar will determine which courses are eligible for transfer. Please note that at least 20% of the degree program credits must be completed at CVCC.

Students complete clinical rotations in both hospital and prehospital settings. Hospital rotations may include facilities such as Centra Health, HCA Healthcare, and Carilion Clinic.

Field internship opportunities are available with EMS agencies throughout the Lynchburg area, Roanoke region, and New River Valley.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, including coursework, clinical experiences, and the program's summative assessment, students will be eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic exam.

Yes. The Paramedic Program is accredited by:

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • By the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
• Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)

Programs at satellite campuses are part of the CVCC-accredited paramedic program. Students take the same classes and complete the same clinical experiences as those on the main CVCC campus.

Classes are taught live from CVCC, allowing students at satellite locations to see, hear, and talk with the instructor and other students in real time. Courses are also supported through Canvas for assignments and course materials.

Students can communicate with instructors in real time during scheduled class sessions using compressed video technology. In addition, faculty provide weekly conference times (office hours) at the joint venture sites for students seeking additional support or clarification.

Students can also communicate with instructors through their college email accounts or by phone when needed.

Each satellite campus has a Clinical Coordinator and a Lead Instructor who support students locally and facilitate communication between students and CVCC faculty.