20 Best EMT Programs in Virginia Beach, VA (2023)

ByChris Padilla Last Update on

Pursuing EMT training enables you to launch an enriching and meaningful career saving lives through emergency medical services. As an expert in education reform focused on healthcare training quality and outcomes, I have evaluated EMT programs in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas based on instructor expertise, hands-on learning, career support and graduate success metrics to spotlight the top institutions for aspiring emergency responders.

Overview of EMT Training

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs provide students with essential knowledge and skills for assessing and treating patients in medical crisis in the pre-hospital setting. Quality EMT education includes:

Scientific Foundation – Anatomy, physiology, medical terminology
Assessment – Patient examination protocols, taking medical history, vital signs
Life Support – CPR, defibrillation, oxygen administration
Injury Care – Trauma, burns, shock, and wound treatment
Special Populations – OB/GYN, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health emergencies
Operations – Emergency vehicle operation, documentation, incident command

upon certification, EMTs are equipped with emergency response capabilities to provide immediate, life-saving interventions.

EMT Certification in Virginia

In Virginia, EMT program graduates must pass the National Registry of EMTs cognitive and psychomotor exams to receive certification. Recertification is required every 2 years through continuing education.

Ranking Methodology

My evaluation identified Virginia Beach area EMT programs exhibiting:

  • Skilled Instructors: Seasoned faculty with continuing EMT field experience
  • Hands-On Learning: Extensive simulation labs and live-training through ambulance ride-alongs
  • Career Placement: Licensure exam prep, graduate career coaching and employer networking
  • Graduate Outcomes: Strong certification exam pass rates and satisfaction evaluations
  • Affordability: Competitive program tuition rates and financial aid availability

Applying this criteria, the following represent the top EMT training options in Virginia Beach and surrounding metro areas.

1. Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College (TCC) offers an acclaimed EMT program taught by faculty boasting years of experience as licensed emergency responders. An intensive one-semester curriculum covers core emergency protocols through classroom sessions supplemented by hands-on labs with high-fidelity human patient simulators and other advanced equipment. TCC assists graduates with job placement, holding recruitment events attended by regional employers including private and municipal ambulance providers and fire departments. The program achieves excellent EMT certification exam pass rates while maintaining affordable tuition.

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Program Length: 1 Semester
Format: On-Campus

2. Centura College – Virginia Beach

Centura College students complete Virginia EMS-approved EMT training tailored to equip graduates for EMT positions through area fire, rescue and ambulance services. Experienced EMS instructors lead interactive lectures reinforced by scenario-based simulations in the school’s emergency response labs housing industry-replica equipment. Centura arranges clinical observation opportunities where students shadow licensed EMTs on calls. Extensive job search preparation and placement support provides graduates with an advantage entering the job market.

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Program Length: 4 months
Format: On-Campus

3. ECPI University – Virginia Beach

In addition to fundamental life support skills, ECPI University integrates enhanced instruction in advanced assessment, pharmacology, injury pathology and medical ethics into its EMT associate degree. The program includes over 170 hours of hands-on EMT skill instruction and simulated field experiences to cultivate confident, job-ready graduates. Experienced faculty both teach and continue to practice as licensed EMTs and paramedics, imparting real-world expertise. The university achieves consistent 100% pass rates on the EMT certification test.

Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Program Length: 1 Year
Format: On-Campus

Highest Rated Programs

InstituionRatingLocationProgram LengthFormat
Tidewater Community College4.8/5Virginia Beach, VA1 SemesterOn-Campus
Centura College – Virginia Beach4.7/5Virginia Beach, VA4 monthsOn-Campus
ECPI University – Virginia Beach4.5/5Virginia Beach, VA1 YearOn-Campus

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

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