Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic

Take the next step in your emergency medical services (EMS) career with the Paramedic Program. Offered in partnership with Central Virginia Community College, the Paramedic Program is designed to build on your emergency medical technician (EMT) background, expand your emergency response training and open the door to new career opportunities.  

Why choose Paramedic? 

Throughout the program, you’ll work hands-on with modern simulation technology and the latest EMS equipment, preparing you to excel in any emergency healthcare situation. You’ll also gain real-world experience through clinical rotations and field internships made possible by strong partnerships with regional EMS agencies and hospitals. Flexible scheduling allows you to continue working as an EMT while advancing your education. 

You will find success in the Paramedic Program if you are: 

• Committed to patient care 
• Interested in serving your community 
• A calm leader in the face of chaos 

What career opportunities are available? 

Earning your Paramedic Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree will give you several opportunities to advance your medical career. With high demand for paramedics throughout the region, the connections you make during clinical rotations and field internships will be invaluable when seeking employment. Many graduates go on to work within the same EMS systems and hospitals where they trained. Earning your Paramedic AAS strengthens your professional standing, provides career stability and increases your earning potential. Your paramedic credential also opens doors to roles beyond traditional first response, including: 

• 911 emergency response 
• Critical care and interfacility transport 
• Industrial and factory safety 
• Tactical/SWAT medicine 
• Flight or air medical services 

While Central Virginia Community College hosts the Paramedic Program, you will be able to stay in the community for classes. General education and lab courses will take place at Virginia Western with lectures delivered virtually by Central Virginia.  

The Virginia Western Paramedic Program is designed to accommodate multiple healthcare certification levels–including EMTs, advanced EMTs and nurses. Completing your AAS also gives you access to additional specialty training opportunities such as critical care transport, flight paramedicine, community paramedicine, and tactical paramedicine. 

Accreditation

The Central Virginia Community College Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). 

Transferring

If you’re considering an AAS program and are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university, contact a program advisor upon entry to the program to discuss your plans.