Central Shenandoah EMS Council EMT programs receive accreditation

Central Shenandoah EMS Council is pleased to announce that it recently received accreditation from the Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) for its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training programs.

Programs that receive EMT accreditation are required to follow a competency-based EMT training program as set forth by OEMS. This program requires that students complete scenario based training in order to achieve a required number of competencies in specific skills areas. OEMS has determined that the Virginia Competency-based EMT program has improved the outcomes of students and their ability to perform in the field.

The process began with reviewing the comprehensive list of OEMS standards to ensure eligibility. “Our goal was to provide high-quality EMT educational programs by meeting or exceeding the standards established by the Office of EMS,” said Matt Lawler, Director of EMS Programs. “The process allowed us to look at the Council’s educational infrastructure from every angle and encouraged us to seek out and create best practices,” he added.

The addition of accreditation for EMT programs at the Council was the next logical step which goes hand-in-hand with the Council’s existing accreditation for Advanced Life Support (ALS) education programs. The Council has held ALS accreditation for the past 10 years and boasts a 94% pass rate for students completing the program. Many graduates of the Council’s education programs transition into volunteer or career roles with local EMS agencies where they serve the residents of greater Central Shenandoah Valley.

“The entire process was an enriching and educational experience. Our team of dedicated employees really pulled together to accomplish this goal, to provide the highest quality EMS education to our community,” said Gary Critzer, President of the CSEMS Board of Directors.

“We’re very proud of this designation, which lets our EMT students know they are enrolled in a program with the very highest of professional standards,” said Chad Blosser, Executive Director of the Council.