Online EMT programs offered by Central Shenandoah EMS Council

The Central Shenandoah EMS Council announces the first-ever online emergency medical technician (EMT) programs to be offered in the Shenandoah Valley and some of the first such programs offered in Virginia.

Earlier today, CSEMSC launched a new microsite that details these new online EMT programs. These programs are designed to train an individual to function independently in a medical emergency. This course provides the basic knowledge and skills needed to deliver Basic Life Support (BLS) care and is required to progress to more advanced levels of prehospital patient care.

The course requires participation in an online classroom, 40 hours of mandatory hands-on skill training at the training center in Staunton and an average of 24 hours of field internship to achieve the minimum number of patient contacts. People who successfully complete the program will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of EMT’s certification exam.

Matt Lawler, director of EMS programs, stated: “This course is designed to train individuals to serve as an integral part of the emergency medical service [EMS] system.” Lawler added that the program “includes all knowledge and skills necessary to provide emergency medical care as an attendant-in-charge with an EMS organization, including rescue squads, fire departments and other specialized rescue services.”

CSEMSC is offering two online courses this fall—one which features labs which are integrated throughout the program and one which features labs at the terminal end of the program. Integrated labs are best suited for students who desire hands-on learning correlated with the program subject matter and those with the flexibility to attend classroom sessions throughout the program. The terminal lab approach is best suited for students with busy schedules and limited availability to participate in classroom sessions throughout the course of the program.

To apply for the EMT program, the public is encouraged to visit the website and complete the online application form.  Once the Council receives an inquiry, the applicant will be contacted by an academic advisor who will provide additional information on the program and answer any questions.