Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services
Associate of Applied SciencePiedmont Virginia Community College
The PVCC emergency medical services (EMS) program prepares graduates to provide pre-hospital care as a paramedic under structured guidelines in emergency situations. The problem-solving process is used to direct care outcomes. The curriculum consists of both general studies and EMS courses. EMS program graduates are eligible to sit for the national registry exam, which is offered throughout the year. Upon successful completion of this examination, candidates receive their National Registry Paramedic certification. This is required prior to applying for the reciprocity as a Virginia paramedic. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services will only grant certification as a paramedic in Virginia through initial certification and reciprocity afforded through the National Registry. Employment opportunities for National Registry/Virginia-licensed paramedics include hospital emergeny rooms, rescue squads, ambulance companies and other public and private agencies providing pre-hospital care.
Program Credit Requirements

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This Degree Right For Me? | This is a competitive admission program with one application deadline per year. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
|
Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | |
Do More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights | 100% National Registry Skills Exam pass rate for graduates over the past 4 years. |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Prior completion of any associate degree or higher waives the SDV 100 requirement. All courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | https://www.pvcc.edu/admissions/credit-non-traditional-learning |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergengy Medical Services Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Emergency Medical Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
29-2042.00 | Emergency Medical Technicians | Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-2043.00 | Paramedics | Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |