EMT in Virginia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$45,060

trending_up +9.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.

engineering

3,780

Jobs (VA)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (EMT program typically 150+ hours)

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Virginia

To become a certified EMT in Virginia, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a current CPR certification. They must then pass both the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam and the Virginia Psychomotor Competency Verification. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, is the licensing body, and certification must be renewed every four years with 40 hours of continuing education. Virginia offers reciprocity for those with current National Registry certifications from any state or U.S. territory.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,890

25th percentile $37,900

50th (median) $45,060

75th percentile $48,630

90th (experienced) $57,700

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Virginia requirements

Licensing body	Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Virginia Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 16 years old to attend training (parental consent required for those under 18). Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English. Requires a criminal background check. Must hold a current CPR certification (healthcare provider level) by the end of the EMT course and at the time of state testing. High School Diploma/GED is required for AEMT, but not explicitly stated as a prerequisite for initial EMT certification, though it is generally expected for entry into higher-level EMS courses.

Source: Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium Virginia license tiers

Virginia offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMR	N/A
EMT	N/A
AEMT	N/A
Paramedic	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

Wondering if an emt career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in Virginia? expand_more

Virginia requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Virginia Psychomotor Exams.

Does Virginia require emt licensure? expand_more

Virginia mandates state licensure for emts. Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive and Virginia Psychomotor Exams.

What do emts earn in Virginia? expand_more

emts in Virginia earn a median of $45,060 annually. That's 9% above the national median of $41,340. New emts start around $33,890; seasoned professionals can reach $57,700.

How much does it cost to become an emt in Virginia? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($104) and required training.

What's the timeline to become an emt in Virginia? expand_more

Expect to spend Varies (EMT program typically 150+ hours) from start to finish in Virginia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What are the continuing education requirements for emts in Virginia? expand_more

Yes — emts in Virginia must complete 40.0 CE hours every 4.0 years to stay licensed.