The Rundown of EMT Certification in West Virginia:
Prospective EMT candidates, who wish to get EMT certification in West Virginia, must pass an exam organized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). But, before this, they need to complete EMT training program from a state-approved training college or institute. EMT certification in Texas is valid for a period of two years only.
In regards to the NREMT exam, the candidate must pass the written exam, which is a test comprising around 70-120 questions that are required to be answered in 2 hours duration. This is an adjustable difficulty computerized exam. The exam includes topics, such as airway management, ventilation, oxygen therapy, EMS operations, cardiology, health emergencies, and general trauma. In the practical examination, a candidate’s capability to handle traumatic situations, such as fractures, bleeding, joint dislocations, etc., are tested. A candidate will also be tested on medical emergencies such as, diabetic emergencies, strokes, cardiac arrest, etc. If a candidate fails in the examination, he/she can re-test for the next examination after 15 days. Six attempts can be made by the candidate to pass the exams successfully.
In case, you fail to renew your certificate before or by the expiration date, your certificate will be considered as involuntary inactive. If, after the expiration of the certificate, you fail to recertify it within 180 days, your certificate will get null and void, and you will have to undergo the entire certification cycle, again.
What are the Requirements to Get an EMT Certificate In West Virginia?
Following are the pre-requisites that should be fulfilled by the EMT candidates:
- EMT candidate must be 18 years of age or more.
- He/she should have completed a state-approved EMT training program.
- He/she must possess a valid CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certificate.
- The candidate is required to qualify the NREMT examination.
- It is mandatory for the candidates to submit legal evidence of their U.S. nationality.
- The candidate should be free from any mental or bodily ailment.
- English fluency is a must for every applicant.
- The candidate must compulsorily pass a criminal background screening.
Apart from this, there are some special requirements that are also required to be accomplished, like submission of application and applicable fees, and completion of a state-recognized practical exam.
What is the Process of EMT Certification?
Step 1: Get EMT Training
The candidate must successfully complete EMT training before applying for certification. The candidate can contact the local EMS department or any community college that provides training programs.
Step 2: Submit Application for National Certification
In order to get a national certification, a candidate has to appear for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam. Once the candidate has attained the Texas license, the submission of NREMT certification for recertification is not necessary. The state of Texas makes use of the National Registry only for the purpose of examination. After obtaining the license, it is mandatory for the licensee to complete the Continuing Education (CE) training. If the candidate is nationally registered, he/she is not refrained from fulfilling the Continuing Education (CE) requirements in order to renew the Texas license.
- The candidate should start by creating an account on the NREMT website. Click on “Create New Account”.
- Next, the candidate must create a new application by clicking on “Create Initial Entry Application”.
- Now, the applicable fee must be paid by the candidate soon after completion of the online application. Though, the application fee can also be paid afterward.
- After the candidate is done with the online application, he/she must keep a check on its progress by regularly looking for “Authorization to Test” (ATT) Letter. This can be done by logging into the website through the password and username, subsequently clicking on the option of “Check Initial Entry Application Status”.
- The candidate’s details have been submitted by the website if “Submitted” appears beside “Course Completion Verification”, and therefore, it indicates that the approval of the course completion by the education program director is being awaited.
- Whereas, if “Not Submitted” appears beside “Application Payment”, it clearly means that the candidate must pay the application fee before proceeding further.
- After the application payment and confirmation by the education program director, the link “Print ATT Letter” will appear.
- The candidate is required to take a printed copy of his/her ATT Letter and set a timetable for the NREMT exam.
The ATT Letter directs the candidate on scheduling the NREMT examination by using ‘Pearson VUE’ website.
Step 3: Background Check
To complete the process of certification, the candidate must undergo a criminal background check. For this, the candidate can contact his/her course coordinator.
Step 4: License Application
To apply for the license, you have to fill the application by going through the instructions mentioned in the form. It is necessary to fill the correct and complete information in the application form, otherwise; your application will get rejected. Documents to be enclosed with the application are:
- Copy of NREMT card.
- An application must be filled out by the prospective EMT provider. This application can be found at: http://www.wvoems.org/ems-programs/personnel-certification/emt
West Virginia EMS Training Locations:
- New River Community and Technical College
Address: 221 George Street, Suite- 2, Beckley, West Virginia- 25801-2609
Contact Number: 304-929-5445
Fax: 304-929-5478
Official Website: http://www.newriver.edu/
- Carver Career & Technical Center
Address: 4799 Midland Drive, Charleston, West Virginia- 25306
Contact Number: 304-348-1965
Fax: 304-348-1938
Official Website: http://www.carvercareercenter.edu/
- Pierpont Community and Technical College
Address: 1201 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, West Virginia- 26554
Contact Number: 304-367-4892 / 1-800-641-5678
Official Website: http://www.pierpont.edu/
- Mountwest Community and Technical College
Address: One Mountwest Way, Huntington, West Virginia- 25701
Contact Number: 304-710-3140 / 1-866-676-5533
Official Website: http://www.mctc.edu/
- Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College
Address: 2001 Union Carbide Drive, S. Charleston, West Virginia- 25303
Contact Number: 304-205-6700
Official Website: http://www.kvctc.edu/
- Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Address: 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia- 25403
Contact Number: 304-260-4380
Official Website: http://www.blueridgectc.edu/
- Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Address: 2900 Dempsey Branch Road, Mount Gay, West Virginia- 25637
Contact Number: 304-792-7098
Fax: 304-792-7028
Official Website: http://www.southernwv.edu/
- West Virginia University
Address: P.O. Box- 6201, Morgantown, West Virginia- 26506
Contact Number: 304-293-0111
Official Website: http://www.wvu.edu/
West Virginia EMT Contact Information:
350 Capitol St
Rm 425
Charleston WV 25301-3714
Toll-free (888) 747-8367
Phone (304) 558-3956
WVOEMS Fax (304) 558-3856
Certification Unit Fax (304) 558-8379