Overview

EMTs and paramedics provide emergency medical care and transport. All states require NREMT certification plus a state license. Paramedics require additional clinical training.

NREMT plus Virginia certification.

License tiers and what each allows

LicenseWhat you can doExam required
EMT-Basic Training level. Work under supervision. No independent work. Registration only
Advanced EMT Install, repair, and maintain systems under supervision or independently in most states. Yes. State licensing exam (~$70 fee)
Paramedic Full independent work, supervise others, pull permits, design systems. Yes. Advanced state exam

Step-by-step path

1

Register as an apprentice

Register with Virginia Office of EMS before starting work. This is required to legally accumulate supervised hours toward your journeyman qualification. Some states charge a small registration fee.

2

Accumulate 120 hours of supervised experience

Work under a licensed journeyman or master emt / paramedic. This takes approximately 0 years at full-time hours. Your employer is required to verify your hours when you apply for the journeyman exam.

3

Pass the journeyman licensing exam

The exam covers NREMT Certification requirements and state-specific rules. Exam fee is $70. Most candidates study 4-8 weeks using a state-approved prep guide before sitting for the test.

4

Apply for your journeyman license

Submit your application to Virginia Office of EMS after passing the exam. License fee is $60. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Your employer's verification of your hours is required at this stage.

5

Renew biennial

Your Virginia license renews biennial. Renewal fee is $60. Some states require continuing education at renewal. Always renew on time to avoid a lapse in licensure.

Fee summary

ItemFee
Apprentice registrationVaries (check board)
Journeyman exam$70
Journeyman license$60
License renewal (biennial)$60
Fees change. Confirm current amounts directly with Virginia Office of EMS before applying. The figures above were verified in April 2026.
Virginia Office of EMS official site

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer my emt / paramedic license from another state to Virginia?
Most states do not have formal reciprocity agreements. However, Virginia may consider out-of-state experience during your application review. Contact Virginia Office of EMS directly to discuss your situation before applying.
How long does it take to get a journeyman license in Virginia?
Minimum 0 years of full-time supervised work (120 hours), plus exam prep time (typically 4-8 weeks), plus Virginia Office of EMS processing time (2-4 weeks).
Can AI replace a licensed emt / paramedic?
Emergency medical care requires physical assessment, hands-on intervention, and split-second judgment in unpredictable environments. It is one of the most AI-resistant professions by nature. State licensing laws require a human licensee to be responsible for this work. That structural requirement protects this trade from automation.
What is the median salary for a emt / paramedic in Virginia?
The national median is $40,000/yr. Virginia salaries vary based on metropolitan area, union membership, and specialization. Master-level licenses and contractor status can significantly increase earnings.