The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program prepares students to provide essential pre-hospital basic life support (BLS) care within the emergency medical services (EMS) infrastructure. Combining 120 hours of interactive classroom instruction and intensive hands-on lab training, this course equips trainees with the clinical skills, patient assessment techniques, and emergency protocols needed to pass the NREMT and Virginia Office of EMS certification exams.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award / Credential | FastForward Workforce Credential |
| Instructional Hours | 120 Hours (Lecture & Hands-On Lab Training) |
| State & National Credential | Prepares for NREMT and Virginia Office of EMS Certification |
| Funding Eligibility | FastForward Eligible (Pays 2/3 of tuition for eligible VA residents) |
| Included Certifications | Healthcare Provider CPR / BLS Certification (Included) |
| Age Requirement | Trainees must be at least 16 years of age |
| State Eligibility | Must meet Virginia Office of EMS criminal background standards |
| Career Coach | Robin Jennings — rjennings@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2899 |
💰 FastForward Financial Assistance Available — Pay Only 1/3 Tuition
Qualifying Virginia residents can receive FastForward state funding, which covers two-thirds of the tuition cost for this high-demand emergency healthcare credential. Contact our FastForward Career Coach to verify eligibility and register.
What You Will Learn
Trainees master critical emergency life-support skills and pre-hospital care procedures required by first responders:
- Basic Life Support & Airway Management: Administer CPR, operate automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and manage upper airway obstruction and ventilation.
- Patient Assessment & Triage: Perform primary and secondary patient assessments, history taking, vital signs monitoring, and rapid scene size-up.
- Trauma & Emergency Procedures: Control severe bleeding, dress wounds, immobilize suspected spinal or orthopedic injuries, and treat acute shock.
- Medical Emergency Management: Respond to acute medical crises, including cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetic, neurological, and toxicological emergencies.
- EMS Operations & Documentation: Practice clear radio communication, team interaction, incident management basics, and accurate medical record documentation.
Program & Trainee Requirements
To register and maintain eligibility for state and national EMT certification, trainees must fulfill the following requirements:
- Age: Trainees must be at least 16 years of age prior to the start of class.
- Classroom & Lab Hours: Successfully complete 120 mandatory hours of lecture and hands-on laboratory practice.
- CPR Certification: Complete the built-in American Heart Association (AHA) CPR / Basic Life Support (BLS) course included in the curriculum.
- Background Clearance: Students must not have been convicted of any disqualifying crime as mandated by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Career Opportunities
Certified EMTs serve as vital medical first responders across public safety agencies, private transport providers, and healthcare facilities.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Municipal Fire & Rescue Squad EMT
- Commercial Ambulance Service EMT
- Hospital Emergency Department Technician
- Industrial Safety & Security Responder
- Government Agency & Humanitarian Relief Specialist
Program Registration & Contact
Ready to start your emergency medical service career or check your FastForward eligibility? Contact our Workforce Career Coach:
Robin Jennings — FastForward Career Coach
Phone: (540) 863-2899 | Email: rjennings@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)