Washington, DC, EMT Training Programs
Students aspiring to become emergency medical technicians can choose between a couple of schools in the District of Columbia area. Both offer training programs that satisfy national EMT training standards. This article looks at the schools, one of which is downtown and the other about 25 minutes away, and the training options they offer. At the close of the article is a table of information that individuals should consider when deciding on a school, such as size and costs.
- Located just two miles from downtown Washington, DC, George Washington University offers EMT training that prepares students for the EMT-Basic certification exam.
- About 17 miles away, Northern Virginia Community College provides both basic and intermediate EMT training for certification exams. After completing the EMT training courses at the community college, students can enroll in its paramedic career studies certificate program or the EMS associate degree program.
Comparison of Schools
Individuals who are deciding where to pursue their EMT training should look at many factors. The following table of information can ease the process of comparing schools by presenting important facts in a side-by-side fashion.
| George Washington University | Northern Virginia Community College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 26,457 | 49,560 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large suburb |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) | $7,980 for full semester** | $5,565 per year (in-state); $11,648 per year (out-of-state)* |
| % of Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students for 2020-2021)* | 76% | 61% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | 50% | Open admissions |
| Retention Rate (Students who began in 2020)* | 91% (full-time students) | 69% (full-time students) |
| Graduation Rate* | 84% (Students who began in 2015) | 33% (students who began in 2018) |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **George Washington University
George Washington University's EMT Certification Program
Founded in the early 19th century, George Washington University (GWU) is a large, private school in the heart of Washington, DC. The EMT program at GWU consists of a basic training course that enables prospective emergency medical technicians to become certified.
EMT-Basic Training
This training course, which includes both lecture and lab portions, provides the information necessary to take the national EMT-Basic certification exam. Students also learn skills needed to enter a paramedic program if they choose to continue their education at another school. CPR certification is a course requirement for students.
Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College, which has six campuses and 2,600 faculty and staff members, is the largest college in the state of Virginia. Its medical campus provides EMT training via the Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services degree program.
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Career Studies Certificate
Northern Virginia Community College offers a program that prepares the student for an EMT-Basic certification exam. The community college provides basic EMT training to prepare students to work as emergency medical technicians for fire departments, government agencies, emergency rooms, and other organizations. Students will be required to complete clinical or field work, which can involve working in an emergency department or with an emergency medical services agency.
Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate Career Studies Certificate
Individuals enrolled in the program learn advanced life support skills, which they can use to work for rescue squads, humanitarian relief organizations, ski patrols, or other agencies offering emergency medical services. Topics covered include trauma care, basic ECG recognition, and pharmacology. Students must also gain experience through clinical and field internships. Before entering the program, students must complete the EMT-Basic certification, as well as a human biology course, background check, drug screen, and physical exam with immunizations.
