Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

EMS 111  Emergency Medical Technician  (7 CR.)  
Prepares student for certification as a Virginia and National Registry EMT. Includes all aspects of pre-hospital basic life support as defined by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services curriculum for Emergency Medicine Technician Basic. Lecture 5 hours per week. Laboratory 4 hours per week. Total 9 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 100 CPR for Healthcare Providers or CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level  
Corequisite(s) EMS 120  
Credit for Prior Learning available for this course. More information at https://www.nvcc.edu/admissions/cpl.html.  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 120  Emergency Medical Technician - Clinical  (1 CR.)  
Provides supervised direct patient contact introducing the student to the assessment and emergency care of sick and injured patients. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Corequisite(s) EMS 111  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 121  Preparatory Foundations  (2 CR.)  
Introduces fundamental concepts established by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Advanced EMT and Paramedic curricula. Includes EMS systems, introduction to research, workforce safety and wellness, EMS system communications, introduction to public health, legal and ethical issues. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 123  EMS Clinical Preparation  (1 CR.)  
Includes prerequisites required by clinical affiliates, therapeutic communication, primary assessment, history taking, secondary assessment, reassessment, monitoring devices and documentation. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS Introduces the student to local clinical agencies and prepares the student for clinical activities above the level of EMT  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 125  Basic Pharmacology  (1 CR.)  
Prepares students to demonstrate competency concerning basic principles of pharmacology, drug dosage calculations and medication administration. Introduces medications listed in the Advanced EMT (AEMT) scope of practice. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS Corequisite: EMS 126  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 126  Basic Pharmacology Lab  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on the safe administration of medications in the emergency setting. Includes drug dose calculation and covers multiple routes of administration including oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, and intraosseous and other methods within the scope of practice for the emergency care provider. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS Corequisite: EMS 125  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 127  Airway, Shock and Resuscitation  (1 CR.)  
Introduces concepts associated with pre-hospital emergency care of the individual experiencing airway difficulty or in need of resuscitation or shock management. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS Corequisite: EMS 128  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 128  Airway, Shock & Resuscitation Lab  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on specific skills related to airway, resuscitation and shock management. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS Corequisite: EMS 127  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 135  Emergency Medical Care  (2 CR.)  
Prepares the student to assess and manage patients with common medical emergencies. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 136  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 136  Emergency Medical Care Lab  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on specific skills related to the assessment and management of common medical emergencies. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 135  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 137  Trauma Care  (1 CR.)  
Prepares the student to assess and manage injured patients, developing his/her problem-solving ability in the treatment of trauma involving various body systems. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 138  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 138  Trauma Care Lab  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on the skills required for the assessment and management of patients with traumatic injury. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 137  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 139  Special Populations  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on the pre-hospital assessment and management of patients in a specific population including pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), bariatric, abuse, sexual assault and special needs. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 140  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 140  Special Populations Lab  (1 CR.)  
Develops skills related to the assessment and management of patients in a specific population including pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), bariatric, abuse, sexual assault and special needs. Laboratory 2 hour. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 139  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 141  Cardiovascular Care  (2 CR.)  
Focuses on assessment and management of cardiac-related emergencies. Covers basic dysrhythmia recognition and relates it to overall cardiac patient care. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite: EMS 142  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 142  Cardiovascular Care Lab  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on skills involved in the assessment and management of cardiac-related. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hour per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 121, EMS 123, EMS 125, EMS 126, EMS 127, EMS 128 Corequisite EMS 141  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 163  Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)  (1 CR.)  
Prepares for certification as a Prehospital Trauma Life Support provider as defined by the American College of Surgeons. Lecture 1 hour per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 111 or equivalent  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 164  Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)  (1 CR.)  
nan An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 165  Advanced Cardiac Life Support  (1 CR.)  
Prepares for certification as an Advanced Cardiac Life provider. Follows course as defined by the American Heart Association. Lecture 1 hour per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 100, or equivalent  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 167  Emergency Pediatrics Course (EPC)  (1 CR.)  
Provides a unique approach to pediatric medical care, offering assessment techniques that can help EMS practitioners rapidly and accurately assess pediatric patients to determine which situations may be life threatening and require immediate intervention. Offers certification as defined by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 170  ALS Internship I  (1 CR.)  
Begins the first in a series of clinical experiences providing supervised direct patient contact in appropriate patient care facilities in and out of hospitals. Includes but not limited to patient care units such as the Emergency Department, Critical Care units, Pediatric, Labor and Delivery, Operating Room, Trauma Centers and various advanced life support units. Laboratory 3 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 175  Paramedic Clinical Experience I  (1 CR.)  
Introduces students to live patient assessment and management in the clinical setting. Begins a continuum of learning involving live patients that leads to entry-level competence at the paramedic level. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 180  Advanced EMS Foundations  (1 CR.)  
Introduces fundamental concepts established by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for the Advanced EMT curriculum. Includes EMS systems, introduction to research, workforce safety and wellness, EMS system communications, therapeutic communication, and legal and ethical issues. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 181  Advanced Airway and Shock Management  (1 CR.)  
An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 182  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 182  Advanced Airway and Shock Management Lab  (1 CR.)  
Examines assessment and management of trauma emergencies as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) within the Advanced EMT curriculum. Provides students with specific skills related to airway, resuscitation and shock management. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 181  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 183  Advanced Medical Care  (2 CR.)  
Examines the assessment and management of medical emergencies as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) within the Advanced EMT curriculum. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 184  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 184  Advanced Medical Care Laboratory  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on specific skills related to the assessment and management of common medical emergencies as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) within the Advanced EMT curriculum. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS program  
Corequisite(s) EMS 183  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 185  Advanced Trauma Care  (2 CR.)  
Examines the assessment and management of trauma emergencies as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) within the Advanced EMT curriculum. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 186  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 186  Advanced Trauma Care Laboratory  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on specific skills related to the assessment and management of trauma emergencies as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) within the Advanced EMT curriculum. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 185  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 202  Paramedic Pharmacology  (2 CR.)  
Focuses on advanced pharmacological interventions, medications and their effects. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 203  Advanced Patient Care  (2 CR.)  
Focuses on the comprehensive assessment and management of patients in out-of-hospital and inter-facility scenarios. Content is centered on problem-solving through integration of didactic, psychomotor and affective curricula. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 135, EMS 136, EMS 137, EMS 138, EMS 139, EMS 140, EMS 141, EMS 142 Corequisite: EMS 204  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 204  Advanced Patient Care  (2 CR.)  
Focuses on the comprehensive assessment and management of out-of-hospital and inter-facility patients using scenario-based learning. Laboratory 4 hours. Total 4 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) EMS 135, EMS 136, EMS 137, EMS 138, EMS 139, EMS 140, EMS 141, EMS 142 Corequisite: EMS 203  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 206  Pathophysiology for the Health Professions  (3 CR.)  
Focuses on the pathological processes of disease with emphasis on the anatomical and physiological alterations of the human body systems. Includes diagnosis and management appropriate to the advanced health care provider in and out of the hospital environment. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite(s) BIO 145 or BIO 141-142 combination  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 210  EMS Operations  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on matters related to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations, incident and scene safety and awareness, triage, multiple and mass casualty incident operations and medical incident management (command and control of EMS incidents). Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 212  Leadership and Professional Development  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on the development of leadership within the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), topics include civic engagement, personal wellness, resource management, ethical considerations in leadership and research. Lecture 1 hour. Total 1 hour per week.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 216  Paramedic Review  (1 CR.)  
Provides the student with intensive review for the practical and written portions of the National Registry Paramedic exam. May be repeated once, for credit. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 221  Paramedic Cardiovascular Care  (3 CR.)  
Covers in-depth assessment and management of cardiovascular conditions, as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Paramedics. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 222  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 222  Paramedic Cardiovascular Laboratory  (1 CR.)  
Focuses on skills involved in the assessment and management of cardiac-related emergencies as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Paramedics. Develops competency in basic dysrhythmia recognition and overall cardiac patient care. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 221  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 223  Paramedic Patient Care I  (3 CR.)  
Covers the breadth of medical and trauma conditions as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Paramedics. Part I of II. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 224  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 224  Paramedic Patient Care I Laboratory  (1 CR.)  
Covers the skills related to the breadth of medical and trauma conditions as outlined by the NationalEmergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Paramedics. Part I of II. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 223  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 225  Paramedic Patient Care II  (5 CR.)  
Covers the depth of medical and trauma conditions as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Paramedics. Part II of II. Lecture 5 hours. Total 5 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 226  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 226  Paramedic Patient Care Laboratory II  (2 CR.)  
Covers the skills related to the depth of medical and trauma conditions as outlined by the National Emergency Medical Service Education Standards (NEMSES) for Paramedics. Part II of II. Laboratory 4 hours. Total 4 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Corequisite(s) EMS 225  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 241  Paramedic Internship I  (2 CR.)  
Introduces students to live patient assessment and management in the clinical and field setting. Begins a continuum of learning involving live patients that leads to entry-level competence at the paramedic level. Part I of II. Laboratory 6 hours. Total 6 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Current Virginia EMT and CPR certification as approved by the Virginia Office of EMS  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 246  Paramedic Internship II  (2 CR.)  
. Introduces students to live patient assessment and management in the clinical and field set. Continues the learning experience with live patients that leads to entry-level competence at the paramedic level. Part II of II. Laboratory 6 hours. Total 6 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Prerequisite(s) Prerequisite: BIO 141 or BIO 145  
Course Content Summary  
EMS 247  Paramedic Clinical Experience II  (1 CR.)  
Continues the student experience with live patient assessment and management in the clinical setting. It is the second step in a continuum of learning involving live patients that leads to entry-level competence at the paramedic level. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 248  Paramedic Comprehensive Field Experience  (2 CR.)  
Expands the student experience with live patient assessment and management into the field setting. It is the third step in a continuum of learning involving live patients that leads to entry-level competence at the paramedic level. Laboratory 6 hours. Total 6 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 249  Paramedic Capstone Internship  (2 CR.)  
Provides summative evaluation of the Paramedic student in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Laboratory 6 hours. Total 6 hours per week. An additional career and technical education course specific fee of $50.00 per credit hour applies to this course. The price is discounted 50% to $25.00 per credit hour for the 2026-27 academic year only.
Course Content Summary  
EMS 299  Supervised Study:  (1-5 CR.)  
Assignment of problems for independent study incorporating previous instruction and supervised by the instructor. May be repeated for credit. Variable hours.
Course Content Summary