Institutional Self Study for EMT Programs in Virginia - Accreditation Application, Instructions and Self Study

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Aria

Accreditation Application, Instructions and Self Study for EMT/BLS programs in Virginia outlines the voluntary state approval process delegated to the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. It defines quality goals, eligibility expectations, and obligations for maintaining accreditation, including restrictions on reverting to traditional formats and consequences of losing approval. The document also specifies application deadlines, submission requirements, required attachments such as a cover letter and self-assessment copies, and alternate pathways for CoAEMSP-accredited BLS programs through site visit and accreditation documentation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Application Process

Introduction to the Self Study Assessment

The Site Visit

Composition of the Site Team and Site Visit Details

Categories of Approval

Appeal Procedure

Requirements for Maintaining Accreditation

Appendix A

Appendix B

Accreditation Application, Instructions and Self Study EMT Table of Contents Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 2 Application Process ......................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction to the Self Study Assessment ..................................................................................... 6 The Site Visit .................................................................................................................................... 8 Composition of the Site Team and Site Visit Details ..................................................................... 11 Categories of Approval .................................................................................................................. 15 Appeal Procedure .......................................................................................................................... 17 Requirements for Maintaining Accreditation................................................................................ 18 Appendix A .................................................................................................................................... 19 Appendix B..................................................................................................................................... 23 Introduction In compliance with 12 VAC 5-31, the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) has been delegated the authority by the State Board of Health to develop, implement and administer BLS programs in the Commonwealth. The Educational Approval and Policies and Procedures set forth in this manual have been developed as an alternative to current Basic Life Support training polices and procedures. This approval process is voluntary for all Basic Life Support (BLS) education programs who wish to participate and conduct a competency-based BLS training program for personnel gaining certification as a BLS provider in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose of this alternative approval program for BLS education programs is to ensure quality and consistent minimum standards in the delivery of these education programs on a statewide basis. In an effort to achieve this, the primary goal established is to ensure that all Virginia BLS education programs meet the standards of quality outlined by the Office in this manual. A secondary goal established is to assist all existing and future BLS education programs conducted in Virginia in meeting the standards detailed in the regulations. In an effort to best achieve the second goal, this manual has been developed to outline the procedures required to achieve State education program approval. It will assist education program administrators/coordinators in the preparation of information necessary to justify approval. It is also important for BLS education programs to receive the recognition of their efforts in providing quality education and training for BLS providers in the Commonwealth. Being awarded approval signifies that the education program meets the high standards set forth by peers and EMS professionals across the State. BLS Programs working under ALS accredited sites should still be able to be accredited for recognition and quality assurance. Programs that attain BLS Accreditation only and then choose to revert back to the traditional BLS Program format are prohibited from seeking re-accreditation for five (5) years. ALS Accredited programs that add BLS Accreditation may not revert back to the traditional BLS Program. Failure to maintain or loss of accreditation will require that all programs being conducted under that accreditation be suspended immediately. Accredited programs must not announce a course that ends after the expiration date of their Accreditation. Application

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Virginia alternative approval program for BLS education programs?

It ensures quality and consistent minimum standards for statewide delivery of BLS education programs, including support for existing and future programs in meeting regulatory standards.

When must applications be submitted for BLS competency-based education program approval?

Applications must be received at least six months before the first competency-based course begins.

What attachments are required with the completed BLS competency-based application?

The submission must include a cover letter on the responsible agency/institution letterhead requesting program approval and three copies of the Self Assessment Document.

What happens if an accredited program fails to maintain accreditation or loses it?

All programs conducted under that accreditation must be suspended immediately.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Aria