WVU Parkersburg accepting applications for EMT short-term program

Parkersburg, W.Va. (August 28, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg is accepting applications for its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) short-term program, designed to prepare individuals for entry-level careers in emergency medical services.

Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from Sept. 28 through Dec. 16, 2026, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at WVU Parkersburg’s Main Campus.

The program provides students with the knowledge, hands-on skills and real-world experience needed to begin a career in emergency medical services. Through instruction, skills labs, and clinical and field experiences, students develop the confidence and competence to provide safe, effective emergency care.

“Our division at WVU Parkersburg is focused on offering programs that meet the needs of local business and industry while providing students with relevant, high-quality training that leads to employment,” said Abby Campbell, program manager at WVU Parkersburg. “Our new EMT short-term program gives students an opportunity to quickly gain the skills and training needed to begin a career in emergency medical services, while also creating a clear pathway to continue their education through WVU Parkersburg’s Emergency Medical Services degree program. We’re excited to offer a program that can help meet an important workforce need in our region while giving students options to continue growing in the field.”

The EMT program was developed to reflect real-world emergency care environments and current industry standards. The combination of classroom instruction, skills labs and clinical and field experience is designed to give students practical preparation and a clear understanding of employer expectations for entry-level EMTs.

“The EMT short-term program provides students with the knowledge, hands-on skills and real-world experience needed to begin a career in Emergency Medical Services. Through instruction, skills labs and clinical and field experiences, students develop the confidence and competence to provide safe, effective emergency care. Successful completion of the course prepares students and provides eligibility to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT certification examination, helping develop job-ready EMTs who can strengthen the region’s EMS workforce and serve the emergency care needs of our local communities,” said Chad Knox, EMS program director at WVU Parkersburg.

EMTs are in demand across the region, with opportunities at ambulance services, fire departments and hospitals.

The cost of the program is $2,000 per person. Funding or payment plans must be secured by Sept. 14, 2026, two weeks before the first day of class. Class size is limited to 10 students, with a minimum of five students required to run the program.

To apply, visit wed.apply.wvup.edu. For more information, email wed@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8274.