Once a provider earns their EMT certification, there are many avenues to explore advancing to the next certification level. VB Rescue – EMS also has a scholarship program to assist our volunteer providers in taking the next step in their EMS career

VB Rescue members seeking to become ALS students while affiliated with VB Rescue – EMS must apply for affiliation and/or scholarship through the VB Rescue – EMS Training Center. Applications must be submitted 45 days prior to the official start date of the program in which they are pre-enrolled to apply for affiliation and/or scholarship.

Student Eligibility

Student eligibility is determined by the VBEMS Training Center based on the following eligibility criteria. The student:

• Must be pre-enrolled in a Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services approved initial ALS certification program.
• Meet ALL Virginia Dept. of Health Office of EMS provider eligibility requirements as listed on the Virginia Office of EMS Website.
• Must be an active Attendant-in-Charge (AIC) provider with a VB Rescue agency.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the beginning of class.
• Must hold a high school diploma or general equivalency.
• Must hold current Commonwealth of Virginia or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Intermediate Certification.
  
• Must have documentation of ICS 100 and 200, IS 700, IS 800, AWR-160 certificates, current cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course completion, and a recent VBEMS OSHA course on file with VBEMS.

All applications should be submitted to the ALS Coordinator at emsalscoordinator@vbgov.com

• Affiliation Application for Students With or Without Scholarship
• Internship Application

Scholarship and Affiliation Program

The scholarship program supports VB Rescue members who are accepted into an eligible Virginia Beach EMS-approved initial ALS certification program, Advanced EMT and Paramedic. The scholarship program is designed to provide 100% funding for a training program with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia EMS Scholarship Program.

Selection Criteria for ALS Training Scholarship

• Scholarship funds available within the VBEMS budget line
• Applicant’s percentage of VB Rescue duty requirements as an Attendant-in-Charge (AIC) meet over the last 12 months.
• Applicant’s time released under general supervision as an AIC within the VB Rescue system
• Eligibility and selection criteria for the VBEMS Scholarship Program will be determined based on the start date for the course in which the student is enrolling.

Scholarship Awardee Expectations

The Awardee becomes immediately responsible for payment in full to the City of Virginia Beach if they do not meet the following:

• Required to sign an ALS Training Contract with the City of Virginia Beach
• Apply for a Virginia Office of EMS (VAOEMS) Scholarship within 30 days from the official start date of the program. The award monies must be directed to the Virginia Beach Dept. of EMS (VB Rescue – EMS).
• Successful completion of their training program.
• Successfully test and obtain a Virginia certification at the level of training within one year.
• Affiliation with a licensed Virginia EMS agency for a minimum of one year.
• Compliance with all applicable Code of Virginia and EMS Regulations, as well as the Training Program Administration Manual
• Notify VB Rescue - EMS and VAOEMS of any change in legal name, address change, or criminal/civil charges within five (5) days of the event.
• For full disclosure, be sure to read the scholarship contract.

Approved Expenses for Scholarship Funding

The scholarship award amount shall only be used for payment of charges for tuition, fees, or other education expenses as prescribed by the ALS program. Room, board, travel, research, clerical help, equipment, and additional costs not required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution are not allowable expenses. In most cases, the ALS Program will invoice VBEMS for the expense covered under the scholarship.

“Other expenses as prescribed by the ALS Program” includes the following list of allowable items:

• EMS textbooks.
• EMS program uniforms/clinical clothing.
• EMS testing fees to include CTS fees & NREMT certification exam fees.
• Clinical tracking program software licenses to include but not limited to FISDAP; Platinum Planner.
• NREMT cognitive exam preparation software to include but not limited to FISDAP, EMSTesting.com.
• EMS program-related background checks.