Virginia Office of EMS Educator Update
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Click the 'REGISTER+' button below...
About
The Virginia Office of EMS Educator Update class is a focused session designed to keep EMS educators and Educational Coordinators (ECs) informed, aligned, and prepared for upcoming changes within the Virginia EMS education system. The primary purpose of the Educator Update is to provide clear, authoritative communication directly from the Office of EMS on regulatory updates, changes in educational standards, operational expectations, and emerging initiatives that impact EMS education programs statewide. It also serves as an opportunity for open dialogue, ensuring educators understand both the what and the why behind changes that affect classrooms, clinical instruction, and program administration.
This year’s Educator Update will be held in conjunction with the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA) Conference, providing a convenient opportunity for educators who may already be participating in conference activities. Importantly, registration with the VFCA Conference is not required to participate in the Educator Update. Educators may attend the update as a stand alone event.
This session will be presented by Debbie Akers, Executive Director of Region 2 - Western VA EMS Council whose leadership and institutional knowledge make this update especially valuable. Under her guidance, attendees can expect accurate, up‑to‑date information directly from the Office of EMS, as well as clarification on how proposed and pending changes will affect EMS education programs across the Commonwealth.
Attendance at an Educator Update is mandatory for all Educational Coordinators during their recertificaiton cycle, and this year’s session is particularly important. A significant number of changes are being proposed for implementation in 2026, many of which will have direct implications for all educators. All ECs are strongly encouraged to attend to ensure they are fully informed, prepared, and positioned to lead their programs successfully through the coming transition period.
** although there is no charge for this Update, registration is required **
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Debbie got her start with the Christiansburg Rescue Squad and has spent the last 45 years teaching, mentoring, and advocating for prehospital care and EMS providers in the Commonwealth. She has been a certified paramedic in the Commonwealth and with National Registry since 1999 and still maintains those credentials today. she has worked for the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services as the Division Director for Accreditation, Certification, and Education for the past 14 years. Debbie is known for her passion and dedication to EMS education, that she has demonstrated throughout her career.
Debbie got her start with the Christiansburg Rescue Squad and has spent the last 45 years teaching, mentoring, and advocating for prehospital care and EMS providers in the Commonwealth. She has been a certified paramedic in the Commonwealth and with National Registry since 1999 and still maintains those credentials today. she has worked for the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services as the Division Director for Accreditation, Certification, and Education for the past 14 years. Debbie is known for her passion and dedication to EMS education, that she has demonstrated throughout her career.