EMT in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR
How to Become an EMT in Arkansas
To become a certified EMT in Arkansas, individuals must successfully complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass both the Arkansas practical skills examination and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. The licensing body is the Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to take the NREMT exam and will undergo state and federal criminal background checks. Arkansas offers a reciprocity process for NREMT-certified EMTs from other states, and automatic licensure may be available for uniformed service members, veterans, and their spouses.
EMT Requirements in Arkansas
| Detail | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($80) |
| Application Fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years old to take the NREMT certification examination. Requires state and federal criminal background checks. Must maintain a current CPR BLS credential. High school students in their last semester may be eligible to attend concurrently with program advisor approval. Military applicants may be licensed based on National Registry certification and must provide a DD-214 or training information from their 201 file. Fees are subject to change, and applicants are advised to verify current fees. |
License Tiers
Arkansas offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
EMT Salary in Arkansas
The median emt salary in Arkansas is $31,710 per year, which is 23.3% below the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $27,040 |
| 25th | $29,110 |
| 50th (median) | $31,710 |
| 75th | $40,250 |
| 90th (experienced) | $45,660 |
Arkansas employs approximately 1,230 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in Arkansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Arkansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.