EMT in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become an EMT in North Carolina
To become a certified EMT in North Carolina, individuals must successfully complete a North Carolina-approved EMT training program and pass either the North Carolina State Credentialing Exam or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. The licensing body is the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS). Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be credentialed, though 17-year-olds can take the state exams with the credential being held until their 18th birthday. A criminal background check is also required, and North Carolina offers reciprocity for active and valid out-of-state or NREMT certifications for residents or those affiliated with an NC EMS agency.
EMT Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED or successful completion of an exam assessing basic reading comprehension skills at a minimum of the eleventh-grade level, and current CPR certification for healthcare providers. |
| Exam | North Carolina State Credentialing Exam (NCOEMS exam) or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. ($68) |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 80.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years old to be credentialed (can take state exams at 17, but credential will be held until 18). Requires a criminal background check. Some programs may also require immunizations and physical/mental fitness for EMS work. Successful completion of a scope of practice performance evaluation is also required. |
License Tiers
North Carolina offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
EMT Salary in North Carolina
The median emt salary in North Carolina is $40,530 per year, which is 2.0% below the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $31,000 |
| 25th | $35,650 |
| 50th (median) | $40,530 |
| 75th | $48,180 |
| 90th (experienced) | $57,470 |
North Carolina employs approximately 7,540 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in North Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.