EMT in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become an EMT in Rhode Island
To become a certified EMT in Rhode Island, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and be at least 18 years old. They must then pass both the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services, and a criminal background check is required for all applicants. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for EMTs with current NREMT certification or a substantially similar state certification.
EMT Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | State-approved EMT-Basic training program and High School Diploma/GED. |
| Experience Required | 10.0 hours |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104) |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check. Must hold a valid CPR certificate. EMTs licensed after January 1, 2012, must maintain NREMT certification for renewal. Rhode Island has a unique three-tier system: EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, and EMT-Paramedic. The EMT-Cardiac exam is administered by the RI DOH, not NREMT. |
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services
License Tiers
Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT-Basic | N/A |
| Advanced EMT-Cardiac | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
EMT Salary in Rhode Island
The median emt salary in Rhode Island is $49,500 per year, which is 19.7% above the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,550 |
| 25th | $42,890 |
| 50th (median) | $49,500 |
| 75th | $52,650 |
| 90th (experienced) | $58,620 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 520 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in Rhode Island Worth It?
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.