EMT in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become an EMT in District of Columbia
To become a certified EMT in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a DC-approved EMT training program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and hold a healthcare provider-level CPR certification. Candidates must pass both the cognitive and psychomotor National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exams. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, and secure affiliation with a DC-approved EMS agency, with authorization to practice granted by a medical director. The District of Columbia is a Non-Compact State, meaning reciprocity is handled on an individual basis.
EMT Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | District of Columbia Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Division |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a DC-approved EMT training program, High School Diploma/GED, and CPR certification at the healthcare provider level. |
| Exam | National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams ($104) |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| 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. Applicants must have a sponsoring organization and affiliation with a DC-approved EMS agency. A medical director must also grant authorization to practice within their agency. |
Source: District of Columbia Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services Division
License Tiers
District of Columbia offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
EMT Salary in District of Columbia
The median emt salary in District of Columbia is $45,920 per year, which is 11.1% above the national median of $41,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,900 |
| 25th | $38,740 |
| 50th (median) | $45,920 |
| 75th | $58,250 |
| 90th (experienced) | $71,520 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 410 emts.
EMT Job Outlook
Is Becoming an EMT in District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.