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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Alaska. NREMT accepted. EMT training: 140-160 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,200-$3,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT, if chosen) + $25 (app) + $100 (license). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Alaska Department of Health, Section of Emergency Programs, EMS Unit
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
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No
NREMT Required?
140-160
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$1,200-$3,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT, if chosen) + $25 (app) + $100 (license)
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
60 hours
Scope of Practice
Basic emergency care including bleeding control, CPR, AED use, oxygen administration, and basic patient assessment
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
140-160 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, oxygen therapy, splinting, spinal immobilization, assisted medication administration (epinephrine, nitroglycerin, albuterol), and emergency childbirth
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
200-400 hours
Scope of Practice
EMT-1 scope plus IV access, fluid resuscitation, advanced airway devices (supraglottic), blood glucose monitoring, and limited medication administration. Alaska has unique intermediate levels (EMT-2 and EMT-3) with progressively expanded scopes.
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
Full ALS care including endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/defibrillation, IV/IO access, comprehensive medication administration, needle decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, synchronized cardioversion, and advanced patient assessment
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified140-160
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Alaska has unique EMS certification levels not found in most other states: ETT (Emergency Trauma Technician), EMT-1, EMT-2, EMT-3, Advanced AKEMT, and Paramedic. Programs must be approved by the Alaska EMS office. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP/CAAHEP.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedAccepted
NREMT Certification
Not Required
Cognitive Exam
Not Required
Psychomotor Exam
Yes
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Alaska offers a dual pathway for certification - candidates may take either the state exam or the NREMT exam. NREMT is not required but is accepted. The NREMT cognitive exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level, a 2-hour time limit, and costs $104 per attempt. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Candidates are allowed 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. NREMT recertification is not required; Alaska accepts the NCCP (National Continued Competency Program) model.
State Exam Details
Alaska offers a dual pathway: candidates may take either the state-administered exam or the NREMT exam. Both are accepted for initial certification.
Passing Score
If taking NREMT: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 70-120 questions, 2-hour time limit, $80/attempt, scaled passing score of 950/1500. State exam passing criteria set by Alaska EMS office.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. After the 3rd failed attempt, candidates must complete 24 hours of remedial training. After 6 failed attempts, full course completion is required.
What Each Level Can Do
VerifiedOnline Medical Direction (Real-Time)
Real-time physician contact via radio, phone, or telemedicine for consultation on patient care decisions beyond standing orders
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols developed by the EMS medical director that authorize specific treatments without real-time physician contact
Protocol Requirements
All EMS providers in Alaska must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS service must have approved medical protocols. Remote Alaska locations may have expanded protocols due to limited access to online medical direction.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
EMT Course Cost Varies by program and institution; Alaska programs may be more expensive due to location | $1,200-$3,000 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program | $10,000-$20,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee State application fee | $25 |
State License Fee State certification/license fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee Per 2-year renewal cycle | $100 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,200-$3,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT, if chosen) + $25 (app) + $100 (license) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $10,000-$20,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT, if chosen) + $25 (app) + $100 (license) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Not Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
Per 2-year renewal cycle
Regulatory Board
EMS certifications must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering patient assessment, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and applicable protocol updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NREMT-based; NOT an EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Alaska accepts out-of-state EMS certifications through a state review process. NREMT certification is accepted but not the sole pathway. Due to Alaska's unique certification levels (ETT, EMT-1, EMT-2, EMT-3), level mapping may be required. Alaska is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
EMT/Paramedic reciprocity is often facilitated through NREMT certification. States that require NREMT typically allow easier transfer for certified providers. Always verify current reciprocity policies with your state EMS office.
Alaska has a unique multi-tiered EMS certification system (ETT, EMT-1, EMT-2, EMT-3, Advanced AKEMT, Paramedic) that differs from the national model. NREMT is accepted but not required - the state offers a dual pathway with its own state exam. A new 2025 requirement mandates 4-hour Traffic Incident Management training. The minimum age for paramedic certification is 19 (vs. 18 for EMT). Alaska is NOT an EMS Compact member.
Alaska offers a dual certification pathway - candidates may take either the state exam or the NREMT exam for initial certification.
Alaska has unique EMS certification levels not found in most other states: ETT (Emergency Trauma Technician), EMT-1, EMT-2, EMT-3, Advanced AKEMT, and Paramedic.
The minimum age for paramedic certification is 19, while EMT-1 requires age 18.
A 4-hour Traffic Incident Management training is a new 2025 requirement for all EMS personnel.
NREMT recertification is not required; Alaska accepts the NCCP (National Continued Competency Program) model for renewal.
Alaska is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#2 of 51
Cost
#49 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Emergency Medical Technicians (SOC 29-2042)
Entry Level
$49,080
25th percentile
Median
$56,900
+38% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$64,780
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
290 employed in this state
Note: BLS EMT category includes EMT-Basic level. Paramedics (EMT-P) are classified separately under SOC 29-2043 with higher wages.
Source: BLS OEWS – Emergency Medical Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+12,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
19,600
per year (avg.)
147,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Emergency Medicine Career Ladder+140% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$56,900
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$56,900
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$68,330
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$136,350
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Alaska Department of Health, Section of Emergency Programs, EMS Unit — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Alaska Department of Health, Section of Emergency Programs, EMS Unit — Licensing Requirements
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Alaska accepts NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 140-160 hours. All certification is managed through the Alaska Department of Health, Section of Emergency Programs, EMS Unit.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.