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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Arkansas. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $20 (state app) + $22-$38.50 (background check). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $20 (state app) + $22-$38.50 (background check)
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
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
120-150 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
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
EMT-Basic scope plus IV access, fluid resuscitation, advanced airway devices (supraglottic), blood glucose monitoring, and limited medication administration
NREMT Required
Yes
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
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
48
Clinical Rotation
Notes
Arkansas EMT training requires 120 hours of lecture plus 48 hours of clinical time. Programs must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP/CAAHEP. A separate state psychomotor skills exam is required in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Arkansas requires NREMT cognitive exam plus a separate state psychomotor skills exam for initial certification and recertification. 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.
State Exam Details
Arkansas requires a separate state psychomotor skills examination in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam. The state skills exam is administered independently of the NREMT psychomotor exam.
Passing Score
NREMT uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). EMT exam has 70-120 questions with a 2-hour time limit. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Cost is $80 per attempt. State psychomotor exam has separate passing criteria.
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 or phone 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 Arkansas must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS agency must have approved protocols.
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 | $1,000-$2,500 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program | $8,000-$15,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee State application fee | $20 |
State License Fee Included in application fee | $20 |
Renewal Fee Per 2-year renewal cycle | $20 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $20 (state app) + $22-$38.50 (background check) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $8,000-$15,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $20 (state app) + $22-$38.50 (background check) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$20
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
Arkansas accepts current NREMT certification for reciprocity. As an EMS Compact member state, Arkansas recognizes EMS personnel licensed in other compact states. Applicants must still complete a background check and state application.
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.
Arkansas is notable for requiring a separate state psychomotor skills examination in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam. The background check fee structure is tiered: $22 for the state check, plus an additional $16.50 FBI check if the applicant has resided in Arkansas for less than 5 years. Arkansas is an EMS Compact member state.
Arkansas requires both the NREMT cognitive exam and a separate state psychomotor skills examination.
Background check fees are $22 for state check plus $16.50 for FBI check if the applicant has lived in Arkansas less than 5 years.
EMT training in Arkansas is structured as 120 hours of lecture plus 48 hours of clinical time.
Arkansas is an EMS Compact (REPLICA) member state, allowing cross-state EMS practice.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#51 of 51
Cost
#37 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
$29,110
25th percentile
Median
$31,710
-23% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$40,250
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,230 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+227% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$31,710
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$31,710
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$45,710
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$103,550
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: Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS — Licensing Requirements
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Arkansas requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.