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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in New York. NREMT accepted. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: ~$25 (state exam) or $104 (NREMT alternative) + course tuition. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 6 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
No
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
~$25 (state exam) or $104 (NREMT alternative) + course tuition
EMT Initial Cost
4 years
Renewal Period
50 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
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, oxygen therapy, bag-valve-mask ventilation, CPR/AED, splinting, bleeding control, assisted medication administration (epinephrine auto-injector, nitroglycerin, albuterol), emergency childbirth, and spinal motion restriction
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
All EMT-Basic skills plus IV/IO access, fluid administration, supraglottic airway devices, blood glucose monitoring, CPAP, and limited medication administration per protocol
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
All AEMT skills plus endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/12-lead ECG, manual defibrillation/cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, needle chest decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, comprehensive medication administration, and RSI where authorized
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
New York EMT training ranges from 150-190 hours depending on the program. Programs must be approved by NYS BEMS. Per Policy 24-06 (Sept 17, 2024), NY now accepts NREMT as an alternative to the state cognitive exam — NY was the 50th and final state to recognize NREMT. NREMT results must be submitted through the Bureau website EMS Forms page. For reciprocity, a maximum of 50% asynchronous learning is allowed.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedAccepted
NREMT Certification
Not Required
Cognitive Exam
Not Required
Psychomotor Exam
Yes
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Per Policy 24-06 (Sept 17, 2024), New York now accepts the NREMT cognitive exam as an alternative to the NYS state exam. NY was the 50th and final state to recognize NREMT. Candidates may choose either pathway. NREMT results must be submitted to NYS through the Bureau website EMS Forms page. New York does not require NREMT for recertification but accepts it as an alternative pathway. Background review must be completed BEFORE the practical exam.
State Exam Details
New York administers its own state certification exam. Per Policy 24-06 (Sept 17, 2024), NREMT cognitive exam is now accepted as an alternative — NY was the 50th and final state to recognize NREMT. Candidates may choose either pathway. NREMT results must be submitted to NYS through the Bureau website EMS Forms page. The state practical exam is still required regardless of cognitive exam pathway. Background review must be completed BEFORE the practical exam.
Passing Score
State exam registration ~$25. If using NREMT as alternative: CAT format with 70-120 questions for EMT level, 2-hour time limit, $80 per attempt, scaled score passing at 950/1500.
Retake Policy
If using NREMT as alternative: up to 6 attempts with 15-day waiting period between attempts. After the 3rd failed attempt, 24 hours of remedial training required. After 6 failed attempts, full course completion required. Exam fee is $80 per attempt.
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 New York must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS agency must have approved medical protocols.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee State exam registration fee | $0 |
State License Fee No separate state license fee. NYS does not charge for EMS certification issuance beyond the ~$25 exam registration. | $0 |
Renewal Fee Per 4-year (48-month) renewal cycle. Certifications issued after July 1, 2024 are valid for 48 months (previously shorter). | ~$25 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Does not include course tuition, textbooks, or equipment costs | ~$25 (state exam) or $104 (NREMT alternative) + course tuition |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | ~$25 (state exam) or $104 (NREMT alternative) + program tuition |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified4 years
Renewal Period
50 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Not Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$0
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
New York uses an endorsement process for out-of-state EMS providers. NREMT accepted for reciprocity. A maximum of 50% asynchronous learning is allowed for reciprocity applicants. Background review is required.
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.
NY was the 50th and final state to accept NREMT (per Policy 24-06, Sept 17, 2024). Background review must complete BEFORE the practical exam -- a unique sequencing requirement. 50% maximum asynchronous learning for reciprocity. 48-month certification cycle (for certs issued after July 1, 2024).
Per Policy 24-06 (Sept 17, 2024), NY now accepts the NREMT cognitive exam as an alternative to the NYS state exam. NY was the 50th and final state to recognize NREMT. Candidates may choose either pathway. NREMT results must be submitted to NYS through the Bureau website EMS Forms page.
Certifications issued after July 1, 2024 are now valid for 48 months (4 years), previously shorter.
Background review must complete BEFORE the practical exam -- a unique sequencing requirement.
4-year (48-month) certification cycle with 50 hrs continuing education for EMT.
For reciprocity, a maximum of 50% asynchronous learning is allowed.
New York has its own recertification pathway but accepts NREMT recertification as well.
New York is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#4 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
$40,180
25th percentile
Median
$46,000
+11% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$56,510
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
14,350 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+232% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$46,000
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$46,000
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$66,420
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$152,650
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: New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services — Licensing Requirements
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New York accepts NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.