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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Rhode Island. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $224. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services
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52% of data points are verified against official sources. 21 fields based on preliminary research. 8 fields need 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
3 levels
Certification Levels
$224
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, airway management, oxygen therapy, splinting, spinal immobilization, assisted medication administration, and basic trauma care
NREMT Required
Yes
Scope of Practice
Unique to Rhode Island; similar to AEMT scope with cardiac monitoring, IV access, and expanded medication administration. EMT-Cardiac exam administered only by RI DOH (not NREMT), scheduled once monthly.
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,300 hours
Scope of Practice
Full ALS scope including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring and 12-lead ECG interpretation, cardioversion, defibrillation, external pacing, extensive medication administration, IV/IO access, and needle decompression
NREMT Required
Yes
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,300
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Rhode Island uses a unique 3-tier system: EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, and EMT-Paramedic. The EMT-Cardiac level is unique to Rhode Island (similar to AEMT but with cardiac emphasis). Programs must be RI DOH-approved.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
NREMT required for initial certification at EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic levels (cognitive + psychomotor). NOT required for EMT-Cardiac level (state-administered exam only). Cognitive exam: CAT format, 70-120 questions for EMT, 2-hour limit, $104/attempt. Passing score 950/1500. 6 attempts allowed, 15-day wait between attempts, 24-hr remedial training after 3rd failure.
State Exam Details
EMT-Cardiac exam is administered exclusively by RI DOH (not NREMT). Scheduled once monthly. EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic use NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Passing Score
NREMT scaled score 950/1500 for EMT-Basic and Paramedic; state-set passing score for EMT-Cardiac
Retake Policy
NREMT: 6 attempts allowed, 15-day wait between attempts, 24-hr remedial training after 3rd failure. EMT-Cardiac re-exam: $60 fee.
What Each Level Can Do
VerifiedOnline Medical Direction (Real-Time)
Required; EMS providers must operate under medical direction from a licensed physician
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols provided by agency medical director
Protocol Requirements
Must follow agency medical director protocols; state is small enough for statewide mutual aid coverage
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 EMT/Cardiac application $120. Paramedic application $80. Cardiac re-exam $60. | $20 |
Renewal Fee Not confirmed separately | $20 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate: $120 state application + $104 NREMT exam (excludes course tuition) | $224 |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate: $80 state application + $104 NREMT exam (excludes course tuition) | $184 |
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
Not confirmed separately
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
Rhode Island is not an EMS Compact member. Out-of-state applicants must hold current NREMT certification at the appropriate level and complete BCI background check through the RI Attorney General's Office. EMT-Cardiac level has no direct reciprocity equivalent; out-of-state AEMTs may need to complete RI-specific Cardiac exam.
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.
Unique 3-tier system (EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, EMT-Paramedic); EMT-Cardiac level unique to RI; EMT-Cardiac exam administered only by RI DOH (not NREMT), scheduled once monthly; BCI background check (name/DOB, not fingerprint); small enough for statewide mutual aid coverage; administers Comfort One DNR program
Rhode Island uses a unique 3-tier system: EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, and EMT-Paramedic
EMT-Cardiac level is unique to Rhode Island (similar to AEMT but with cardiac emphasis)
EMT-Cardiac exam administered only by RI DOH (not NREMT), scheduled once monthly
BCI background check is name/DOB-based (not fingerprint-based), obtained from RI Attorney General's Office
State is small enough for statewide mutual aid coverage
Rhode Island administers the Comfort One DNR program
EMT-Cardiac re-exam fee is $60
Rhode Island is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#3 of 51
Cost
#29 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
$42,890
25th percentile
Median
$49,500
+20% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$52,650
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
520 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+186% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$49,500
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$49,500
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$63,530
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$141,600
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: Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services — Licensing Requirements
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Rhode Island requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.