EMT in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.
Jobs (AR)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an emt in Arkansas
To become a certified EMT in Arkansas, individuals must successfully complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass both the Arkansas practical skills examination and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. The licensing body is the Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to take the NREMT exam and will undergo state and federal criminal background checks. Arkansas offers a reciprocity process for NREMT-certified EMTs from other states, and automatic licensure may be available for uniformed service members, veterans, and their spouses.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Arkansas requirements
| Licensing body | Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED. |
| Exam | NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($80) |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 40.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Arkansas offers reciprocity for NREMT-certified EMTs with a similar scope of practice license.Reciprocal states: Arkansas has a reciprocity process for EMTs who hold a current and valid NREMT certification and an occupational license with a similar scope of practice from another state, territory, or district of the United States. Uniformed service members, veterans, and their spouses may be eligible for automatic licensure. |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years old to take the NREMT certification examination. Requires state and federal criminal background checks. Must maintain a current CPR BLS credential. High school students in their last semester may be eligible to attend concurrently with program advisor approval. Military applicants may be licensed based on National Registry certification and must provide a DD-214 or training information from their 201 file. Fees are subject to change, and applicants are advised to verify current fees. |
Source: Arkansas Department of Health, Section of EMS
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Arkansas? See whether Arkansas recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our EMT license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Arkansas license tiers
Arkansas offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| EMR | N/A |
| EMT | N/A |
| AEMT | N/A |
| Paramedic | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
Compare EMT head-to-head
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