EMT in Rhode Island

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$49,500

trending_up +19.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

520

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$224

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Rhode Island

To become a certified EMT in Rhode Island, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and be at least 18 years old. They must then pass both the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services, and a criminal background check is required for all applicants. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for EMTs with current NREMT certification or a substantially similar state certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,550

25th percentile $42,890

50th (median) $49,500

75th percentile $52,650

90th (experienced) $58,620

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT-Basic training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Experience	10.0 hours
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Application fee	$120
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	40.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a criminal background check. Must hold a valid CPR certificate. EMTs licensed after January 1, 2012, must maintain NREMT certification for renewal. Rhode Island has a unique three-tier system: EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, and EMT-Paramedic. The EMT-Cardiac exam is administered by the RI DOH, not NREMT.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium Rhode Island license tiers

Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMR	N/A
EMT-Basic	N/A
Advanced EMT-Cardiac	N/A
Paramedic	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

Wondering if an emt career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do I become an emt in Rhode Island? expand_more

Rhode Island requires emts to complete the required education (State-approved EMT-Basic training program and High School Diploma/GED.), gain 10.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams, and submit your application ($120 fee).

Does Rhode Island require emt licensure? expand_more

Yes, Rhode Island requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Emergency Medical Services. You must pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

What is the average emt salary in Rhode Island? expand_more

The median emt salary in Rhode Island is $49,500 per year. This exceeds the $41,340 national median by 20%. Wages range from $38,550 (10th percentile) up to $58,620 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become an emt in Rhode Island? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($104) and application fee ($120). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become an emt in Rhode Island? expand_more

The typical timeline in Rhode Island is 3-6 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for emts in Rhode Island? expand_more

Yes — emts in Rhode Island must complete 40.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.