EMT in Tennessee

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

Median annual salary

$37,630

trending_down -9.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering

3,420

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 months

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Tennessee

To become a licensed EMT in Tennessee, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass the NREMT cognitive exam and a state-approved psychomotor exam. The licensing body is the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. A criminal background check and a physical examination demonstrating the ability to perform EMT duties are also required. Tennessee offers reciprocity for out-of-state EMTs who meet specific criteria, including holding a current license and National Registry certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,440

25th percentile $31,210

50th (median) $37,630

75th percentile $46,890

90th (experienced) $52,210

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

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing body	Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
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. Physical examination required to demonstrate ability to lift patients and provide care in varying environments. English-language reading, writing, and speaking skills are also required. The NREMT cognitive exam costs $104 per attempt. The psychomotor exam is administered by the state or training institution.

Source: Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services

workspace_premium Tennessee license tiers

Tennessee 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

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_circleTennessee 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.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in Tennessee? expand_more

In Tennessee, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Is an emt license required in Tennessee? expand_more

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

How much do emts make in Tennessee? expand_more

Tennessee emts bring home a median salary of $37,630. — 9% under the $41,340 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $28,440, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $52,210.

What's the total cost to get emt certified in Tennessee? expand_more

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

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

In Tennessee, becoming an emt generally takes 3-6 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a emt license in Tennessee? expand_more

Tennessee requires 40.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your emt license.