Paramedic in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.
Jobs (KY)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a paramedic in Kentucky
To become a licensed Paramedic in Kentucky, individuals must successfully complete a Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) approved Paramedic program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams. Applicants must also complete state-mandated coursework in HIV/AIDS, Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma, and Awareness of Sexual Violence, and undergo a background check. Reciprocity is available for paramedics licensed in other states or those holding NREMT certification, including eligible military personnel and veterans.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Kentucky requirements
| Licensing body | Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved Paramedic program |
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($160) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Kentucky accepts reciprocity from specific states or with current NREMT certification; military members are also eligible.Reciprocal states: Kentucky accepts reciprocity from states with current, unrestricted Paramedic certification or NREMT certification. Specific states mentioned for reciprocity are Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Military members and veterans may also be eligible for reciprocity. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or GED, and possess current unrestricted EMT certification. A background check is required for initial licensure and reciprocity. Additional state-mandated coursework includes HIV/AIDS, Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma, and Awareness of Sexual Violence training. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification, which has its own CE requirements, and completing the Kentucky-mandated CE courses. |
Source: Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS)
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Kentucky? See whether Kentucky recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Paramedic license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleKentucky license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
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