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.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
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 |
| 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)
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%)