Paramedic in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.
Jobs (OR)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a paramedic in Oregon
To become a licensed Paramedic in Oregon, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and possess an Associate's Degree or higher, or have two out of the past five years of active employment as a paramedic. Applicants must pass the NREMT Paramedic cognitive exam and submit an application with the Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems, which includes a background check. Oregon offers reciprocity for paramedics licensed in other states with NREMT certification, provided they meet Oregon's specific education or experience requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Oregon. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Oregon requirements
| Licensing body | Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved Paramedic program and an Associate's Degree or higher, or two out of the past five years of active employment as a paramedic at the National Registry paramedic level. A Transitional Paramedic license is available for those without an Associate's Degree who agree to obtain one within 48 months. |
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175) |
| Application fee | $290 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Oregon offers reciprocity for NREMT-certified and out-of-state licensees, requiring specific degree or experience.Reciprocal states: Oregon offers reciprocity to individuals currently licensed in another state and holding current NREMT certification. Applicants must also meet Oregon's licensure requirements, including an associate degree or higher, or two out of the past five years of advanced life support, first response paramedic experience. A Transitional Paramedic license may be available for those who do not meet the degree/experience requirements but are NREMT certified and sponsored by an Oregon ambulance service. |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Requires current CPR certification (AHA Healthcare or BLS Provider equivalent). All initial applicants must submit an FBI fingerprint-based national background check. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification, which has its own CE requirements. Paramedics renew every odd year. |
Source: Oregon Health Authority, EMS & Trauma Systems
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Oregon? See whether Oregon 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_circleOregon license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
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