Paramedic in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.
Jobs (DC)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a paramedic in District of Columbia
To become a certified Paramedic in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic training program and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, undergo a criminal background check, and secure sponsorship from a DC-approved EMS agency. The District of Columbia offers reciprocity for paramedics certified in other states, provided they hold current NREMT, CPR, and ACLS certifications.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for District of Columbia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist District of Columbia requirements
| Licensing body | District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration |
| State license | Required |
| Education | State-approved Paramedic program |
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive) ($175) |
| Application fee | $190 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 60.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | DC has provisions for out-of-state paramedics, requiring NREMT, CPR, ACLS, and an authorized application.Reciprocal states: DC has provisions for paramedics certified in other states, requiring current NREMT, CPR, and ACLS certifications and an electronic application authorized by a Medical Director and Employer Representative. Military applicants may submit a DD-214 in lieu of a state certification card. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and be sponsored by a DC-approved EMS agency. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT, ACLS, and CPR certifications. |
Source: District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to District of Columbia? See whether District of Columbia 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_circleDistrict of Columbia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)
Compare Paramedic head-to-head
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