EMT or Paramedic Training in Puerto Rico?
A career as an emergency medical technician or Paramedic (EMT) in Puerto Rico PR will be one that is incredibly rewarding.
Below we provide information on how to become a EMT and Paramedic in Puerto Rico including details on approved EMT training, certification requirements, and employment data.
Skip to;
Top EMT Schools in Puerto Rico
EMT schools in Puerto Rico typically offer the following qualification levels;
- Basic EMT certificate / EMT Basic,
- Advanced level EMT certificate / EMT Intermediate, or
- Paramedic (associates degree).
EMT-Basic training is the first step towards a rewarding career and usually take less that 12 months to complete. Advanced training or a Paramedics degree in Puerto Rico will take up to 2 years.
Admission to an EMT training program in Puerto Rico typically requires;
- A high school diploma, or equivalent,
- Have a clean criminal background,
- Pass a drug test
- Be CPR certified
- Pass a fitness and medical test
You might also be interested in exploring the following program options:
EMT Certification in Puerto Rico
National certification is required to become an EMT or Paramedic in Puerto Rico and is obtained by successfully completing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (National Registry) certification exams.
Successful completion of a state approved EMT training program is an important prerequisite for certification. Training must have been completed within the past two years You must also have up to date CPR-BLS credentials and have completed the National Registry cognitive exams and state approved psychomotor exams.
EMT Salary in Puerto Rico
| Salary | $22,170 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $10.66 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $16,360 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $29,400 |
| Employed | 1,920 |
The average EMT salary in Puerto Rico is $22,170 – according data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019. This is 43% below the national average salary for EMT’s and Paramedics in the USA.
EMT’s in Puerto Rico earn an average income of $10.66 per hour.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the state had an average annual income of $29,400
- The lower 10% and entry level EMT’s in Puerto Rico earned an average of $16,360 per annum
- EMT’s working in Ponce earned the highest average salaries in the state at $17,530
- EMT’s working in Arecibo have the lowest average salary level of $44,660.
| Metro Area | Employment | Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aguadilla-Isabela | 90 | $18,230 | $15,950 | $22,090 |
| Arecibo | 50 | $44,660 | $15,930 | $155,820 |
| Ponce | 120 | $17,530 | $16,000 | $19,640 |
| San German | 50 | $17,440 | $16,070 | $19,540 |
| San Juan-Carolina-Caguas | 1,520 | $22,450 | $16,620 | $29,860 |
Click here for updated EMT Salary data for 2020 and 2021.
EMT Employment in Puerto Rico
There are currently 1,920 people employed as EMT’s and Paramedics in Puerto Rico. The highest number of EMT and Paramedic jobs in Puerto Rico are in San Juan.
The Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts that employment in the sector will grow nationally by 6% over the 10 year period between 2019 and 2029 – this is faster than the average for all occupations.
The table below provides a comparison between salary and employment for EMTs and Paramedics compared to similar career options in Puerto Rico.
| Salary | Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| EMT / Paramedic | $22,170 | 1,920 |
| Medical Assistant | $23,340 | 460 |
| Surgical Technician | $21,570 | 1,100 |
| Nursing Assistant | $22,540 | 650 |
| Physician Assistant | $29,850 | 40 |
Getting started as an EMT in Puerto Rico
- Obtain basic skills such as CPR qualifications – click here
- Use the search box below to find a school or training program in your area and begin by reaching out to request information on admissions, tuition, course structure, etc