EMT and Paramedic Training Requirements in DC
To become an emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic in Washington DC (DC) you will need to complete a state-approved training program and obtain EMT Certification. Below we provide information on approved EMT training in DC, certification requirements, and careers data.
Jump to;
- EMT Programs in DC
- EMT Certification Requirements in DC
- EMT Licensing in DC
- How much do EMT’s make in DC?
- EMT Jobs and Employment in DC
Top EMT Schools in Washington DC
Admission requirements for EMT training include;
- A high school diploma, or equivalent,
- Be CPR certified
- Have a clean criminal background and pass a drugs test,
- Pass a fitness and medical test
Most schools will offer a choice between basic, advanced or Paramedic training. Basic EMT training usually takes less than 12 months to complete whilst advanced and Paramedic training in can take up to 2 years.
Due to the hands-on nature of EMT training, a lot of the classes will take place in a classroom setting.
There are currently no CAAHEP approved EMT and paramedic training programs in the DC area. View schools in nearby states
You might also be interested in exploring the following related program options in the DC area:
EMT Certification in Washington DC
Certification provides assurances to the competency of an EMT professional.
EMT certification in Washington DC is essential and is obtained by successfully completing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (National Registry) certification exams.
Certification applicants must meet the following criteria;
- Successful completion of a Washington DC state-approved EMT training program. Training must have been completed within the past two years and must be verified by the Program Director on the National Registry website.
- Have up to date CPR-BLS credentials for “Healthcare Provider”.
- Successful completion of the National Registry cognitive exams and state-approved psychomotor exams.
EMT License in Washington DC
Once you have graduated from an approved training program and obtained your EMT certification you will need to apply to the District of Columbia / Washington, DC – HEPRA for your license before you can begin work as an EMT or Paramedic in Washington DC.
Washington DC is not a member of the EMS Compact – an agreement in place between 21 states to allow for the free movement of EMS personnel between member states in the performance of their professional duties and to recognize the license of an EMT or Paramedic licensed in another Compact state.
The District of Columbia / Washington, DC – HEPRA deals with all queries relating to certification and licensing in Washington DC. You can contact them on the details below;
Phone: 202-671-4222
Website: dchealth.dc.gov
EMT Salary in Washington DC
| Salary | $56,140 |
| Hourly Wage | $26.99 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $26,540 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $101,560 |
| Employed | 3,760 |
The average EMT salary in Washington DC is $47,830 – according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019. This is 23% more than the national average salary for EMT’s and Paramedics in the USA.
EMT’s in Washington DC earn an average income of $23.00 per hour.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the state had an average annual income of $73,560
- The lower 10% and entry-level EMT’s in Washington DC earned an average of $32,440 per annum
| Metro Area | Employment | Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 2,340 | $49,150 | $30,060 | $83,240 |
Click here for updated EMT Salary data for 2020 and 2021.
EMT Employment in Washington DC
There are currently – people employed as EMT’s and Paramedics in Washington DC.
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 Washington DC.
| Salary | Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| EMT / Paramedic | $56,140 | 3,760 |
| Medical Assistant | $43,760 | 15,780 |
| Surgical Technician | $59,380 | 2,000 |
| Nursing Assistant | $33,800 | 34,200 |
| Physician Assistant | $129,520 | 2,800 |
Getting started as an EMT in Washington DC
- 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