Overview
EMTs and paramedics provide emergency medical care and transport. All states require NREMT certification plus a state license. Paramedics require additional clinical training.
NREMT plus Pennsylvania certification.
^ TopLicense tiers and what each allows
| License | What you can do | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| EMT-Basic | Training level. Work under supervision. No independent work. | Registration only |
| Advanced EMT | Install, repair, and maintain systems under supervision or independently in most states. | Yes. State licensing exam (~$70 fee) |
| Paramedic | Full independent work, supervise others, pull permits, design systems. | Yes. Advanced state exam |
Step-by-step path
Register as an apprentice
Register with Pennsylvania Department of Health - EMS before starting work. This is required to legally accumulate supervised hours toward your journeyman qualification. Some states charge a small registration fee.
Accumulate 120 hours of supervised experience
Work under a licensed journeyman or master emt / paramedic. This takes approximately 0 years at full-time hours. Your employer is required to verify your hours when you apply for the journeyman exam.
Pass the journeyman licensing exam
The exam covers NREMT Certification requirements and state-specific rules. Exam fee is $70. Most candidates study 4-8 weeks using a state-approved prep guide before sitting for the test.
Apply for your journeyman license
Submit your application to Pennsylvania Department of Health - EMS after passing the exam. License fee is $65. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Your employer's verification of your hours is required at this stage.
Renew biennial
Your Pennsylvania license renews biennial. Renewal fee is $65. Some states require continuing education at renewal. Always renew on time to avoid a lapse in licensure.
Fee summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apprentice registration | Varies (check board) |
| Journeyman exam | $70 |
| Journeyman license | $65 |
| License renewal (biennial) | $65 |
Salary by experience level
Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; Pennsylvania wages are approximately $48,125/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).
| Stage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $14–$18/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $17–$28/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $28–$50/hr | Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility |
Realistic timeline: start to licensed
Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| EMT-Basic training program | 3–6 months | Complete an approved EMT-Basic course (120–150 hours of didactic and clinical training). |
| NREMT cognitive exam | 1–4 weeks to schedule | Pass the adaptive computer exam; minimum 70–120 questions. |
| NREMT psychomotor exam | Same period | Pass hands-on skills stations if required by your state. |
| State license application | 1–3 weeks | Apply to state EMS office with NREMT certification and CPR card. |
| Paramedic (optional/advanced) | 1–2 additional years | Complete accredited paramedic program (1,200–1,800 hours) for advanced practice. |
Union vs. independent path
EMS professionals may work in fire-based systems (where IAFF union membership is common) or private/municipal EMS agencies (where local union contracts may apply). Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.
| Union (IAFF) | Non-union / independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Fire-based EMS (IAFF) | Union contract; IAFF membership | Higher base wages, pension, full benefits |
| Private EMS | May have local union or no union | Wages vary; often lower than fire-based |
| Hospital-based EMS | Hospital union contract or none | Benefits tied to hospital employment |
| Municipal EMS | SEIU or local union in many cities | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Training support | Some fire departments sponsor EMT/Paramedic training | Candidate usually pays own training costs |
| Career advancement | Firefighter/Paramedic dual role common in fire-based systems | Paramedic supervisor, flight medic, EMS director |
Transferring your license from another state
EMS has strong interstate portability through NREMT certification. Most states recognize NREMT-certified candidates and issue state licenses through an endorsement process without requiring retesting. A few states have additional requirements. The compact license (REPLICA) is expanding interstate recognition further.
If you currently hold a emt / paramedic license in another state and want to work in Pennsylvania, contact the Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry / Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.
Cosmetology is another career with a relatively fast licensing path. See the Cosmetologist license guide for Pennsylvania.
For a higher-earning licensed career path, see the General Contractor license guide for Pennsylvania.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- NREMT — Register for your EMT certification exam All 50 states recognize NREMT certification. Create an account, verify your training eligibility, and schedule your cognitive exam here. nremt.org
- NREMT — Psychomotor exam information After passing the cognitive exam, you must also pass a state or NREMT psychomotor (skills) exam. Instructions are on the NREMT site. nremt.org
- Fisdap — EMT skills tracking and test prep Widely used by EMS programs for tracking clinical hours and exam prep. fisdap.net
EMT / Paramedic Jobs in Pennsylvania
Current openings near you — updated daily.
Job listings via Adzuna