Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must successfully complete Arkansas Criminal History background check and possibly a national check
- 2
Must be a currently licensed as an Arkansas Emergency Medical Technician or Advanced EMT
- 3
Must complete an approved National EMS Educational Standards course through a CoAEMSP/CAAHEP accredited paramedic program including current didactic, clinical, and field internship requirements
- 4
Must challenge and successfully pass the NREMT certification exam (CBT)
- 5
Education: Specific course required.
- 6
Experience: No experience required.
- 7
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 8
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 9
Certification: Certification required.
- 10
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 11
They administer prescribed medical treatment at the site of an emergency or during transport, performing such activities as application of splints, administration of oxygen, intravenous fluids and injections, treatment of wounds or abrasions, defibrillation, and administration of artificial resuscitation.
- 12
Must successfully complete Arkansas Criminal History background check and possibly a.
- 13
Must challenge and successfully pass the NREMT certification exam (CBT).
- 14
Licensure application fee: $20.00.
- 15
License renewal fee: $20.00 every two years.
Exam and processing details
- pass the NREMT certification exam (CBT)
Continuing education and program notes
- center admitting personnel in obtaining and recording information relating to the patient's vital statistics and circumstances of the emergency
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Registry (NREMT) | $160.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Emergency Medical Services • State Board of Health
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,710 median (22% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for EMT/Paramedic licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required pass the NREMT certification exam (CBT).
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must successfully complete Arkansas Criminal History background check and possibly a national check; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (National Registry (NREMT): $160.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Emergency Medical Services~State Board of Health and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $45,710, EMT/Paramedics in Arkansas earn 22% below the national median of $58,410. Arkansas ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$45,710Hourly estimate
$21.9822% below national median
Difference: -$12,700
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $100,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $80,100 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $75,400 |
| #4 | Oregon | $73,380 |
| #5 | California | $72,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $45,710 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $55,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,860 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $51,290 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $50,800 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $53,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,890 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Emergency Medical Services • State Board of Health
5800 West 10th Street, Suite 800, Little Rock, AR, 72204
Phone: 5016612262
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a EMT/Paramedic in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for EMT/Paramedics in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for EMT/Paramedics.
What education do you need to become a EMT/Paramedic in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Arkansas is $45,710. Salaries range from $37,660 (10th percentile) to $70,260 (90th percentile).
How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
EMT/Paramedics in Arkansas earn 22% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $45,710.
How many EMT/Paramedics work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 1,070 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for EMT/Paramedics in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Emergency Medical Services / State Board of Health. Review agency details at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/emergency-medical-services.
How often do you renew a EMT/Paramedic license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.