How Much Does Paramedic Training and Certification Cost?

$ Certification Exam: $110

$ $ Public Colleges, Universities: $3,000-$6,000+

$ $ $ Private Programs: $7,000-$13,000+

The job of the paramedics is to be the first responders to medical emergencies.

In addition to completing a training program administered at community colleges, universities or technical schools, the paramedics must take exams and then be certified to work in their state.

Typical Costs

The paramedic training programs usually take one to two years to complete, and their tuition costs vary approx. from $3,000 to $13,000, based on the institution.

The tuition costs vary significantly among the community colleges and can be substantially higher for out-of-state students.

For example, at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City, the tuition fees for a two-year program are $6,300.

At the same time, the tuition at Tacoma Community College in Washington is $3,373.70 for a 1.5-year program.

The tuition costs for paramedic training at universities are similar to the higher-priced community colleges.

For example, the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics offers paramedic training for $5,500.

Technical schools can offer more flexible schedules for working adults and can also have higher tuition costs than community colleges and other state-funded schools.

For instance, the tuition fees at California EMS Academy is $11,000-$13,000.

At the same time, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam costs $110 for paramedics.

What Is Included

• As a rule, the paramedics work on ambulances or with fire departments.
• Paramedics are the most highly trained of the emergency medical technicians.
• Just like EMTs, paramedics provide emergency care in pre-hospital settings, and can further treat minor injuries on site, administer drugs, or provide other emergency care under the direction of a physician.
• Many paramedic training programs provide college credit or result in an associate’s degree.
• The coursework is usually focused on training specific to providing pre-hospital care; however, the associate degree programs further require general education courses, such as composition and math.
• The clinical hours in a hospital or other patient care setting, and field experience, including ambulance ride-along, need to be included in all training programs.
• The coursework and fieldwork have to prepare students to pass the NREMT certification exam, which is a written and practical test.

Additional Costs

• Technical schools usually include books as part of their fees, however, at community colleges and universities offering paramedic training, the book costs can reach $750-$1,300 annually, depending on the program.
• Most of the paramedics work for at least one year as licensed EMTs before they begin advanced training.
• The EMT training costs between $100-$1,000, based on the program’s length and the institution.
• Recertification and continuing education are needed for paramedics in most states.
• Recertification exams, which are administered by the NREMT cost $110.
• The refresher courses, which take 48 hours to complete, are priced between $200 to $300 dollars

Discounts

• Fulltime students in programs leading to an associate’s degree could be eligible for federal financial aid such as Stafford loans.
• Information is provided by the financial aid department of individual programs.
• Many employers are also willing to cover the required continuing education classes or recertification exams.
• The veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom are eligible for tuition reimbursement for EMT training and certification through Swords to Ploughshares.

Shopping For Paramedic Training And Certification

We recommend you read our full guide about how to become an EMT/Paramedic before you continue.

The Commission on Allied Health Education Programs presents an updated list of accredited paramedic programs by state.