Key Points

• EMTs provide emergency medical care and patient transport during critical situations.
• In Pennsylvania, you must complete a state-approved EMT program, earn CPR/BLS certification, and pass the NREMT exam to apply for licensure.
• EMT programs cost $1,500–$3,000 and take 3–4 months (150–200 hours).
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), EMTs in Pennsylvania earn an average of $41,310 per year ($19.86/hour).
• Demand for EMTs is growing by 6% through 2033, especially in urban centers like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg.

What Does an EMT Do?

An EMT delivers pre-hospital medical care and transports patients safely to medical facilities. They are often the first healthcare providers to arrive at an emergency.

Responsibilities include:

• Assessing patients and providing initial treatment
• Administering CPR, oxygen, and basic life support (BLS)
• Stabilizing trauma injuries and burns
• Assisting with childbirth and other emergencies
• Relaying patient information to doctors and ER staff

Where Do EMTs Work in Pennsylvania?

EMTs are employed in a variety of emergency settings, including:

• Ambulance Services – Responding to 911 calls
• Hospitals – Working in emergency rooms
• Fire Departments – Combining firefighting with medical response
• Private EMS Providers – Covering events and large organizations
• Industrial Facilities – Providing on-site emergency support

Requirements to Become an EMT in Pennsylvania

Educational Requirements:

• Complete a state-approved EMT-Basic program.
• Training must include classroom hours, labs, and hands-on clinical experience.

Legal Requirements:

• Pass the NREMT certification exam.
• Pass a criminal background check and provide fingerprints.
• Hold a current CPR certification (usually BLS for Healthcare Providers).

How to Become an EMT in Pennsylvania?

To become an EMT in Pennsylvania, you must first complete an approved emergency medical technician training program. Next, you'll need to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to obtain your EMT certification. Once certified, you can then search for EMT job opportunities in your local area.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and be in good physical condition. EMTs often lift patients and work in high-pressure environments.

2. Complete a State-Approved EMT Training Program

Enroll in an accredited EMT program, which typically takes 3–4 months or 150–200 hours to complete. Training includes:

• Basic life support (BLS)
• Trauma care
• Patient assessment
• Emergency childbirth

💡 Tip: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for EMT training!

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Most programs include clinical rotations or ride-alongs with ambulance services. This hands-on training prepares you for real-world emergencies.

4. Pass the NREMT Exam

After training, pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. This includes:

• A cognitive (written) test.
• A psychomotor (skills) test.

5. Apply for Certification in Pennsylvania

Submit your application to the Pennsylvania Department of Health with proof of:

• NREMT certification
• CPR/BLS certification
• Background check and drug screening

6. Get Hired as an EMT

Once certified, you can start applying for jobs. Positions are available in:

• Ambulance services
• Fire departments
• Hospitals
• Event medical teams

7. Continue Your Education

You must recertify every 2–3 years through continuing education. Many EMTs later advance to become paramedics, firefighter EMTs, or even flight medics.

Where to Find EMT Classes in Pennsylvania

Finding the right program is essential to your success. Dreambound is a trusted platform where you can search, compare, and apply to EMT classes near you.

• Filter by location, cost, duration, and school reputation.
• Read student reviews and see what to expect before enrolling.

💡 Tip: Dreambound features many programs with flexible schedules for working adults.