How to Become an EMT in Alaska (2026)
Alaska employs about 310 EMTs earning a median $57,440 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as an EMT here means completing a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification, then applying through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS.
Alaska employs approximately 310 EMTs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $57,440 1. Nationally, emt employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an EMT in Alaska, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved EMT course at a community college, fire academy, or EMS training program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification
- Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS
- Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS
- Exam: NREMT (most states)
- Median wage (Alaska): $57,440 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an EMT in Alaska
How to become an EMT in Alaska? Complete a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification. Apply through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS. See the NREMT 3 for the national exam.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months), the NREMT exam, and state or local EMT certification. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS.
Do I need a license in Alaska? Yes. Alaska certifies EMTs through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.
What do EMTs earn in Alaska? The median annual wage for EMTs in Alaska is $57,440 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $44,400 and experienced professionals can earn $81,150 or more 1.
How to Become an EMT in Alaska
- Meet basic requirements. Most Alaska EMT courses require you to be 18 (some allow 16 or 17 to train), hold a high school diploma or GED, and hold current CPR or BLS. Confirm the current age and health-screening rules with the training program.
- Complete a state-approved EMT course. Finish a state-approved EMT course in Alaska. Courses are usually a few months at a community college, fire academy, or EMS training program, with classroom hours plus skills labs and clinical time. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NREMT exam. Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT exam. Most states use NREMT as the cognitive test; some still require a psychomotor exam. See the NREMT 3.
- Get your Alaska EMT certification. Apply through Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS. Some states also issue a local EMS agency card on top of the state credential. You cannot practice as an EMT until that certification is current.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
EMT License Requirements in Alaska
The Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS oversees EMS certification in Alaska 4. Most candidates also take the NREMT exam 3.
Typical EMT path
- Meet age, diploma or GED, and CPR requirements.
- Complete a state-approved EMT course (typically a few months).
- Pass the NREMT EMT exam.
- Apply for Alaska EMT certification (and a local EMS agency card if the state uses one).
EMT is the entry credential. Advanced EMT and paramedic are later rungs on the same ladder, not the first license to chase.
Hour totals, background checks, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Alaska EMS office before you enroll.
EMT Wages by Metro Area in Alaska
Emergency Medical Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Alaska
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), emergency medical technicians wages in Alaska vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 160 | $51,130 | $52,450 | $39,990 | $60,580 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | 120 | $46,200 | $44,190 | $37,140 | $54,280 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for EMTs in Alaska? Alaska currently employs approximately 310 EMTs 1. Nationally, emt employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as an emt in Alaska with an out-of-state license? Contact the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Alaska? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Alaska.
How much do EMTs earn in Alaska compared to the national average? The median annual wage for EMTs in Alaska is $57,440, which is $16,100 above the national median of $41,340 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Alaska
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Alaska (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Alaska
- Best HVAC Schools in Alaska (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Alaska
- Best Welding Schools in Alaska (2026)
Explore More Trades in Alaska
- Electrician in Alaska
- Plumber in Alaska
- HVAC Technician in Alaska
- Welder in Alaska
- Carpenter in Alaska
- Solar Installation Technician in Alaska
- Auto Mechanic in Alaska
- CNC Machinist in Alaska
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Alaska
- Medical Assistant in Alaska
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: https://www.nremt.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Alaska Department of Health & Social Services - Emergency Program Section/EMS - Licensing Information: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Emergency/Pages/ems/certification.aspx ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |