How to Become a Paramedic in Arkansas (2026)

Updated September 2, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Arkansas employs about 1,170 paramedics earning a median $50,310 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Paramedic here means completing a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure, then applying through Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health.

Arkansas employs approximately 1,170 paramedics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $50,310 1. The state’s concentration of paramedic jobs is 1.39x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Paramedic in Arkansas, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

Quick Answers About How to Become a Paramedic in Arkansas

How to become a Paramedic in Arkansas? Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Apply through Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health. See the NREMT 3 for the national exam.

How long does it take? Most people finish a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health.

Do I need a license in Arkansas? Yes. Arkansas certifies paramedics through Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.

What do paramedics earn in Arkansas? The median annual wage for paramedics in Arkansas is $50,310 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,840 and experienced professionals can earn $72,880 or more 1.

How to Become a Paramedic in Arkansas

  1. Hold an EMT credential and meet program entry rules. Paramedic programs in Arkansas typically require a current EMT certification, a high school diploma or GED, and CPR. Confirm age, driving, and background-check rules with the program.
  2. Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program. Enroll in a state-approved, CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program in Arkansas. These programs are longer than EMT training and combine classroom work with clinical and field internships. Confirm current length with the program. This is not a registered apprenticeship path.
  3. Pass the NREMT paramedic exam. Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic exam. See the NREMT 3 for current cognitive and psychomotor rules.
  4. Apply for Arkansas paramedic licensure. Apply through Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health. Some states also require a local EMS agency affiliation. Confirm current fees and reciprocity before you practice.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

Paramedic License Requirements in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health oversees paramedic licensure in Arkansas 4. Most candidates complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT and take the NREMT paramedic exam 3.

Typical paramedic path

  1. Hold a current EMT certification.
  2. Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (longer than EMT; confirm length with the school).
  3. Pass the NREMT paramedic exam.
  4. Apply for Arkansas paramedic licensure.

Hour totals, background checks, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Arkansas EMS office before you enroll.

Paramedic Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas

Paramedics Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), paramedics wages in Arkansas vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)		Experienced
(90th pctile)
Memphis810$66,830$65,260$47,320$77,880
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway250$59,910$56,390$40,840$70,800
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers140$56,200$55,890$45,700$72,800
Fort Smith80$47,410$51,890$40,050$67,590
Jonesboro60$43,660$46,880$37,300$69,310

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 paramedics in Arkansas? Arkansas currently employs approximately 1,170 paramedics 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.

Can I work as a paramedic in Arkansas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.

What training programs are available in Arkansas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Arkansas.

How much do paramedics earn in Arkansas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paramedics in Arkansas is $50,310, which is $8,100 below the national median of $58,410 according to BLS data 1.

In Arkansas

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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

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: https://www.nremt.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Arkansas Department of Health - State Board of Health - Licensing Information: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/emergency-medical-services ↩︎ ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / 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)