In Arkansas, there is an approximate of 24 schools that provide EMT Training. Courses offered include EMT Basic training, EMT Intermediate and EMT Paramedic programs. It takes just one semester to successfully complete while for an associate’s degree, it takes about two years including a summer session.
Requirements vary between levels. However, all students applying for the EMT course will have to meet the following requirements:
- Completion and graduation from high school
- Aged 18 or older
- Have current vaccinations including TB
- Produce recommendation letters
- Clear criminal background.
Students applying for the EMT Intermediate course need to be certified from EMT Basic while Paramedics need to produce proof of EMT Intermediate Certification.
Career Requirements:
In order to be able to work as certified EMTs or Paramedics in Arkansas, graduates of EMS training programs must sit for the NREMT exam and pass. In addition to that, students are also required to pass the practical skills exam issued by the state.
EMT Training Centers in Arkansas
Arkansas State University.
The Arkansas State University campus in Beebe offers three different levels of EMT training namely EMT Certificate of Proficiency, EMT Paramedic Technical Certificate and A.A.S in Emergency Medical Services – Paramedics.
Arkansas Tech University (ATU).
This university is based in Russellville and offers three different EMT training programs; two certificate programs and one associate’s degree program. An EMT Certificate of Proficiency where students are required to complete the coursework in 2 classes. The Paramedic Associate of Applied Science program is a 60 credit hour degree program which is also offered at this university. The crucial classes must be passed by 75% or higher and students must pass the ATU assessment in order to qualify for the NREMT examination.
Black River Technical College.
Situated in Pocahontas, offers a Basic EMT certification course, an EMT Paramedic Certificate program and an A.A.S Paramedic degree. The EMT certification program is nine hours long. The Paramedic program takes five semesters to complete and the degree program can be completed in seven semesters. These courses prepare students for the NREMT certificate examination.
National Park Community College.
This community college in Hot Springs offers an EMT Certificate of Proficiency, a Technical Certificate in Advanced EMT- Paramedic and an A.A.S in Emergency Medical Services- Paramedic. Students achieve an EMT Basic certificate on completion of two classes. The college requires applicants to be currently certified EMT- B’s, provide three recommendation letters and have clear criminal backgrounds.
North Arkansas College.
Located in Harrison, offers four options; EMT Basic Certificate Program, EMT- Intermediate program, EMT- Paramedic and a two-year A.A.S in EMT-Paramedic.
North West Arkansas Community College.
A college located in Bentonville which offers an EMT Basic course and a Paramedic program. Requires applicants to be CPR certified, have taken a first-responder course and achieve a high score on the ACT and Compass exam in order to enroll in the EMT Basic course. The Paramedic program is only available to currently certified EMT-B’s who successfully pass the written and practical exam.
Philips Community College of the University of Arkansas.
Based in Helena, this college offers one training program which awards a certificate of Proficiency and enables the students to take certification exams at the basic level. The EMT Basic course includes three courses taken simultaneously. Students are given an option to take a single course (EMT 1010) to earn testing suitability.
Lectures and skills practice are inclusive in the syllabus.
The program requires applicants to meet certain requirements; minimum reading and writing skills, aged 18 years and provide proof of immunizations and skin tests.
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Offers 3 levels of EMT training through four programs; all programs result in certificate achievement on successful completion of written and practical exams.
EMT Basic course, EMT Intermediate Certificate course, Technical Certificate as an EMT- Paramedic, and A.A.S in General Technology.
University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton
The campus in Morrilton offers students a choice a single EMT course and completing an 18 hour EMT Certificate Program. The course roughly consists of 120 hour of lectures and 48 hours of clinical experience.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Located in Little Rock, offers a number of EMT programs through its Department of Emergency Medical Sciences. For students who wish to only prepare for an EMT-B certificate exam, an introductory course is provided. The Paramedic program may result in either a certificate or an Associate of Science. Students must also meet some general requirements including possession of a CPR certification.
- Arkansas Northeastern College – Blytheville, AR
- East Arkansas Community College – Forrest City, AR
- South Arkansas Community College – El Dorado, AR
- South east Arkansas College – Pine Bluff, AR
Tuition and Fees.
College | In-state | Out-of-state |
Arkansas State University- Beebe | $8,607 | $15,297 |
Arkansas Tech University | $7,407 | $12,830 |
Black River Technical College | $94 per credit hour | $189 per credit hour |
National Park Community College | $2,250 | $2,865 |
North Arkansas College | $2,280 | $2,880 |
Northwest Arkansas Community College | $3,238 | $4,663 |
Philips Community College of the University of Arkansas | $2,930 | $3,320 |
University of Arkansas at Monticello | $7,210 | $13,060 |
University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton | $3,188 | $3,980 |
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | $6,540 | $14,316 |
School Reviews:
Black River Technical College.
My favorite thing about Black River Technical College is that it is very safe, they have campus police so that you feel safe on campus at all times. Tuition is very affordable!
North Arkansas College.
There’s free tutoring!! It’s a great place to study and learn. They have several classes to choose from so literally everyone has something to choose. From young to old, all feel welcome and comfortable at North Arkansas College.
EMT Training Online – Arkansas
Online training is a learning method designed to enable students to work at their own pace and flexibility. It is a great help for students who are working or parenting during the week.
The online course is a distance learning course that is accepted for NREMT Certification! The program covers all EMT requirements (knowledge and skills).
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be eligible to take the NREMT practical skills and cognitive examination after which, if the student passes, he/she will be awarded a certificate.
When you enroll for this course, you will be provided with;
- a 24 hour online access to the LMS which consists of the didactic portion. This includes textbooks, quizzes, videos, exams and several interactive activities.
- Textbook and workbook for EMT
- 24-hour instructor help desk
The enrollment process:
- You will be required to choose the skills week that you would like to attend
- Pay the non-refundable $200 registration fee.
- You will be required to complete a background check, provide copies of your driver’s license and submit record of your high school completion.
- Complete and sign all documents
FAQs.
Can I enroll in a Paramedic course before becoming an EMT? Most paramedic courses require applicants to be certified as EMTs first.
Do all EMT courses require classroom instruction? Yes, you need to study the theory part of emergency medicine. Theory also includes learning medical terms and anatomy.
Can I get help paying for EMT training? Yes, you can look into financial aid and scholarship options for EMTs. If you’re unemployed, you might qualify for some tuition help.
What is the job outlook like for EMTs? Job prospects for EMTs are quite good, you can work for hospitals, ambulance services and private agencies too.