2 accredited schools across the Des Moines metro area trained 243 EMTs in 2023–24. Here’s how they compare on cost, length and size, plus what the job pays locally.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Sorted by number of 2023–24 graduates (IPEDS), a proxy for program size and stability.
Public two-year college in Ankeny that reported 213 EMT graduates in 2023–24, the most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $5,550 ($11,100 out of state).
30 EMT credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this private nonprofit four-year institution. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $22,360.
2 accredited schools in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area graduated 243 EMT students in 2023–24. The largest was Des Moines Area Community College with 213.
Emergency Medical Technicians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro earn a median $42,470 a year ($20.42/hour), per BLS May 2025 data. That compares with $40,660 statewide and $44,470 nationally.
EMT courses commonly run one academic semester or an accelerated few weeks, plus clinical or field ride-along hours.