How to Become an EMT in Washington
To work as an EMT in Washington, you must be at least 18, finish a Washington state approved EMS course, pass the exam set by the state health department, and get certified by the Washington State Department of Health. Every rule below is taken from the state rule itself (WAC 246-976-141).
Updated October 2026 · Rules checked October 2026 · Sources: WAC 246-976-141, NREMT, IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
- Minimum age
- 18WAC 246-976-141
- Certification exam
- Set by staterequired by the state health department
- Colleges with EMT programs
- 13IPEDS 2023–24
- Washington median pay
- $52,690$25.33/hr · BLS May 2025
Washington EMT requirements at a glance
| Certifying agency | Washington State Department of Health |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | at least 18 |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Training | A Washington state approved EMS course |
| Exam | Proof of competency: a current certification from a national organization or another state that the Department recognizes |
| Also required | Active membership, paid or volunteer, with a licensed aid or ambulance service or a recognized EMS supervisory organization |
| Also required | A recommendation from your county medical program director, who signs the application |
| Renewal | Recertify each certification period through continuing medical education plus a state-approved knowledge exam, or an approved ongoing training and evaluation program (OTEP); EMTs not on a competency-based track need 30 hours of education per period |
From WAC 246-976-141, WAC 246-976-171 and WAC 246-976-161, read in October 2026. Rules change: confirm with the Washington State Department of Health before you apply.
Step 1: Check that you qualify
Washington requires you to be at least 18. High school diploma or GED. Background: A Department background check, which may include fingerprints and an FBI check.
Step 2: Finish an approved EMT course
A Washington state approved EMS course. 13 colleges in Washington report EMT or paramedic programs to the U.S. Department of Education; see them with costs and graduates. Fire departments, hospitals and private schools also run EMT courses that are not in that federal data, so check any course's state approval before you pay.
EMT classes in Washington's biggest metro areas
Step 3: Pass the Washington certification exam
Proof of competency: a current certification from a national organization or another state that the Department recognizes.
Step 4: Apply for Washington certification
Apply to the Washington State Department of Health. You will also need:
- Active membership, paid or volunteer, with a licensed aid or ambulance service or a recognized EMS supervisory organization
- A recommendation from your county medical program director, who signs the application
Step 5: Keep it current
Recertify each certification period through continuing medical education plus a state-approved knowledge exam, or an approved ongoing training and evaluation program (OTEP); EMTs not on a competency-based track need 30 hours of education per period.
2,940 EMTs work in Washington. The median earns $52,690 a year; the top 10% earn $60,960 or more (BLS May 2025). Washington EMT pay by metro area.
EMT requirements by state
| State | Min. age | Exam | Time limit | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 18 | Set by state | 2 years | 18 |
| Florida | — | Set by state | 2 years | 43 |
| New Jersey | 18 | NREMT | — | 5 |
| New York | 17 | Set by state | 2 years | 14 |
| Ohio | 18 | NREMT | 2 years | 39 |
| Texas | 18 | NREMT | 2 years | 53 |
| Washington | 18 | Set by state | — | 13 |
Only states whose EMT rules we have read in full are listed. How to become an EMT: all states compared.
Becoming an EMT in Washington: FAQ
How old do you have to be to become an EMT in Washington?
Washington requires you to be at least 18 (WAC 246-976-141).
Do you need the NREMT to be an EMT in Washington?
The Washington rule does not name the NREMT for EMTs trained in the state. It requires Proof of competency: a current certification from a national organization or another state that the Department recognizes (WAC 246-976-141). Ask your program which exam you will sit.
How much do EMTs make in Washington?
The median Washington EMT earned $52,690 a year ($25.33 an hour) in BLS May 2025 data, above the U.S. median of $44,470. The middle half earned $47,560 to $56,580.