National Certification Numbers

According to current NREMT data, the distribution of certified EMS clinicians nationwide reveals telling patterns:

• EMTs make up 66.5% (353,971) of all certified EMS professionals
• Paramedics constitute 25.7% (136,951)
• Advanced EMTs represent 4.9% (26,274)
• Emergency Medical Responders account for 2.8% (14,848)
• Total certified EMS professionals: 532,044

Program Success Rates and Completion Statistics

National Examination Performance

The national certification examination results show varying success rates:

• First-time pass rates for EMT students average 64%
• The cumulative pass rate by the third attempt reaches 75%
• The 2021 National Pass Rate averaged 68% for EMT programs

Program Completion Rates

Program completion rates vary significantly by institution and student demographics:

• High school EMT programs show approximately 20% pass rates
• Adult education programs demonstrate higher success rates, averaging 75%
• Some states require EMT programs to maintain at least a 70% first-time pass rate

Cost Analysis

Emergency Medical Technician training programs show considerable variation in costs across institutions:

• Basic program costs typically range from $1,000 to over $2,000
• Additional expenses include:
  • Books and materials: $200-$300
  • Equipment (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff)
  • Uniforms
  • Certification fees

Tuition Variations by Institution Type

• Median in-state public tuition: $3,840
• Median out-of-state private tuition: $19,940

Demographics and Industry Trends

Gender Distribution

The EMS workforce shows a gender disparity:

• Male EMTs: 68.4%
• Female EMTs: 31.6%

Growth and Employment Outlook

The field shows promising growth potential:

• Employment is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033
• Approximately 19,200 job openings are projected annually

Educational Achievement Trends

• Total degrees awarded in 2022: 27,240
• Annual growth rate in degrees: 2.25%

Program Quality Indicators

Several factors influence program success rates:

• High-performing paramedic programs achieve 88% first-time pass rates
• Low-performing programs show 44% first-time pass rates

These statistics demonstrate the dynamic nature of EMT education and certification, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the field. The data suggests that while entry barriers exist in terms of certification success rates, the profession offers stable growth potential and various pathways for entry, with program quality significantly influencing student success rates.