Best institutions to study Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel.
662 U.S. institutions graduated 32,524 Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0904, a specialization of Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09), and leads most directly to the Emergency Medical Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 29-2042).
About Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations.
See also: 51.0810 - Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance).
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) program prepares individuals to effectively respond to medical emergencies in prehospital settings. Under the remote supervision of physicians, students learn to assess and manage various medical situations, ensuring patient safety and care during critical times. This program is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in health professions, particularly in emergency medical services.
Students in this program gain essential skills in emergency procedures, medical triage, crisis scene management, and patient care. Coursework includes training in basic and advanced EMT procedures, equipment operation, drug administration, and communication techniques, all aimed at preparing graduates for real-world emergency scenarios.
Credentials awarded
What Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year14,407 graduates / yr · 314 institutions44%
- Award of less than 12 weeks7,285 graduates / yr · 132 institutions22%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years6,729 graduates / yr · 343 institutions21%
- Associate's degree3,615 graduates / yr · 445 institutions11%
- Bachelor's degree457 graduates / yr · 19 institutions1.4%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years20 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.1%
- Master's degree7 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.0%
Graduates over time
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 25,404 |
| 2013 | 26,170 |
| 2014 | 26,472 |
| 2015 | 26,458 |
| 2016 | 27,188 |
| 2017 | 27,621 |
| 2018 | 28,761 |
| 2019 | 28,855 |
| 2020 | 25,603 |
| 2021 | 26,642 |
| 2022 | 27,234 |
| 2023 | 27,985 |
| 2024 | 29,331 |
| 2025 | 32,524 |
Top 50 institutions for Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic), ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 723 | 37% | — | — |
| 2 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 704 | 32% | — | $83,557 |
| 3 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 415 | 46% | — | $64,692 |
| 4 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 392 | 34% | — | $45,319 |
| 5 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 391 | 16% | — | $43,174 |
| 6 | Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 372 | 21% | — | — |
| 7 | American Medical Academy Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 371 | 53% | — | $52,092 |
| 8 | South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, LAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 366 | 30% | — | $62,184 |
| 9 | Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 348 | 39% | — | $45,720 |
| 10 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 323 | 32% | — | $104,021 |
| 11 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 316 | 29% | — | $57,005 |
| 12 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 306 | 33% | $15,554 | $83,927 |
| 13 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 304 | 16% | — | — |
| 14 | Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 287 | 19% | — | — |
| 15 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 283 | 28% | — | $38,681 |
| 16 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 283 | 41% | — | $57,049 |
| 17 | Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 280 | 40% | — | $55,739 |
| 18 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 277 | 25% | — | $54,937 |
| 19 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 273 | 25% | — | $53,537 |
| 20 | Arapahoe Community College Littleton, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sBachelor's | 269 | 29% | — | $59,024 |
| 21 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NVPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 260 | 32% | — | $68,033 |
| 22 | Butte College Oroville, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 247 | 45% | — | $65,853 |
| 23 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 247 | 48% | — | $56,945 |
| 24 | Mountainland Technical College Lehi, UTPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 221 | 84% | — | — |
| 25 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 220 | 51% | — | $46,000 |
| 26 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 211 | 38% | — | — |
| 27 | Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 210 | 39% | — | $45,688 |
| 28 | Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 205 | 39% | — | $61,622 |
| 29 | Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 196 | 52% | — | $45,857 |
| 30 | Moreno Valley College Moreno Valley, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 196 | 34% | — | — |
| 31 | Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 194 | 41% | — | $49,359 |
| 32 | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 190 | 27% | — | $56,686 |
| 33 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 190 | 50% | — | $38,272 |
| 34 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsBachelor's | 189 | — | — | $62,159 |
| 35 | John C Calhoun State Community College Tanner, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 185 | 41% | — | — |
| 36 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 184 | 31% | — | $57,486 |
| 37 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 182 | 51% | — | $68,753 |
| 38 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 180 | 44% | — | $61,934 |
| 39 | Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 179 | 43% | — | $44,200 |
| 40 | Crafton Hills College Yucaipa, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 176 | 31% | — | $117,351 |
| 41 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 175 | 35% | — | $38,793 |
| 42 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 168 | 31% | — | $52,018 |
| 43 | Pueblo Community College Pueblo, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sBachelor's | 167 | 31% | — | $35,555 |
| 44 | Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's | 166 | 48% | — | — |
| 45 | Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, COPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 166 | 27% | — | $48,148 |
| 46 | Southwestern College Chula Vista, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 158 | 35% | — | — |
| 47 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 158 | 81% | — | $45,019 |
| 48 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 157 | 14% | — | $87,436 |
| 49 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 155 | 28% | — | — |
| 50 | College of Central Florida Ocala, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 152 | 44% | — | $53,438 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field (CIP 51.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 52 states & territories
Where Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health Diagnostic programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2042, Emergency Medical Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the EMT Paramedic program can pursue careers as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics, with a median wage of $41,340. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 5.1% and approximately 14,100 annual openings in the field, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0904
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Emergency Medical Techniciansprimary SOC 29-2042 | $44,470 | +5.1% Faster than average | ~14,100 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Paramedics SOC 29-2043 | $60,600 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~4,900 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
What graduates do on the job
- Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
- Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures.
- Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
- Comfort and reassure patients.
- Communicate with dispatchers or treatment center personnel to provide information about situation, to arrange reception of survivors, or to receive instructions for further treatment.
- Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
Tools and technology used
Other Allied Health Diagnostic specializations
The 23 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09).
- Physician Associate/CIP 51.0912
Assistant 13,740 graduates / yr277 institutions - Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0911
Science - Radiographer 13,035 graduates / yr502 institutions - Surgical Technology/CIP 51.0909
Technologist 8,514 graduates / yr460 institutions - Diagnostic Medical Sonography/CIP 51.0910
Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician 7,984 graduates / yr330 institutions - Respiratory Care Therapy/CIP 51.0908
Therapist 6,816 graduates / yr389 institutions - Medical Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0907
Science - Radiation Therapist 4,302 graduates / yr212 institutions - Athletic Training/CIP 51.0913
Trainer 3,326 graduates / yr302 institutions - Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsCIP 51.09992,359 graduates / yr80 institutions
- Cardiovascular Technology/CIP 51.0901
Technologist 1,902 graduates / yr91 institutions - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/CIP 51.0920
Technician 1,327 graduates / yr62 institutions - Electrocardiograph Technology/CIP 51.0902
Technician 858 graduates / yr43 institutions - Nuclear Medical Technology/CIP 51.0905
Technologist 707 graduates / yr69 institutions - Electroneurodiagnostic/CIP 51.0903
Electroencephalographic Technology/ Technologist 302 graduates / yr31 institutions - PolysomnographyCIP 51.0917242 graduates / yr25 institutions
- Perfusion Technology/CIP 51.0906
Perfusionist 171 graduates / yr14 institutions - Gene/CIP 51.0914
Genetic Therapy partial data92 graduates / yr3 institutions - Mammography Technology/CIP 51.0919
Technician 87 graduates / yr18 institutions - Radiation Protection/CIP 51.0916
Health Physics Technician partial data62 graduates / yr5 institutions - Cardiopulmonary Technology/CIP 51.0915
Technologist partial data51 graduates / yr4 institutions - Orthopedic Technology/CIP 51.0923
Technician limited data22 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hearing Instrument SpecialistCIP 51.0918limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Hyperbaric Medicine Technology/
Technician51.0921 - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Technology/
Technician51.0922
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What is the duration of the EMT Paramedic program?+
The program typically awards credentials for periods ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I acquire in this program?+
You will learn to administer first aid, assess medical situations, and communicate effectively in emergency settings.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
You can work as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic, among other roles in health professions.
Is there a demand for EMTs and Paramedics?+
Yes, the field is expected to grow faster than average, with over 14,000 job openings annually.
What is the CIP code for Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)?+
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) is CIP 51.0904 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the remote supervision of physicians, to recognize, assess, and manage medical emergencies in prehospital settings and to supervise Ambulance personnel. Includes instruction in basic, intermediate, and advanced EMT procedures; emergency surgical procedures; medical triage; rescue operations; crisis scene management and personnel supervision; equipment operation and maintenance; patient stabilization, monitoring, and care; drug administration; identification and preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries; communication and computer operations; basic anatomy, physiology, pathology, and toxicology; and professional standards and regulations.
How many institutions offer Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) programs?+
662 U.S. institutions reported Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 52 states & territories, awarding 32,524 credentials in the year. That is 33.0% of all Allied Health Diagnostic graduates.
How much do Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Emergency Medical Technicians occupation, which Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) most directly leads to, pays a median of $44,470 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field report median earnings of $54,004 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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