Paramedic / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island Paramedic License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides advanced emergency medical care in the field.

What the Rhode Island data shows for Paramedics

Rhode Island sets the entry bar for paramedics at 1,795 training hours and a passing score on NREMT Paramedic Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Rhode Island's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Paramedic Training Program".

The initial price tag is $199, and renewal costs $161 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 72-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, paramedics should know: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
34/100
Paramedic · Rhode Island

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,795 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$199
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$81/yr
$161 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
36.0 hrs/yr
72 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Paramedic Training Program
1,795 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Paramedic Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$199
Renewal Fee
$161
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
72 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Paramedic All Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Paramedic in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island's requirements cover 1795 hours of education or training, the NREMT Paramedic Exam exam, and an initial fee of $199. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Paramedic in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island licenses paramedics who complete its requirements (1795 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Can I transfer my Paramedic license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
For paramedics, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Rhode Island licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Paramedic licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for paramedic licensing in Rhode Island. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Paramedic in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island ties continued paramedic licensure to 72 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $161 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this paramedic license

Paramedic in Rhode Island, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a paramedic-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Rhode Island's paramedic requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Paramedic in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state paramedic license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Rhode Island's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Rhode Island overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Rhode Island licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.