Pathway lookup
EMT in Pennsylvania
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Pennsylvania students can earn a Pennsylvania EMT certification at 16 through a DOH-accredited institute; national NREMT certification waits until 18.
State program: CIP 51.0904 at a few CTCs; not a SOAR program of study
What a high school can deliver
A Pennsylvania-only EMT certification from age 16; national NREMT certification waits until 18.
Credentials students can earn
Pennsylvania EMT certification (16+, NREMT psychomotor and Assessment cognitive exams under 18); NREMT EMT at 18; CPR
Age and hour requirements
Pennsylvania EMT certification at 16 (28 Pa. Code 1023.25) with parent or guardian consent forms; under 18 not NREMT-certified. Course follows the National EMS Education Standards; hour minimum not confirmed.
Other agencies involved
Department of Health, Bureau of EMS: accredits the EMS educational institute (secondary institutions eligible); each course location and staff registered at least 30 business days before the first class (28 Pa. Code ch. 1025).
Who can teach it
At least 75% of instruction by DOH-certified EMS instructors (3 years at or above the level taught, 2 years teaching at that level; all 18+); Career and Technical Instructional I, where 4 years of volunteer EMT service count.
Child labor rules for work placements
Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. Minors 14-17 may serve with volunteer EMS with a permit. No minor may drive an ambulance; federal HO 2 also limits driving.
College credit after high school
Not SOAR; local agreements only. CCAC runs EMT for students 16+; a state reimbursement of up to $800 on certification is reported (). College credit not confirmed.
Where to go next
- The full EMT guide, showing Pennsylvania
- The Pennsylvania state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
EMT in other states
Other pathways in Pennsylvania
- Nurse Aide / Patient Care
- Electrical
- Welding
- Construction and Carpentry
- HVAC/R
- Cybersecurity / Networking
- Programming / Computer Science
- Automotive
- Medical and Dental Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Agriculture
- Early Childhood Education
- Culinary and Hospitality
- Machining and Mechatronics
- Engineering and Drafting
- Firefighting
- Law, Public Safety and Corrections
- Business Management and Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
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