How to Become an EMT in Nebraska

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• You must hold current National Registry (NREMT) certification at the EMT level. DHHS requires the NREMT card with its expiration date, not the certificate.
• You must complete an FBI fingerprint background check through the Nebraska State Patrol.
• You must prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
• You must disclose every misdemeanor or felony conviction and send court records and a letter of explanation for each one.

Step by step

1. Complete an EMT course and pass the NREMT exams to earn NREMT EMT certification.
2. Fill out the Emergency Care Provider Application (Initial) from the DHHS EMS Licensing page.
3. Attach your current NREMT card, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, and Attachment A if you were ever licensed in another state.
4. Email the application to DHHS.EMSLicensing@nebraska.gov (preferred), or fax or mail it.
5. Pay the Nebraska State Patrol fingerprint fee and complete fingerprinting. The State Patrol will not process the check until it has your fee and DHHS has your application.
6. Do not work as an EMT until your license is issued. Practicing before licensure can bring a $10-per-day penalty, up to $1,000.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete an EMT course at the level you are applying for and list the training agency and completion date on your application. Nebraska licenses EMS training agencies, and the state EMS board approves curricula. The course must prepare you for NREMT certification, which is required for every initial application.

Exam: Nebraska does not give its own EMT exam. Every initial applicant must hold current NREMT certification, which requires passing the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt.

What it costs in Nebraska

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

If you are not a U.S. citizen, DHHS says verifying your immigration documents may take 4 to 6 weeks.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Nebraska EMT licenses expire March 31 of even-numbered years. To renew, you need 20 hours of continuing competency that meet the national component of the NREMT National Continued Competency Program, or current NREMT certification at the EMT level (172 NAC 11-007). Providers first licensed within 24 months before the renewal date can waive the continuing competency requirement.

Good to know in Nebraska

Expired license: To reinstate an expired or inactive license, file a reinstatement application with the $35 fee and proof of refresher or continuing education completed in the prior 24 months. If your EMT license has been expired more than three years, you must submit current NREMT certification.

Military spouses: A military spouse who lives in Nebraska and holds an active EMT credential in another state can get a temporary credential for up to one year (Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-129.01) while completing the permanent license requirements.

Licensed elsewhere before: If you have ever been licensed or certified in another state, include Attachment A certifying every credential you held in each state.

Complete applications only: DHHS returns an application unprocessed if any required document is missing, such as proof of citizenship or lawful presence, conviction records, or your NREMT card. If you trained in the military, answer the military training question and include evidence of that training.

Sources

• Nebraska DHHS - Emergency Medical Services Licensing
• Nebraska DHHS - Emergency Care Provider Application (revised June 2026)
• Nebraska DHHS - EMS Student Handbook
• 172 NAC 11 - EMS provider licensure and continuing competency
• Neb. Rev. Stat. 38-1218 - Curricula; military spouse temporary license
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process