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EMT classes in Iowa

22 EMT and paramedic programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

12 schools offer these EMT and paramedic programs, and Iowa has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

EMTs and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, give emergency medical care and may take patients to hospital. A basic EMT course usually takes less than a year and the intermediate level up to two, and every state requires a license.1 In Iowa, 2 of the 22 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 7 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 22 programs

How much do EMT classes cost in Iowa?

$1,902 to $13,445

is what most programs cost if you pay yourself

All 22 programs with a price: $1,279 to $24,727

Finished the program
45%
Working 6 months later
86%
Earned a year, estimated
about $43,700
Length
16 to 64 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Iowa may also offer EMT classes. How these figures are made

Are there free EMT classes in Iowa?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

EMT classes in Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Burlington and other Iowa cities

Choosing an area filters the list below. 4 more programs are in 4 other areas, 5 in smaller cities and towns.

All 22 EMT and paramedic programs in Iowa approved for funding

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Kind of program
How it's taught
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22 programs

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)In personPrerequisite courses

    Paramedic

    Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids

    Prerequisite courses

    Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$29,600
    Price if you pay yourself$16,485
    Program website, Paramedic at Kirkwood Community College
    More details about Paramedic at Kirkwood Community College
    Finished
    96%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,396
    Length
    80 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $5,123
    Students counted
    2,554
    a year, estimated
    $29,600
    price
    $16,485

  • EMTIn personPrerequisite courses

    Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) *EMT.CPC

    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar

    Prerequisite courses

    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar · EMT · In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$43,000
    Price if you pay yourself$1,279
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) *EMT.CPC at Northeast Iowa Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) *EMT.CPC at Northeast Iowa Community College
    Finished
    15%
    Working at 6 months
    92%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,747
    Length
    16 weeks, 13 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $239
    Students counted
    1,633
    a year, estimated
    $43,000
    price
    $1,279

  • EMTHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Iowa Valley Community College District, Marshalltown

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Iowa Valley Community College District, Marshalltown · EMT · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$44,700
    Price if you pay yourself$1,389
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician at Iowa Valley Community College District
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician at Iowa Valley Community College District
    Finished
    30%
    Working at 6 months
    84%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,182
    Length
    20 weeks, 7 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $454
    Students counted
    264
    a year, estimated
    $44,700
    price
    $1,389

  • ParamedicIn personEducation and courses

    Paramedic - Diploma Option *PMED.DP

    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar

    Education and courses

    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar · Paramedic · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$53,000
    Price if you pay yourself$9,405
    Program website, Paramedic - Diploma Option *PMED.DP at Northeast Iowa Community College
    More details about Paramedic - Diploma Option *PMED.DP at Northeast Iowa Community College
    Finished
    38%
    Working at 6 months
    81%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,253
    Length
    44 weeks, 33 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,160
    Students counted
    220
    a year, estimated
    $53,000
    price
    $9,405

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Services

    Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$49,600
    Price if you pay yourself$11,621
    Program website, Emergency Medical Services at Hawkeye Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Services at Hawkeye Community College
    Finished
    28%
    Working at 6 months
    91%
    Earned in a quarter
    $12,397
    Length
    72 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,449
    Students counted
    169
    a year, estimated
    $49,600
    price
    $11,621

  • ParamedicIn personEducation and courses

    Paramedic - Diploma

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City

    Education and courses

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City · Paramedic · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$36,700
    Price if you pay yourself$8,888
    Program website, Paramedic - Diploma at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    More details about Paramedic - Diploma at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    Finished
    58%
    Working at 6 months
    92%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,164
    Length
    42 weeks, 28 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,116
    Students counted
    145
    a year, estimated
    $36,700
    price
    $8,888

  • ParamedicIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paramedic

    Southeastern Community College, West Burlington

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Southeastern Community College, West Burlington · Paramedic · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$43,700
    Price if you pay yourself$15,008
    Program website, Paramedic at Southeastern Community College
    More details about Paramedic at Southeastern Community College
    Finished
    66%
    Working at 6 months
    87%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,925
    Length
    40 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,250
    Students counted
    144
    a year, estimated
    $43,700
    price
    $15,008

  • Refresher or continuing educationIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paramedic 6050249 & 6050250 (Continuing Education)

    Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Davenport

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Davenport · Refresher or continuing education · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$54,300
    Price if you pay yourself$6,000
    Program website, Paramedic 6050249 & 6050250 (Continuing Education) at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
    More details about Paramedic 6050249 & 6050250 (Continuing Education) at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
    Finished
    46%
    Working at 6 months
    82%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,584
    Length
    40 weeks, 26 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    140
    a year, estimated
    $54,300
    price
    $6,000

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paramedic

    Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$53,800
    Price if you pay yourself$24,727
    Program website, Paramedic at Indian Hills Community College
    More details about Paramedic at Indian Hills Community College
    Finished
    44%
    Working at 6 months
    85%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,460
    Length
    96 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    109
    a year, estimated
    $53,800
    price
    $24,727

  • ParamedicIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic) - Certificate

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City · Paramedic · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$23,500
    Price if you pay yourself$1,414
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic) - Certificate at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic) - Certificate at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    Finished
    91%
    Working at 6 months
    84%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,884
    Length
    16 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $525
    Students counted
    48
    a year, estimated
    $23,500
    price
    $1,414

  • EMTHybridNo diploma needed

    CE Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

    Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville

    No diploma needed

    Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville · EMT · Hybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$41,000
    Price if you pay yourself$1,880
    Program website, CE Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Iowa Lakes Community College
    More details about CE Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Iowa Lakes Community College
    Finished
    50%
    Working at 6 months
    94%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,240
    Length
    10 weeks, 18 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    40
    a year, estimated
    $41,000
    price
    $1,880

  • EMTHybridPrerequisite courses

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs

    Prerequisite courses

    Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs · EMT · Hybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$44,600
    Price if you pay yourself$1,395
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician at Iowa Western Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician at Iowa Western Community College
    Finished
    6%
    Working at 6 months
    83%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,138
    Length
    15 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $509
    Students counted
    29
    a year, estimated
    $44,600
    price
    $1,395

  • EMTIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa · EMT · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$28,900
    Price if you pay yourself$6,579
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician at Indian Hills Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician at Indian Hills Community College
    Finished
    35%
    Working at 6 months
    94%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,218
    Length
    24 weeks, 5 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    23
    a year, estimated
    $28,900
    price
    $6,579

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Services

    Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$39,600
    Price if you pay yourself$13,550
    Program website, Emergency Medical Services at Iowa Central Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Services at Iowa Central Community College
    Finished
    58%
    Working at 6 months
    81%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,904
    Length
    75 weeks, 22 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,600
    Students counted
    18
    a year, estimated
    $39,600
    price
    $13,550

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)In personEducation and courses

    Paramedic *PMED.AAS

    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar

    Education and courses

    Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$45,100
    Price if you pay yourself$15,060
    Program website, Paramedic *PMED.AAS at Northeast Iowa Community College
    More details about Paramedic *PMED.AAS at Northeast Iowa Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,274
    Length
    60 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,860
    Students counted
    17
    a year, estimated
    $45,100
    price
    $15,060

  • EMTIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

    North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City

    High school diploma or equivalent

    North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City · EMT · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,552
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician Certificate at North Iowa Area Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician Certificate at North Iowa Area Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $535
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $1,552

  • Advanced EMTHybridPrerequisite courses

    CE Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

    Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville

    Prerequisite courses

    Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville · Advanced EMT · Hybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,969
    Program website, CE Advanced Emergency Medical Technician at Iowa Lakes Community College
    More details about CE Advanced Emergency Medical Technician at Iowa Lakes Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    15 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $1,969

  • EMTHybridNo diploma needed

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids

    No diploma needed

    Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids · EMT · Hybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,160
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician at Kirkwood Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician at Kirkwood Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $144
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $2,160

  • Advanced EMTHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Certificate

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City · Advanced EMT · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,030
    Program website, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Certificate at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    More details about Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Certificate at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $594
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $3,030

  • Refresher or continuing educationIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 6050001 (Continuing Education)

    Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Davenport

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, Davenport · Refresher or continuing education · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,535
    Program website, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 6050001 (Continuing Education) at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
    More details about Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 6050001 (Continuing Education) at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    18 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $740
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $3,535

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Services Paramedic - AAS

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$13,130
    Program website, Emergency Medical Services Paramedic - AAS at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Services Paramedic - AAS at Western Iowa Tech Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    65 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,422
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $13,130

  • Paramedic or EMS (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Emergency Medical Services AAS

    Southeastern Community College, West Burlington

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Southeastern Community College, West Burlington · Paramedic or EMS (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$14,717
    Program website, Emergency Medical Services AAS at Southeastern Community College
    More details about Emergency Medical Services AAS at Southeastern Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 21 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,750
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $14,717

How to pay for EMT classes in Iowa

Workforce funding can pay for EMT classes in Iowa

Every program on this page is approved for public workforce funding, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It can pay for training for eligible adults, people who lost their job and young people.2People on public assistance, with a low income or lacking basic skills come first, and veterans have priority.3

Ask at an American Job Center

Eligibility rules apply, and services vary from state to state. Your local American Job Center can tell you whether you qualify. The Department of Labor's page links to the center finder, or call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).4

Financial aid and grants for EMT classes

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.56

GI Bill for EMT classes

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.7

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Where the Iowa EMT and paramedic program numbers come from

Which Iowa EMT and paramedic programs are on this list?

These are the EMT and paramedic programs Iowa approved for public workforce funding (the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). The list covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Iowa offers.

How Iowa EMT and paramedic program prices are reported

The price is tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported it. Prices under $100 are treated as not reported, because the file holds many blanks entered as $0. Check the current price with the school.

What the graduate results of these programs measure

The figures at the top of this page are the middle program among those that report results: half did better, half did worse. Results describe students who left each program in recent years: the share who finished, the share working in the second quarter after leaving, and the middle earnings of those working in that quarter. States report earnings for that one quarter because they take them from the wage reports employers file every three months. The yearly figure here is that quarter times four, rounded to the nearest $100: an estimate, and an early one, since it is measured about half a year after training. The quarter as reported is under "More details" on each program. Results are withheld for small programs, and they describe past students, so they are no guarantee.

Why do some EMT and paramedic programs say "Not reported"?

Where a school or the state left a field empty, or the Department of Labor withheld it, the page says "Not reported". Nothing here is estimated to fill a gap.

Why the kind of school is left off each program

The file also records whether a school is public, private or nonprofit, but those entries are wrong too often to print next to a school's name, so this page leaves them out.

Sources for the facts about EMT classes in Iowa

Show the 7 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: EMTs and Paramedics
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  5. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  7. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs