Paramedic requirements by state / MI

Paramedic requirements in Michigan.

What it takes to certify, renew, and transfer a Paramedic credential in Michigan — plus the official Michigan Department of Health, EMS Section link so you can confirm every detail before you apply.

Verify first

State rules, fees, and forms change. Treat this page as orientation, then confirm with the Michigan Department of Health, EMS Section. Pass the EMT is not a licensing authority.

Michigan Paramedic certification at a glance

NREMT required?Yes
Approximate program length1,000–1,800 hours, often as a 1–2 year college program
PrerequisitesYou'll generally need a current EMT certification, prerequisite coursework, and acceptance into a CAAHEP/CoAEMSP-accredited paramedic program.
Recertification cycle2 years
Psychomotor (skills) examNREMT-approved site
Reciprocity / transferring inNREMT + Michigan EMS Section application
EMS Compact (REPLICA) memberNot listed as a member

How to become a Paramedic in Michigan

  1. 1. Meet the prerequisites. You'll generally need a current EMT certification, prerequisite coursework, and acceptance into a CAAHEP/CoAEMSP-accredited paramedic program.
  2. 2. Finish an approved program. Expect roughly 1,000–1,800 hours, often as a 1–2 year college program of lecture, lab, and field/clinical time at a Michigan-approved training center.
  3. 3. Pass the cognitive exam. Sit the NREMT computer-adaptive Paramedic cognitive exam at a Pearson VUE test center.
  4. 4. Pass the skills exam. NREMT-approved site.
  5. 5. Apply for state certification. Submit your application to the Michigan Department of Health, EMS Section, then recertify every 2 years.

Paramedic scope of practice in Michigan

A Paramedic in Michigan typically works with advanced airway management including intubation, 12-lead ECG interpretation, manual defibrillation and cardioversion, needle decompression, and a full ALS drug box. Your exact scope is set by Michigan EMS rules and your agency's medical director, so protocols vary between services — always practice to your local protocol.

Paramedic medication list →

Transferring a Paramedic card into Michigan

NREMT + Michigan EMS Section application.

Michigan is not currently listed as an EMS Compact member, so plan on a full reciprocity application rather than a compact privilege to practice.

Michigan requires NREMT certification for licensure and reciprocity.

Official Michigan Department of Health, EMS Section

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NREMT® is a registered trademark of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Pass the EMT is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NREMT. Data compiled from public Michigan EMS resources and subject to change.