EMT License Requirements: How to Become an EMT in Michigan

Michigan’s Emergency Medical Technicians are under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Eligible individuals will need to take approved courses and then pass two examinations. A graduate will need to apply for licensure within two years of course completion.

There is more than one level of practice. In Michigan, the term EMT Specialist is sometimes used for AEMT (Advanced EMT).

General Eligibility

General eligibility is based on age and legal and professional background. The minimum age is 18. Legal history is reviewed on a case by case basis.

Select a Michigan EMT Topic:

EMT Educational Standards

Like other states, Michigan has an approval process for Emergency Medical Technician programs. Institutions that have been approved to operate EMS programs in Michigan are referred to as education program sponsors. There are a variety of sponsor s, including colleges, fire departments, and hospitals.

Programs will generally be at least 194 hours. Students can expect to have at least 32 hours of clinical rotations and to spend time in an emergency department as well as time on an emergency vehicle. The Department encourages, but does not mandate, clinical rotations in various other departments (for example, respiratory therapy and labor and delivery.

The Department has provided a list of approved programs; prospective students should click on “Approved Personnel Initial Education Program Sponsors” (http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5093_28508-132259–,00.html).

Examination Requirements

Prospective Emergency Medical Technicians will need to pass cognitive and psychomotor examinations. By passing the two examinations, they will also earn initial national certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The psychomotor test consists of practical skill stations.

The cognitive examination is computerized. The prospective test taker must set up an NREMT account and wait for program completion to be verified. Once all necessary steps have been taken, the candidate will receive an ATT that authorizes scheduling through Pearson VUE. Examinations are available on an ongoing basis.

Students who complete Michigan programs can expect the licensing agency to verify test results directly.

Out-of-State EMTs

Out-of-state EMTs may be licensed on the basis of their licenses or National Registry certification; the latter would be the typical pathway for a military applicant. According to state administrative code, those who hold National Registry status but have not held licensure will need to document that they have had substantially equivalent training.

The Application Process

Application forms can be found on the MDHHS website (http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5093_28508-47472–,00.html#Forms_Pubs). The Department has provided a separate application packet for each pathway. (Out-of-state EMTs who hold only National Registry certification will use a different one than those who also hold licenses in other states.)

Endorsement applicants must provide license verification. The form can be downloaded from the MDHHS website. The applicant will fill out the top portion, then forward it. The licensing agency requires status verification from every state where a license has been held.

The licensing agency notes that EMTs who hold licenses at the Intermediate 85 level are eligible for reciprocity/ endorsement in Michigan at the EMT level; Michigan no longer issues licenses at the ‘85’ level.

The National Registry status application packet includes an education verification form; the facility or sponsor is expected to mark “completed military education” or “completed Michigan education”. The form lists particular types of training that Michigan EMTs are expected to have.

Fees vary by application category. Applicants who completed in-state programs submit a $40 fee. Those who did not complete Michigan programs but are applying on the basis of their National Registry status pay $175; this is also the fee for endorsement applicants.

Volunteer employees may inquire about fee exemption; paperwork is to be requested from the Department.

Currently, applications must be sent through the mail. The licensing agency notes that they must include an original signature.

The following address is to be used:
MDHHS-EMS Section
Personnel Licensing Application
P.O. Box 30437
Lansing, Michigan 48909

In-state applicants typically submit their applications before examination.

Renewal Requirements

EMTs must renew their Michigan licenses every three years. They are expected to complete refresher courses or comparable continuing education.

EMTs at the basic level are expected to have 30 total credits. EMT Specialists are expected to have 36 credits.

An EMT will need to maintain CPR training at the level appropriate for a professional provider. The licensing agency can accept certifications earned through the following organizations: the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI), and the AAOS/ESCI. Certifications based solely on online study are not acceptable.

Personnel should be aware that requirements change periodically. Renewal applicants will soon need to demonstrate renewal credits in a variety of special considerations topics specific to pediatrics; the requirements affects credentialed assigned an expiration date of December 31, 2016 or later.

Michigan does not require EMTs to maintain their National Registry status; the Department further notes that nationally registered EMTs are not exempted from state-specific requirements. Continued certification through the NREMT can, however, make it easier to achieve licensure in a new state.

EMT Specialist/ AEMT Requirements

EMTs go through a similar process to achieve the higher designation of EMT Specialist/ AEMT. AEMT training builds on EMT training but includes some advanced skills such as administration of medication through IVs.

AEMT practical examination candidates register through Easy IC (https://easyic.net/register_home.asp). Candidates must schedule at least three weeks before the intended examination date. At the advanced level, examination stations include cardiac arrest and IV medication administration, among others.

Cognitive examination is again authorized through the National Registry and scheduled through Pearson VUE .

In-state applicants at the Specialist/ AEMT level pay $60. Out-of-state applicants pay $175.

Additional Information

Information about Emergency Medical Technician requirements can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (http://michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5093_28508-47472–,00.html#Personnel_Licensing). The EMS Section can be reached by telephone at 517-241-0179.

Michigan has its own professional association, the Michigan EMS Practitioners Association (http://miemspa.org).