Michigan EMS Recertification Requirements

CE hours, required course topics, practical training, and license renewal information for Michigan EMRs, EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics.

Last reviewed: October 19, 2026

Important notice: This page summarizes Michigan's published EMS renewal requirements. Requirements can change. Verify your license level, expiration date, and applicable requirements with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) before renewing.

Michigan EMS licenses renew every three years. Providers using the continuing education pathway must complete the required credits for their license level, meet Michigan's topic minimums, and maintain healthcare-provider CPR/BLS certification.

Michigan does not require providers to maintain current NREMT certification for state license renewal. State renewal and National Registry recertification are separate processes.

Michigan EMS CE Hours by License Level

Complete your CE during your three-year Michigan licensure period. A Michigan-approved refresher at your license level is an alternative to accumulating the individual CE credits; CPR/BLS certification is still required.

Required CE credits per three-year renewal cycle

Michigan EMS Continuing Education Requirements Chart

Use the category minimums below when selecting courses. Michigan also uses the terms Medical First Responder (MFR) and EMT-Specialist for the EMR and AEMT levels.

Minimum CE credits by topic and license level
CE category MFR/EMR EMT AEMT Paramedic
Preparatory 1 2 2 2
Airway / ventilation 1 2 2 2
Patient assessment 1 2 2 2
Medical 1 2 2 2
Healthcare-provider BLS 2 2 2 2
Trauma 1 2 2 2
Pediatric airway 1 1 1 1
Pediatric assessment 1 1 1 1
Pediatric medical 1 1 1 1
Pediatric trauma 1 1 1 1
Pediatric medication administration: practical — — 1 1
Operations — 1 1 1
Emergency preparedness 1 1 1 1
Individual choice 3 12 17 26
Total CE credits 15 30 36 45

Source: MDHHS CE Record Form, updated November 2025. A dash means no separate minimum in that row. On mobile, scroll the table sideways.

These credits are included in the total. Pediatric topics, emergency preparedness, the applicable medication practical, and BLS credits are already included in the 15-, 30-, 36-, or 45-credit requirement. Individual-choice credits fill the remaining balance after you meet the category minimums.

What Specific Courses Does Michigan Require?

Pediatric education at every license level

All levels need four pediatric credits: one each in airway, assessment, medical emergencies, and trauma. Check how each course is categorized so that all four areas are represented.

Emergency preparedness at every license level

All levels need one emergency preparedness credit. Possible topics include incident command, disaster planning, mass-casualty triage, hazardous materials, terrorism, and CBRNE incidents. Confirm that the course carries the appropriate credit.

Pediatric medication administration practical for AEMTs and paramedics

AEMTs and paramedics need one practical pediatric medication administration credit. Michigan's CE record form specifies scenario-based training using the current MI-MEDIC cards. The completion documentation must identify the approved practical credit.

A general pediatric medication lecture does not replace the practical. Michigan publishes a lesson plan for live virtual pediatric medication administration. A qualifying live virtual course may satisfy this requirement when delivered under the state's approved practical format; a self-paced video alone does not.

Current healthcare-provider CPR/BLS certification

Every level must maintain an acceptable healthcare-provider CPR/BLS card. MDHHS lists the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, ASHI, and AAOS/ECSI as approved organizations. Completely online CPR cards are not accepted. Choose a qualifying course with the required skills component.

Michigan License Renewal and NREMT Recertification

Maintaining NREMT certification is optional for Michigan state license renewal. If you maintain both credentials, follow each program's renewal cycle, education requirements, and application process.

NREMT uses the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP), including national, state/local, and individual components. Michigan publishes NCCP state-topic guidance for providers maintaining National Registry certification.

Plan your coursework around both systems. Eligible education may support both renewals when its content and completion date meet each program's rules; the two sets of hour totals should not automatically be added together.

How CE Solutions Helps Michigan EMS Providers

CE Solutions has provided online EMS continuing education since 1997. Our CAPCE-accredited courses give Michigan providers a flexible way to complete accepted coursework and keep completion records organized.

  • Self-paced online courses with 24/7 access
  • Article- and video-based EMS education
  • Downloadable certificates and online CE history
  • State renewal and NREMT recertification package options

Michigan accepts CAPCE-approved CE, but your course selections must match its topic requirements. Review the package contents and separately verify completion of your CPR/BLS certification and, for AEMTs and paramedics, the approved pediatric medication practical.

Plan your Michigan EMS continuing education

Explore CE Solutions courses and choose education that fits your license level and remaining CE categories.

Browse EMS Continuing Education

How to Renew Your Michigan EMS License

  1. Check your expiration date. The renewal application opens 60 days before your license expires.
  2. Review your education records. Confirm your category totals, CPR/BLS status, and any required practical credit.
  3. Open the Michigan EMS eLicensing Portal. Sign in and select the appropriate renewal application under Applications.
  4. Submit the application and required payment. Follow the portal instructions and monitor your email for any follow-up.
  5. Keep your documentation. Retain CE records for at least one year after the license expiration date in case of an audit.

Michigan EMS Recertification FAQs

Can I complete all Michigan renewal requirements through self-paced online courses?

No. Accepted online CE can cover many topics, but a fully online CPR card is not accepted. AEMTs and paramedics also need the approved pediatric medication practical. A qualifying live virtual practical is different from an on-demand lecture.

Does Michigan require human trafficking, implicit bias, pain management, or jurisprudence for every EMS renewal?

The currently published MDHHS EMS renewal chart does not list these as separate recurring course requirements. Requirements for initial education or other healthcare professions should not automatically be applied to EMS license renewal. Confirm any additional agency or local medical control requirements.

What about Michigan-specific pharmacology and human trafficking proposals?

March 2025 EMS committee materials include a proposal addressing these topics. Its adoption could not be confirmed in the current published renewal checklist. This page therefore follows the posted MDHHS requirements rather than treating the proposal as an established mandate. Contact MDHHS for clarification about any newer instructions affecting your renewal.

Where can I check how a course fits Michigan's CE categories?

Use the official CE Record Form linked above. Its category table is on page 2, and its topic examples are on pages 4 and 5. Compare those categories with your course certificate before counting the credit.

Does renewing my NREMT certification automatically renew my Michigan license?

No. You must complete Michigan's separate renewal application through the EMS eLicensing Portal and meet the state's requirements.

Official Michigan EMS Renewal Resources