Loading...
Loading...
How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Minnesota. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $800 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $15 (state certification). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. 4 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$800 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $15 (state certification)
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
60 hours
Scope of Practice
Basic emergency care including bleeding control, CPR, AED use, oxygen administration, and basic patient assessment
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, vital signs, oxygen administration, BVM ventilation, CPR/AED, splinting, bleeding control, assisted medication administration (epinephrine auto-injector, nitroglycerin, albuterol), emergency childbirth, and spinal motion restriction
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
All EMT-Basic skills plus IV/IO access, fluid administration, supraglottic airway devices, blood glucose monitoring, CPAP, and limited medication administration per protocol
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
All AEMT skills plus endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/12-lead ECG, manual defibrillation/cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, needle chest decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, comprehensive medication administration, and RSI where authorized
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Minnesota EMT training typically requires 150-200 hours. The EMSRB manages certification (not the health department). The eLicense portal (emslm.mn.gov) is used for applications and renewals.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Minnesota requires NREMT for initial certification. The state is in a transition period to require NREMT for recertification by 2036. NREMT cognitive exam is CAT format, 70-120 questions for EMT, 2-hour time limit, $104/attempt, scaled score of 950/1500 to pass, up to 6 attempts with 15-day wait between attempts. Psychomotor exam is administered by the state.
State Exam Details
No separate state exam; NREMT used for initial certification
Passing Score
NREMT uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level, 2-hour time limit. Scaled passing score is 950/1500. No fixed percentage.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows up to 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. After 3 failed attempts, 24 hours of remedial training required. $80 per attempt.
What Each Level Can Do
VerifiedOnline Medical Direction (Real-Time)
Real-time physician contact via radio or phone for consultation on patient care decisions beyond standing orders
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols developed by the EMS medical director that authorize specific treatments without real-time physician contact
Protocol Requirements
All EMS providers in Minnesota must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each ambulance service must have approved protocols.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
EMT Course Cost Varies by program and institution | $800-$2,000 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program and institution | $7,000-$14,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee EMT certification fee; Paramedic is $20 | $37.50 |
State License Fee EMT; $20 for Paramedic | $15 |
Renewal Fee EMT per 2-year renewal cycle; $20 for Paramedic | $15 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate minimum; does not include textbooks or equipment | $800 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $15 (state certification) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate minimum; does not include textbooks or equipment | $7,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $20 (state certification) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$37.50
EMT per 2-year cycle; $20 for Paramedic; transition to require NREMT by 2036
Regulatory Board
EMS certifications must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering patient assessment, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and applicable protocol updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NREMT-based; NOT an EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Minnesota accepts out-of-state EMTs through reciprocity. Current NREMT or equivalent out-of-state certification required. Apply through eLicense portal (emslm.mn.gov).
Additional Requirements for Transfer
EMT/Paramedic reciprocity is often facilitated through NREMT certification. States that require NREMT typically allow easier transfer for certified providers. Always verify current reciprocity policies with your state EMS office.
Minnesota has some of the lowest EMS certification fees in the nation ($15 for EMT, $20 for Paramedic). The EMSRB manages certification rather than the health department. The state is in a transition period to require NREMT for recertification by 2036. All applications go through the eLicense portal (emslm.mn.gov).
Minnesota has very low certification fees: $15 for EMT, $20 for Paramedic.
The EMSRB manages EMS certification, not the state health department.
Minnesota is transitioning to require NREMT for recertification by 2036.
The eLicense portal (emslm.mn.gov) is used for all applications and renewals.
Background check is required per Minnesota law for all positions involving patient contact.
Certification expires on March 31 of even-numbered years.
Minnesota is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#13 of 51
Cost
#30 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Emergency Medical Technicians (SOC 29-2042)
Entry Level
$40,560
25th percentile
Median
$45,690
+11% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$49,160
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,840 employed in this state
Note: BLS EMT category includes EMT-Basic level. Paramedics (EMT-P) are classified separately under SOC 29-2043 with higher wages.
Source: BLS OEWS – Emergency Medical Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+12,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
19,600
per year (avg.)
147,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Emergency Medicine Career Ladder+205% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$45,690
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$45,690
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$68,000
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$139,300
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NREMT certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training programs, NREMT exam prep, state-by-state requirements, reciprocity details, and career advancement pathways — delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Minnesota requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.