How do you renew an EMS certification in Minnesota?
Minnesota certifies every two years under Minnesota Statutes 144E.28. On the state path EMTs, AEMTs and paramedics each need 48 hours of continuing education; an EMT may instead take the US Department of Transportation EMT refresher course with its practical skills test. AEMTs also need CPR and paramedics ACLS. An EMR renews by a director-approved refresher course plus CPR, with no hour count in the statute. Current NREMT is the other pathway.
NREMTNREMT is one pathway; a state CE alternative exists
Cycle2 years; EMT, AEMT and Paramedic expire March 31, EMR October 31
What each level needs
| Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EMR | director-approved refresher course plus CPR (no hour figure in statute); 16 on the NREMT path |
| EMT | 48 hours, or the DOT EMT refresher course with skills test; 40 on the NREMT path |
| AEMT | 48 hours plus CPR; 50 on the NREMT path |
| Paramedic | 48 hours plus ACLS; 60 on the NREMT path |
What else Minnesota requires
- Refresher, CPR and ACLS hours count toward the 48.
- Minnesota Statutes 144E.27 (EMR) and 144E.28 (EMT, AEMT, paramedic).
How this relates to NREMT
In Minnesota the National Registry is one way to renew; the state CE route above is the other. See the NREMT requirements by level.
Sources
Compiled from these sources, retrieved September 2026. Renewal rules change; confirm with the issuing agency before you rely on any figure here.