Get Started: How to Become an Approved Education Program

Before offering Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT (AEMT), Paramedic, or Community Paramedic courses in Minnesota, your organization must be approved by the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).

Program approval ensures your curriculum, staff, and training practices meet both Minnesota Statute 144E.285 and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National EMS Education Standards or another OEMS-approved equivalent.

All applications for initial program approval must be submitted as a paper application.

Steps to Apply for Education Program Approval

1. Download and Prepare Required Materials

Before you begin, download or print the following:

• OEMS Education Program Application (paper format)
• Instruction Guide
• Instructional Aids and Equipment List

These documents will walk you through everything required for a complete application.

2. Complete the Application and Submit the Fee

Fill out the paper application and prepare the following:

• Course outline or syllabus
• Proof of alignment with the national EMS education standards
• Documentation showing qualifications for:

                o Medical Director
                o Education Coordinator
                o All instructors

Submit your completed application along with the $100.00 application fee to OEMS.

3. Assign Required Program Staff

• Medical Director: Must be licensed to practice medicine in Minnesota and have familiarity with EMS systems and protocols.
• Education Coordinator: Must meet statutory qualifications, have relevant EMS experience, and serve as the primary point of contact for OEMS.

4. Submit Instructor Credentials

Each instructor must meet the requirements set in Minnesota Statute 144E.283, including:

• Valid EMS certification, licensure, or appropriate professional credential (EMT, AEMT, paramedic, MD, PA, RN)
• Minimum of two years of EMS experience
• Current EMS Instructor certification, or its equivalent, for those teaching over 50% of the course.

Include supporting documentation with your application.

5. Application Review 

Once OEMS receives your application staff will review the materials to ensure compliance. Once all documentation is complete, a site visit will occur to determine that you are ready to provide EMS education. Be prepared to demonstrate the following:

• Classroom and equipment availability
• Curriculum delivery methods
• Instructor preparedness

6. Final Approval Issued

Once approved OEMS will issue formal approval documents and your program will be added to the list of approved education programs in Minnesota!

Need Help?

OEMS staff are available to answer questions throughout the application process. We’re here to support you in building and maintaining a high-quality EMS education program.

Call us at (651) 201-2800
Email: info.OEMS@state.mn.us