Do we really need degrees in EMS? Why earning an advanced degree changed my mind.

In many countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, a bachelor’s degree is required for paramedics at the entry level, and further education is required for more advanced paramedic practice. Why do we continue to cling to the belief that we don’t need more education for EMS professionals in the United States?

 I have been firmly in the no-need-for-a-degree camp throughout most of my career. Even when I entered a program as an adult learner to get my bachelor’s degree, I was of the opinion that I was jumping through a hoop to pad my resume. I had no expectation of becoming a better paramedic. In the three years I spent earning a degree, the number one thing I learned: I was wrong. That degree made me a better paramedic. Period.   

There is a growing discussion of late regarding degree requirements in the EMS profession. Many paramedic programs around the country are offering an associates degree; while some, such as Eastern Kentucky University and Pueblo Community College, are offering bachelor’s degrees in conjunction with paramedic programs. 

This article was written by Reuben Farnsworth and originally posted on EMS1. The article can be accessed in its entirety here. Become an EMS1 member for free education, news and analysis delivered to your inbox. 

  

National Organizations Promote College Degrees for Paramedics

In a position statement, published in this month's issue of Prehospital and Emergency Care, the National Association of EMS Educators and other national organizations proposed that as EMS agencies move into the year 2020 they consider the minimum required training for new paramedics to be an associates degree and certification as a paramedic. The authors site evidence for other heath care professions and paramedic training in other countries as evidence that a formal degree program (associates or bachelors degree) is likely to improve long term provider job satisfaction and performance. 

The position paper goes on to state that for sub-specialty EMS providers (critical care paramedics, community paramedics, etc.) additional training through a 4 year bachelors degree program should become the standard. While acknowledging that economic limitations are a significant consideration and any new requirements should only be applied to new paramedics, the authors state that "Higher education institutions should be encouraged to experiment with bachelors and/or masters level programs such as those currently being developed internationally.” 

You can learn more about on the new University of Arizona Bachelors of Science program in EMS here