I partially derailed someone else's thread about A&P textbooks in the "EMS Talk" section the other day by talking about how I would change EMS education if I was in charge.
<stands on soapbox>
I think we should have a four year bachelor's degree for entry to practice. I'd like to see the first two years being similar to any biology degree, including MCAT pre-reqs.
The idea behind this, is it would give paramedics a grounding in biological science, so that they can better understand pharmacology, (patho)physiology, and perhaps more importantly, the scientific process.
I think this would go a long way towards professionalising paramedicine (much as the BSN has done for the nurses).
<off soapbox>
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Is there anywhere where a bachelor's degree is already required for entry to paramedic practice? What would you guys do to improve paramedic (or EMT) training? Or is the current training good enough?
I have no ulterior motive here. I'm just interested in people's opinions.
<stands on soapbox>
I think we should have a four year bachelor's degree for entry to practice. I'd like to see the first two years being similar to any biology degree, including MCAT pre-reqs.
The idea behind this, is it would give paramedics a grounding in biological science, so that they can better understand pharmacology, (patho)physiology, and perhaps more importantly, the scientific process.
I think this would go a long way towards professionalising paramedicine (much as the BSN has done for the nurses).
<off soapbox>
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Is there anywhere where a bachelor's degree is already required for entry to paramedic practice? What would you guys do to improve paramedic (or EMT) training? Or is the current training good enough?
I have no ulterior motive here. I'm just interested in people's opinions.