Actually all schools that want to have graduates to be eligible to take the NREMT Paramedic exam must be accredited by 2012.
This has caused a storm, but in reality we are the ONLY health care profession that performs direct care that does NOT ALREADY require such accredititation. Each school has at the least of three to four years to receive it. Now, we will see if they will.
This is being fought against by the Fire Chiefs Association and many other associations related to Fire Service and Volunteer Agency Associations. Really a shame protesting that they feel quality education should be required. This is a prime example of those that place their personal interest above the patients life.
There is no valid reason NOT to be accredited. By doing so demonstrates proper record keeping, validation of tests, skills, practical labs were performed, on site clinical instructors were available as well as instructors held at least some collegiate degree. Does this make them better? Well, yes. It has been demonstrated that graduates of such programs have a higher percentage of pass rates, job placements, promotions, longevity and lower cases of negligence. So something they are doing is right.... yet we have those that are against such? Why?
Alike, Bill Brown discussed. One Fire Chief from CA called and was protesting that "It was ludicrous to require such, the costs was enormous and there would be no difference in the outcome!" ... after he was informed that all Paramedic educational facilities in CA was already accredited he said..."Oh, then never mind, I would not have fought it, I had known that".... Yeah, real substance we are fighting against.
R/r 911