Paramedic Bridge Programme

[JakeEMTP]

In regards to the " What is holding EMS in the USA back " thread, the general consensus is education. A line of thinking I subscribe too by the way.

I was talking to my partner and the subject of education came up ( yet again ). He has been a paramedic for 15 years, always attends con-ed and keeps up with new advancements in EMS.

The college here is offering a bridge programme for currently certified or licensed paramedics to a AAS degreed paramedic, which he will be attending in the fall. This will consist of 2 semesters instead of 4. I personally think it is a great idea and he will be a better medic for it IMHO.

For the paramedics out there who do not have a degree and in keeping with the theme of a minimum level of associates degree for entry to EMS, would you be willing to attend such a programme? Is it even offered in your area?

[spenac]

Education is key if EMS is to advance. This was driven home the other day when a paramedic that makes Dust look like a youngster was helping me with my paramedic class. I was not getting a point. He said check this out, as he pulled a brand new book out of his back pack. He had bought another book to make sure he was staying up with the latest understanding. He is not content with the I'm a paramedic already mentality that so many seem to have. He wants to remain the best. He has an awesome library and he has studied all of them. He is one of the few experienced paramedics that I have found that actually has a clue about the in depth education my school is giving me. Many paramedics tell me I have never heard that term, that procedure, etc so you probably really don't need it. He usually takes me aside draws a diagram, gets out equipment, breaks out a book, etc to help me. I wish more in our field were not satisfied with the status quo.

There is no degree program in my area nor is there even a paramedic course in my area. I travel more than 450 miles one way for hands on days. Thankfully the majority of the book part is available online. Maybe after I am certified there will be something available to continue education in my area.

[ccmedoc]

Do you know what courses are included? Just curious how much credit they are giving to the paramedic license. Does he have to be NR. I have been researching this for the medics in our area. We have a program, but I would like a comparison...Thanks!

[JakeEMTP]

Do you know what courses are included? Just curious how much credit they are giving to the paramedic license. Does he have to be NR. I have been researching this for the medics in our area. We have a program, but I would like a comparison...Thanks!

As I understand it, they are giving 40 hr's credit with a paramedic credential leaving 35 hr's remaining. I will have to check on the cirirculum, but I will post it as soon as I find out. NC is a non-NR State, so no, it isn't a pre-requisite.

I'm glad to see other area's have this option. 8)

[JakeEMTP]

ccmedoc,

Here is a link to one of the programmes in NC that has the bridge to AAS degree.

http://www.gaston.cc.nc.us/programs/emsbridge/index.html

All of them are similar and you can view them at http://www.ncems.org/Education/training.htm

I hope this information is helpful to you.