What type of education is important?

[HERBIE1]

Rather than derail the "Studying at work" thread, I decided to start a new one. Related, but different focus....

As most of us agree about the value of education, I won't belabor that point. I do wonder what folks think here about whether or not the area of study is important. In other words, do folks see the most value in getting more education in their chosen field, or is ANY education a good thing? My personal opinion is it depends on your goals, ambition, future plans within the profession or it's periphery, or is it preparation for an entirely new career when this one is over.

Speaking with my students(FF's, medics, and EMT's), most feel that getting degrees is- or at least SHOULD BE- important to their future in the profession- although many realize the "pay off" may be years away, if at all. If you work in an area progressive enough to award points on entrance and promotional exams, pay incentives for various levels of education,- great. Problem is, often those who earn these degrees and the insight that often goes with that knowledge, become very frustrated with the state of their own area/agency/department/system, that they end up walking away completely. I've taught everyone from street level providers to chiefs, to administrators. Some will see an immediate benefit from their efforts, while many do not. What most have in common is an eventual realization that with education comes a broader perspective on the field, on issues, and ultimately solutions to our problems. They better understand the obstacles involved in effecting change, and unless they are in a position to even propose those changes, AND have the political/organizational capital or position power to get them done, much less see the results, it can be very frustrating. They know what's wrong, they may have some good ideas to help address the problems, yet are not in a position to make those changes, or often times, even get someone to listen to their ideas.

Couple these issues with the very real problem of the cost of an education, I take my hat off to those who DO advance their knowledge base- regardless of the area they choose, or educational level they attain.

When I went back for my Masters, I toyed with the idea of getting it in a field completely unrelated to my undergrad degree and current profession. I decided that a broader curriculum- public safety administration was the path I wanted to choose. Turns out I was fascinated by the management/leadership issues more than anything. I really enjoyed learning about WHY the problems we have persist, and are so difficult to change. I also found that many of the root causes of our problems are not unique to EMS or even health care. Organizational stagnation, organizational culture, conflicting management styles, poor leadership, a lack of focus on goals, a lack of vision- all of these things are just as prevalent in the private sector as they are in public safety, and specifically EMS. In other words, while WHAT we do may be unique, the core problems associated with our field certainly are not. I see good things in our future IF we continue to turn out providers who are willing to look beyond the present and are also willing to accept the challenge of furthering their knowledge base.

It not only takes guts to go out on a limb and "criticize" your organization(even with the best of intentions and offering possible solutions), but it takes motivation and perseverance. Many people- especially those who do not have the background, education, or experience- feel threatened if the status quo is not maintained. Not an easy task to buck the system.

[NYCEMS9115]

As you see; many of our peers are against collegiate education. Many rather want the 1 day - several months continuing education to add alphabets to their title but not realizing it; these alphabets must be re-certified in order to maintain the alphabet title. If you fail the exam; you no longer have the alphabet title. There have been many who've failed to maintain their alphabet title.

My AEMT-P every 3 years. My BCLS, ACLS, and PALS every 2 years. My CEVO/EVOC every 3 years. But my A.A.S. is forever. My A.S.N. which I will receive and the RN is forever. The B.S. which I will pursue and obtain will be forever.

It baffles me, why so many EMS/PHC Providers are against College. Why so many do not want to add hours, knowledge, and skills the curriculum.

I admire ones who continue in their education because at 40 years old; I do not want to do carry downs or ups.

[chbare]

The highest yield courses IMHO include; English composition, mathematics, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. Even if you do not plan on a degree, at least take these courses. They should act as a "core" curriculum and a foundation to build upon.

Take care,

chbare.

[HERBIE1]

The highest yield courses IMHO include; English composition, mathematics, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. Even if you do not plan on a degree, at least take these courses. They should act as a "core" curriculum and a foundation to build upon.

Take care,

chbare.

Highest yield in terms of what? My original post was questioning the value of any education, vs one focused on EMS or the public safety field.

[chbare]

Highest yield in terms of what? My original post was questioning the value of any education, vs one focused on EMS or the public safety field.

High yield in terms of foundational material. I though I made that fairly clear. Regardless of area of study, people who enter allied health should have a minimal amount of foundational material. Clearly, people can argue all day long about what focus is more important; however, most programmes (physician assistant, medical school, nursing school and so on) require a minimum number of credits in certain areas such as English and chemistry. Therefore, I believe foundational courses are key regardless of specialisation assuming you are going into health care.

Take care,

chbare.

[hatelilpeepees]

Before I am criticized for my views, let me state that I think education is good for everyone. The smarter you are the better you are, but as it relates to our specific job, I really do not see the value in higher education, unless you want to go into management. To me, we are no different than any other blue-collar "service" provider. We are no different than plumbers or electricians who also respond to people's emergencies. Does having a BS or Masters Degree make you a better plumber or electrician ?

[Paramagic]

I'm not a plumber or an electrician; I practice medicine, I'm responsible for peoples lives, health, comfort and well being, not a backed up toilet. I believe that education is of the utmost importance to ensure that I practice to the highest possible standard.

As to what kind of education, that obviously depends on what you want to do. If you have any contact with patients the obviously clinical education and training is vital and my personal belief is that a degree should be the bare minimum to look after patients. After that, the sky is the limit.

[TNBusDriver]

I feel that some education (even if your in medicine for the long haul) is always important. Growing up I took mine for granted. Through middle school I often took advantage of my irresponsible mother and ditched school. Between elementry school and then I stayed back twice. Though I finally (for the most part) buckled down in high school I did not graduate until I was 20. I stuck it out though and got up in front of my class and many others at graduation, I was proud to have finally made it, regardless of the fact that I was certified as a firefighter and EMT before I even had a diploma.

I am not one to stroke my own ego but I am confident in what I have done for a living, my skills and ability to interact with others and I hardly ever receive anything but posative feedback from peers, patients and supervisors. However, I am terrible at spelling as well as grammar and though I have great interpersonal skills I occasionaly studder if I am frustrated. I would greatly bennefit from college level english classes, public speaking and DEFFINATLEY MATH. I am terrible at math.

Yes, I think some education is important but it should be relavant to your career to be deemed as such. Basics like english and math will bennefit in resumes, documentation and grant writing as well as making calculations for medications and other pertinent tasks. Unfortunatley, here in the United States, foreign language skills can be greatly beneficial as well. There are many classes not directly related to medicine that can bennefit the healthcare provider but they should never trump the actual education and experience required to do the job.

I once worked with this guy who had been in EMS for, "a while" as he said on his first day. His deffinition of a while was six months. When he was asked by his FTO to empty the trash in their ambulance he came back with the sharps container. He didnt know crap about the job but he would often boast that he has a college education. If I recall it was in something like graphic design, not to down play any computer geeks (as I am computer illiterate and appreciate anyone who knows what they are doing). My point is, he has a degree but when it came to the job he was a completley incompitent and a beyond usless waste of space.

In the near future, once all of my reciprocity paperwork is complete I hope to obtain my associates degree as a paramedic. While would never think it will make me better than a paramedic with a certificate, I hope that it will help me better myself.

[paramedicmike]

The smarter you are the better you are, but as it relates to our specific job, I really do not see the value in higher education, unless you want to go into management.

You have expressed contradictory ideas while advocating both. Pick one argument or the other. Don't ride the fence. Either education is good and makes us better or there is no value in it.

Which is it?

I'm of a similar opinion as CHBARE. Having a solid foundation in the basics is the absolute minimum.

However, as others have mentioned, context is key. If one's plan is to pursue a specific field of study then education related to that field, with the complimentary foundation courses (English, writing, math et cetera) is vitally important. As the standard within health care is to earn a degree before practicing clinically, we as EMS providers should uphold that same standard.

Some jobs require specialized education before one is allowed to work in the field. Even for careers outside medicine. To do the job one must complete the formalized educational requirements. I believe EMS, as a health care profession, should be held to this same standard.

[rock_shoes]

Before I am criticized for my views, let me state that I think education is good for everyone. The smarter you are the better you are, but as it relates to our specific job, I really do not see the value in higher education, unless you want to go into management. To me, we are no different than any other blue-collar "service" provider. We are no different than plumbers or electricians who also respond to people's emergencies. Does having a BS or Masters Degree make you a better plumber or electrician ?

Have you read any of the EMTCity education threads? Do you truly believe that a paramedic with enhanced A&P, pathophysiology, and clinical decision making will fail to provide a higher standard of care than a cookie-cutter 8 month protocol jockey? Elevate the public’s level of expectation by elevating the requisite level of education.

Any electrician with a Master’s in a related field (electrical engineering perhaps) is welcome to work on any relevant electrical system under my purview as a matter of fact.