Paramedic specialist

[Iowa Medic]

Hold the phone, 6 years to transition to the new system. Let's get real. I say give em 12 years. That should give even the laziest of the knuckle draggers enough time to transition.

Well, actually it's more like 7-8 years considering we have all known the change was coming for a year or two. The most terrifying aspect is most of those who opted for the Iowa Paramedic when it was offered only did so after failing the national registry the 3-6-9-18 times allotted prior to having to take the class over.

I currently work with someone who is content with just riding out the 6 years instead of moving forward with a little more education needed to get to meet the national standard.

In addition how the hell do we complain about not getting respect when we as a community allow for people to practice when they have failed and continue to fail to meet the national standard. It becomes increasingly difficult to lobby for a profession when those practicing said profession don't have enough respect for it to meet the minimal standard set by our accrediting body.

I hope that doesn't sound to harsh as I know many in the community are not happy simply meeting the national standard and do go to a Associates program, get a Bachelors in a semi related field etc but until that is the norm and not the exception we don't have a very tall soap box to stand on...

end of rant