Accredited vs non-accredited paramedic programs

[Jennifer]

Hi all,

I am looking at getting my EMT-P soon (been an EMT-B for 10 years now), and there are a lot of programs out there. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be many accredited medic programs out there that would allow me to continue working (have to pay the bills somehow!). There is one program near me (I'm in MD) that offers classes at nights and on weekends, but it doesn't show up on the list of accredited programs. It does convey an associates degree, if desired, or you can go just for the program itself.

So my question is...what is the difference between an accredited and a non-accredited program? Does it make a difference when you go for a job?

As a corrallary to this question, what about an associates degree? I have a BS in biology, so I could probably get the credits to transfer to get an ASc, but is it really needed? Would it look better to potential employers to have a BS but just the medic cert, or to have the AS for medic? Would it even matter that I had a BS? (I know that most of the classes needed for AS are what we would call CORE classes....history, english, speech, etc...)

Thanks!

[Jamie Davis, the Podmedic]

Accreditation is a new requirement by the NREMT and is being phased in over the next 5 years. That means that programs do not have to be accredited until then. You should be fine in any program that is recognized by the state or jurisdiction in which you live. I am in Maryland as well and so any program here should be working towards Maryland certification (which includes NREMT certification)

To your second question, accreditation is relatively new but since many colleges already have the framework in place to become accredited, any associates degree program will likely become accredited soon. Your existing degree will transfer in, as mine did. Check with the college's registrar to find out what pre-requisites are needed for the Paramedic degree. Most likely, you have many already. Good luck with your program and keep in touch with the forums here and the MedicCast show to let us know how you are doing!
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Jamie Davis, NREMT-P "the Podmedic"
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[Paul Bond]

Hi Jennifer! Sorry this reply is so late in coming (almost 3 weeks), but here goes.
First, who is accrediting the course? I mean, if it's through a college, the college itself has to be accredited to issue degrees. If the course is approved by the state to issue a certificate of completion to sit for the state boards, then it should be OK (at least it would make sense).
As for degree v. certificate only, it depends on what you want to do for your career. EMS is still expanding and degrees are one area this is happening. To go into management, you'll almost assuredly need a degree in EMS, so it only behooves you to get it at the start. While the BS in biology will serve you well, it can only add to your hirability/promotability. If it's essentially as easy to get the degree, I would say go for it! It certainly can't hurt.