The American Paramedic Association (APA) is excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative: the formation of the American College of Paramedics. First described by the APA in 2019, this effort aims to elevate the paramedic profession in the United States to align with international standards.
In this new framework, an EMT will be recognized as a Primary Care Paramedic, an Advanced EMT as an Intermediate Care Paramedic, and an NRP as an Advanced Care Paramedic. Thus, all levels meeting the qualifications to be set by the American College of Paramedics will be known simply as paramedics.
The American College of Paramedics is not a school or university. While state regulations cover basic requirements, this initiative aims to advance the profession to the next level. Paramedics are among the most adaptable healthcare workers, providing critical services in homes, hospitals, ambulances, public health departments, safety agencies, planes, ships, underwater, in extreme climates, cities, and small towns. Our communities deserve paramedics operating at the highest level, wherever they are needed.
“The American College of Paramedics highlights the unique knowledge and skills of the paramedicine discipline and follows the professional progression seen in other countries,” said APA Board President Nick Nudell.
This professional model is not new globally. Many countries adopted it years ago, allowing paramedics to better serve their communities beyond just transport services. For example, in the UK, paramedic practitioners prescribe medications, reducing unnecessary emergency department visits. In Australia, universities graduate so many paramedics that ambulance services can’t employ them all.
This announcement marks the most significant national effort to advance our profession since the 1967 white paper. It emphasizes paramedics leading the charge rather than being directed by other professions or special interest groups.
The core of this initiative is the paramedicine profession’s commitment to self-regulation. This means setting rules for joining and working in the profession, teaching paramedics these rules, and ensuring they follow them. This approach maintains the profession’s independence and improves patient care.
The American College of Paramedics will serve as a national professional regulatory body, similar to the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Cardiology, the (United Kingdom) College of Paramedics, and the Australasian College of Paramedicine.
To be recognized as paramedics, members must meet high standards in education, ethics, and professional behavior. One of the first tasks for the American College of Paramedics will be to set core standards for paramedic conduct. Then, they will determine the national scope of practice, education requirements, quality checks, and how to handle rule violations. This ensures that paramedics who join the College are the best in their field.
The American College of Paramedics will be run by paramedics, meaning only those in the profession will make decisions. This approach ensures that paramedics lead and support each other effectively.
The APA will soon launch webinars and other calls to action to engage and inform our members and other interested persons about this exciting development. Sign up for important updates on this initiative at https://bit.ly/Opt-In_to_ACP!
