Via Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
Two-thirds of AEMT Program Directors (65%) believe voluntary accreditation for AEMT programs would potentially benefit their program, and 59% are likely to seek voluntary accreditation, according to a new survey of 293 AEMT Program Directors conducted by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) between September 19 and October 6, 2023.
Half of the respondents (50%) are from CAAHEP accredited Paramedic programs, and more than three-quarters of respondents (78%) are familiar with accreditation.
“This survey represents the first real measure of interest in voluntary AEMT accreditation. The results indicate many AEMT Program Directors are both familiar with accreditation and its benefits and interested in seeking voluntary accreditation,” said Dr. George Hatch, executive director of CoAEMSP.
“We know that accreditation is essential to ensuring high-quality Paramedic education programs. We believe that providing those benefits to AEMT programs on a voluntary basis, beginning January 2025, will generate meaningful results. The survey results make clear that many AEMT Program Directors agree. They are ready to take that next step, and we are excited to work with them.”
Among survey respondents with an established goal for annual pass rates of the National Registry certification exam, 93% have a goal that 70% or more of exam takers pass the test. However, according to data from the National Registry, only 56% of AEMTs who voluntarily took the NREMT certification exam in 2022 passed the test the first time, and 69% passed within a cumulative three attempts.
In contrast, among Paramedics, all of whom attended a CAAHEP accredited Paramedic education program in 2022, 71% passed the first test, and 85% passed within three cumulative attempts.
“Accreditation results in a reliable, consistent, and competent Paramedic workforce, which in turn enhances the safety and well-being of communities nationwide,” said Dr. Hatch.
“Now we have an opportunity to bring the benefits to AEMT education programs on a voluntary basis. We are working closely with national EMS stakeholders to gather perspectives and recommendations on how best to implement this new option. Our hope is to respond to the high level of enthusiasm for accreditation with programs that advance our shared goal of advancing AEMT education nationwide.”
In May 2023, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) announced plans to launch a voluntary programmatic accreditation at the AEMT level by January 1, 2025, with accreditation services provided by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
