How employers view soft skills and college degrees in the paramedic profession

This study explored the preference of paramedic employers in the USA for college degrees and soft skills development. Traditionally, paramedic education varied, especially between states, but recent education standards and programme accreditation increases have become necessary for national certification. Similar to nursing, where higher education correlates with improved patient outcomes, the paramedic profession is shifting towards a college degree model in several countries to enhance professionalism and skills. This shift faces resistance in the USA as a result of concerns related to costs and local control. The study found a significant relationship (F(1459)=343.952, p<0.001) between employer preferences for paramedics with college degrees and the belief that these degrees enhance soft skills, with no regional variations. Employers who preferred college-educated paramedics believed that these degrees develop critical thinking, analysis, communication and writing skills. Those who did not prefer college degrees were less decisive about these benefits.