We consulted last year on changing the threshold level of education and training needed to meet our standards for paramedics at entry to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register.
At their meeting yesterday, our Council decided that this should be changed to degree level. We are phasing in this change – from 1 September 2021 new students will only be able to start degree level programmes.
Importantly, this change applies to pre-registration education and training programmes. Existing registered paramedics who have not completed a degree level qualification will continue to be registered by us.
This change is about the level of education and training for entry to the profession going forward – it is in no way any criticism of the essential contribution the existing workforce makes (and will continue to make) to patient care.
You can find more information, including frequently asked questions, here.
You can view the paper considered by Council here.