Last year we consulted on changing the threshold level of qualification required for entry to our Register for paramedics.
Our Education and Training Committee met yesterday and has recommended to our Council that the threshold should be changed to degree level.
We have concluded this is necessary to deliver the Standards of proficiency for paramedics to the depth required for contemporary practice.
This is subject to the agreement of the HCPC Council at its meeting on 21 March 2018. If agreed by the Council, the following are the arrangements for implementation.
- From 1 December 2018, we would not accept new applications for approval of paramedic programmes that are delivered below degree level.
- From 1 September 2021, we would withdraw approval from existing programmes delivered below the new threshold level. They will not be able to take on any new students.
These arrangements have been developed to provide education providers and employers sufficient time to prepare – for example, to make changes to their programmes.
This change applies to pre-registration education and training programmes. Existing registered paramedics who have not completed degree level qualifications will continue to be registered.
You can view the paper considered by the Education and Training Committee here .