Soft skills and the perceived necessity of a college degree for the paramedic profession

Using the views of paramedics and paramedic employers in the United States, this mixed-methodology study explored the perceived necessity for a college degree in the paramedic profession – specifically, the soft skills attained through studying for one. The researchers surveyed more than 3900 paramedics and over 400 employers. The surveys included personal, professional and educational demographic information, as well as Likertstyle statements regarding degrees and soft skills commonly used in paramedicine. In addition, an open-ended survey was used to gain a better understanding of how taking a degree contributed to specific soft skills in paramedic practice. Paramedics with a degree were more likely to believe that their college education contributed to developing their soft skills. This belief increased as the level of completed education increased, and was consistent between states that require a degree for new paramedic certification and those that do not