Recently a sub-committee of the State EMS Education Committee began exploring the possibility of mandating degrees for future paramedic licensure. There has been much discussion by sub-committee members and TASA members regarding the pros and cons of this situation. During the March TASA Board meeting a motion was passed that “based on current available information, TASA stands in support of a dual path, certificate and degreed, for paramedic licensure in Tennessee.” TASA acknowledges the benefit of continued education but many questions and concerns have yet to be addressed. In addition, given the current state of paramedics in TN, there is much concern that this could lead to an even smaller pool of paramedics.
Interested persons are encouraged to attend the upcoming State EMS Education Committee meeting on March 29th at 1:00 pm CST and the State EMS Board meeting on March 30th at 9:00 am CST. Both meetings are held in the Iris Room at 665 Mainstream Dr., Nashville.