A Question of Degree: HCPC increases educational requirements for paramedics

The Health Care Professionals Council (“HCPC”), which regulates a number of health and social care professions in the UK, including paramedics, has announced its intention to change the threshold level of education and training required to qualify for registration with the HCPC. At a meeting of the HCPC Council in March 2018, it was decided that the entry level required to qualify as a Paramedic should be increased to degree level, which will be phased in over a defined... The Health Care Professionals Council (“HCPC”), which regulates a number of health and social care professions in the UK, including paramedics, has announced its intention to change the threshold level of education and training required to qualify for registration with the HCPC. At a meeting of the HCPC Council in March 2018, it was decided that the entry level required to qualify as a Paramedic should be increased to degree level, which will be phased in over a defined period. From 2021, only candidates of degree level courses will be considered for registration as paramedics. However, candidates will be able to commence certificate, diploma and foundation level degree programmes up until 31 August 2021 and graduate with eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC without needing to fulfil any extra requirements. The HCPC, in a statement published on their website, said that “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.” The paper considered by Council can be accessed here.