Education is key if EMS is to advance. This was driven home the other day when a paramedic that makes Dust look like a youngster was helping me with my paramedic class. I was not getting a point. He said check this out, as he pulled a brand new book out of his back pack. He had bought another book to make sure he was staying up with the latest understanding. He is not content with the I'm a paramedic already mentality that so many seem to have. He wants to remain the best. He has an awesome library and he has studied all of them. He is one of the few experienced paramedics that I have found that actually has a clue about the in depth education my school is giving me. Many paramedics tell me I have never heard that term, that procedure, etc so you probably really don't need it. He usually takes me aside draws a diagram, gets out equipment, breaks out a book, etc to help me. I wish more in our field were not satisfied with the status quo.
There is no degree program in my area nor is there even a paramedic course in my area. I travel more than 450 miles one way for hands on days. Thankfully the majority of the book part is available online. Maybe after I am certified there will be something available to continue education in my area.