The value of EMS experience when applying to medical school?

Abstract

This study explores the value of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) experience for students applying to medical school. Surveys were sent to 67 medical schools in the eastern United States and Canada. Using a five-point Likert scale, the survey asked the respondent to rate the amount of consideration given to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic experience when making admissions decisions (1 = very little to 5 = strong), and to describe the influence of that experience (1 = very negative to 5 = very positive). Usable responses were received from 21 schools. The median rating for the consideration given to EMS experience was "some consideration" for both EMT and paramedic experience, with 85.7% of respondents assigning that rating or higher. The median rating for the influence of that experience was "somewhat positive" for both EMT and paramedic experience. Only 14.3% of the returned surveys rated EMS experience as "neutral", and no respondent reported EMS experience as a "negative". EMS experience receives at least some consideration during the admissions process at most of the responding institutions in the United States and Canada. Experiences at either the EMT or Paramedic level are viewed similarly. None of the responding institutions viewed EMS experience negatively.