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Methods of delivering education continue to evolve, and the restrictions caused by the pandemic ushered in convenient ways to interact with students. Gone are the expensive equipment and processes from the early days of teleconferencing. Now we all know how to spell ’Zoom’, which is often used as a generic term like ‘Kleenex’.
The virtual method may be convenient, and it requires making the delivery and student engagement robust and meaningful. The U.S. Department of Education, CHEA, CAAHEP, and CoAEMSP recognize the need to provide institutions and programs with direction in conducting learning in non-traditional formats. Guidelines have been developed on expected processes to protect the student and to guide the educational institutions and programs. In 2021, CAAHEP released a position paper from their Distance Education Task Force, and in 2022, they enacted Policy 209 on Instructional Modalities. The policy identifies the CAAHEP Standard, considerations, and evidence that may be used in evaluating distance education programs.
The CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in the Emergency Medical Services Professions identify the addition of a distance education program as a substantive change that must be reported. Until now, there has not been a process in place for reporting to the CoAEMSP. However, updates have recently been made to the CoAEMSP Policies and Procedures that complement the CAAHEP policies related to processes and requirements for programs offering distance education. In addition to CAAHEP and CoAEMSP policies, EMS educational programs must meet the requirements of institutional accreditors and their states as applicable.
The process for notifying CoAEMSP that a program is offering a distance option is being phased in. If you are currently using this modality, you are encouraged to view the policies mentioned above. Additionally, a Distance Education Evaluation Tool is available in the CoAEMSP Resource Library. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Distance Education is also available.
Timelines
January 1, 2026
A tab will be added to the CoAEMSP Self-Study Report to include data on your distance education program. The information will be based on the Distance Education Evaluation Tool.
January 1, 2026
New LoR applications will provide information on distance education.
July 1, 2026
Programs submitting a Self-Study Report (SSR) after this date will be required to complete relevant information pertaining to distance education.
Programs currently offering a distance education model are exempt from notifying CoAEMSP. That information will be included in their next self-study report.
Distance education can raise questions about how, what, when, where, and other specifics relative to your program. You are encouraged to review the FAQ and Distance Education Evaluation Tool to determine if you comply. Now is the time to make any necessary modifications to your program. As always, please contact the CoAEMSP staff if you have a question.
Remember that the goal is to serve the students and provide the best EMS education.
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