CoAEMSP News | February 2026

Program Directors: Five Keys to a Successful Site Visit

Program Directors drive AEMT and paramedic education forward every day. Accreditation site visits are a vital part of that process, ensuring quality and promoting continuous improvement. What you do – and how you do it – matters.

The most effective Program Directors embrace five keys to a successful site visit:

1. Communicate (the biggest one)
2. Use Your Resources
3. Don’t Procrastinate
4. Have Backup Plans
5. Stay Organized

Read the full article here.

Webinar Wednesday: February 18 at 1 PM Central

EMS Compact: What It Means for Educational Programs & Students

This session will provide educators and program leaders with a clear understanding of the Compact’s legal foundation, operational processes, and practical implications for students as they transition from education to licensure and practice. Participants will gain insights into how to incorporate Compact awareness into program curricula and advising to better prepare students for a modern, mobile EMS workforce.

Applications Due March 16

Now Accepting Applications for the Program Directors Focus Group

The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) is accepting applications to serve on the Program Directors Focus Group (PDFG) for 2026-2027. 

The PDFG is a consultative group offering expertise and valuable input to the CoAEMSP Board of Directors. In doing so, the group offers feedback and perspective to the CoAEMSP Board, committees, and staff, especially relating to day-to-day operational aspects of CAAHEP-accredited and CoAEMSP Letter of Review paramedic programs. Members of the group are volunteers who will meet quarterly via web conference. The PDFG is not a governing body, does not set policy, and does not participate in accreditation decisions. Rather, the PDFG is a standing focus group providing a conduit of information flow from program directors responsible for operationalizing accreditation processes to the Board of Directors.

Program directors are invited to review the detailed application information and consider applying. The 24-member PDFG seeks program directors from each NASEMSO region, program director experience level, and type of program. For consideration, please return a completed application packet by March 16, 2026. 

Questions and additional information are available by contacting Mike Miller, Assistant Director, at mike@coaemsp.org.

You're Invited to CoAEMSP’s annual event ACCREDITCON!

Let the good times roll! You're invited to our annual conference

Prepare to get jazzed for our annual event, where we'll explore new ideas, strike the right chords, and create something truly special. 

• Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Big Easy while discovering new ideas and building connections. This event is your chance to learn, network, and be part of a vibrant community committed to excellence.

• Hear from leaders in accreditation on learning about innovative ways programs are meeting the needs of their communities, rebuilding an at-risk program, and engaging your medical director.

• Choose from a diverse agenda of sessions covering key topics like item writing, engaging your communities of interest, preparing for your site visit, and so much more!

• Join your peers for a festive networking.

Registration is now open!

Secure your spot and get ready to be inspired. Visit www.accreditcon.org for more details on the agenda, speakers, and hotel accommodations.

Early registration

Register by May 4 before fees increase.

We are excited to see you in the Crescent City for an event that is sure to be memorable.

Evidence-Based Benefits of Clinical Education

The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) Clinical Education Task Force (CETF) has published evidence-based benefits of clinical education. You can view the articles for each area below. If you have any questions, please contact the CETF at cetf@asahp.org.

Reporting Outcomes for the 2024 Graduates

CoAEMSP Annual Report due May 15, 2026

Program directors and deans received an email from AnnualReports@coaemsp.org on Friday, January 23, containing a link to the annual report. The programs receiving this email included only those programs with the CoAEMSP Letter of Review or CAAHEP accreditation in 2024.

For more information about the annual report, click here.