title: Intermediate ALS providers' level of interest in paramedic education.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the level of interest in paramedic upgrade education among a sample of intermediate-level emergency medical technicians, referred to as cardiac rescue technicians (CRT), to obtain education to upgrade to the paramedic level.
  
  
  METHODS
  The design of this study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study utilizing a mailed survey instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of the CRTs reported interest in advancement to the paramedic level with the most active CRTs significantly more interested in upgrading than were those with lower grade of activity. Preference was for the upgrade training to be offered as a single course, two nights per week. Respondents also indicated an interest in receiving college credits for the course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Active volunteer, intermediate-level emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Maryland are interested in participating in the education necessary to advance them to the paramedic level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Health Services, University of Maryland, Baltimore County 21228-5398, USA.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Walz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation