Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the legal concept of a license and a qualification for health care personnel. We analyze the appropriateness of the qualification for the first-class paramedics and the sufficiency of 3-year job experience in substitution for college level academic major. Method: We reviewed Laws on Healthcare which stipulate academic and career qualifications for healthcare personnel for whom college-level academic training and job experience to get a license. Results: There is no legal consideration which permits major and educational background substituted by job experience. Only third-class hygienist who graduated from a high school or the equivalent with 3 year job experience can apply for first-class hygienist' national license examination without educational requirements. However, it is nothing to compare with first-class paramedics because the work of hygienist is not directly related to patients care and there is no need of doctor's supervision for hygienist' job. Paramedics have a major role in saving emergency patients in making prompt decision, applying appropriate emergency treatment, securing intravenous route, managing intubation, applying defibrillator, and etc. Conclusion: Ministry of Health & Welfare should grant license to paramedics and annul replacement of academic major background. In addition, it is imperative to broaden the scope of paramedics' job so that they can guarantee patient's life saving in emergency situation with quality major curriculum of college level.