Abstract:
Purpose: Paramedic program directors are leaders within their profession. Recent data
suggests that turnover among program directors of paramedic education programs is staggeringly
high, averaging 22% per year. Changes in this leadership position can have deleterious effects
on program students, the sponsoring institution, and the citizenry at large. An exploration of this
phenomenon was a necessary first step in understanding the issues at play and to begin a
conversation that can improve retention of program directors as we look to the future of the
profession.
Methods: This study was conducted by administering a cross-sectional, web-based
survey which consisted of 26 items. The survey was distributed to all 700 paramedic program
directors across the United States. The survey was designed to profile demographic attributes,
both personal and of their programs, explore the presence or absence of turnover intention, and
to investigate the research questions which included tests for association among various
demographic attributes and an independent variable of turnover intention. Further, research
questions sought to determine factors leading to program director turnover and where program
directors are employed following turnover from that important leadership role.
Results: The results of the study indicate that there is a statistically significant
association between number of hour worked per week to preform job duties and turnover
intention. Chi square tests for association of every other independent demographic variable was
unable to show an association. The results further showed that the primary factors leading to
turnover intention are: excessive workload, lack of institutional support, and difficulties with
accreditation. It was also determined that the destination of program directors following their
tenure in the position are varied beyond categorical analysis. Finally, nine recommendations
aimed at decreasing program director turnover are made.
