The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic) Degree: How well does it Align with Course Objectives?

Introduction The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic) Degree (BN/BEH-P) is a four-year on-campus double degree, combining essential units from both the accredited Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Emergency Health courses. Graduates of this course are expected to be well equipped to manage the complexity of emergency care out-of-hospital, in-hospital and at the interface of these settings. The aim of this study was to explore student views of their preparation and intentions towards future practice and the alignment with course objectives. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed with a sample of first, second, third and fourth year undergraduate students of the BN/BEH-P. The results were mapped to course objectives by researchers. Results Written responses varied considerably making generalisations difficult; however, some common themes did emerge such as a need for greater flexibility in course delivery options, not enough simulation, a need for more clinical placements and better communication between the two schools. The level of satisfaction with course content and delivery was high. Timetabling problems and the allocation of clinical placements were a source of concern for many students and were found to be common to double degrees in general. There was alignment between student perspectives of course delivery with half of eight course objectives, but not in areas such as ethics, evidence based practice, professional communication and cultural values in practice. Conclusion The findings are important for students, universities and health services, informing a pedagogical alignment between student preparation and expectations. The findings are expected to provide valuable insight into the student view of undergraduate interprofessional education, how it shapes their intentions for future practice and how students and other stakeholders know if they will receive what is offered and funded.