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Abstract

Introduction: The knowledge economy necessitates a highly skilled workforce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) navigating sustainable development trajectories. Within healthcare systems, paramedics represent a critical professional group whose advanced education directly impacts emergency care quality and system improve ment. While postgraduate qualifications are essential for paramedics to effectively develop and implement evidence- based emergency care and address unique healthcare challenges, the determinants influencing their educational advancement remain poorly understood. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study collected data from 265 Paramedics registered as Emergency Care Practitioners with the South African Health Professions Council through an online survey. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling through prehospital social media platforms, emergency medical service training institutions, and postgraduate support networks. Data collected through a custom-designed survey were analysed descriptively and stratified by postgraduate education status and employment location. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of postgraduate education pursuit. Results: Of the participants, 54 % (n ¼ 143) pursued postgraduate education, with the largest proportion (n ¼ 62, 80.5 %) occupying roles within academia. Among the 46 % (n ¼ 122) who did not pursue further education, 80 % (n ¼ 98) practised in South Africa, with 88 % (n ¼ 107) working in operational and managerial roles. Paramedics working abroad demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of pursuing postgraduate education compared to those practising in South Africa. Having dependents significantly increased the likelihood of pursuing postgraduate edu cation (OR: 2.81,p ¼ 0.0018). Notably, South African paramedics in operational roles constituted 70 % (n ¼ 69) of those who did not pursue postgraduate studies. Logistic regression analysis revealed that each additional year of professional experience as a paramedic increased the odds of pursuing postgraduate education by 1.72 times (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights how professional roles, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic context influence paramedics’ educational decisions, offering valuable insights for paramedic education systems worldwide. These findings highlight which paramedics are most likely to pursue postgraduate education and their perceived barriers. The findings call for further research on organisational culture and clinical career pathway development.

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