Paramedic Science Students of the WSB University Collegium Medicum Took the OSCE Examination at the WSB University Medical Simulation Centre

A practical examination in the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) format was held at the Collegium Medicum - Faculty of Medicine of WSB University for sixth-semester students of the Paramedic Science programme. A total of 86 students completing their first-cycle studies took part in the examination.

The examination was conducted at the Prof. Kazimierz Imieliński Medical Simulation Centre, one of the most modern teaching facilities at WSB University, equipped with advanced medical simulators, high- and medium-fidelity manikins, specialised emergency medical equipment, and systems enabling realistic clinical simulations.

For the purposes of the examination, 10 stations were prepared, covering key professional competencies of paramedics, including airway management, obtaining intravenous and intraosseous access, ECG interpretation, pharmacotherapy, cardioversion, and the management of acute health emergencies. Each student drew three examination stations. Five minutes were allocated for the completion of each task, after which students moved on to the next station. This organisation of the examination made it possible to recreate conditions similar to the actual work of emergency medical teams, where decisions must be made quickly, accurately, and under time pressure.

The proper conduct of the examination was supervised by academic teachers - experienced paramedics and practitioners within the State Emergency Medical Services system, possessing extensive clinical and teaching experience.

“The OSCE examination is currently one of the most reliable tools for assessing the practical competencies of students in medical programmes. The educational standards for the Paramedic Science programme require graduates to be capable of acting effectively in life- and health-threatening situations. This cannot be verified solely through a theoretical examination. The OSCE format makes it possible to assess knowledge, practical skills, communication, work organisation, and the ability to make decisions under time pressure. Our students achieved very high results, confirming their high level of preparation for the profession of paramedic,” emphasised Dr Damian Strojny, Chair of the Examination Committee.

The practical examination constituted one of the final stages in the education of future paramedics. The students still have their diploma examination ahead of them, namely the defence of their bachelor's theses. Upon completing their studies, the graduates will be able to begin their professional careers and join the State Emergency Medical Services system.

Some students have already declared their intention to continue their education in the newly launched second-cycle degree programme in Paramedic Science at WSB University, further developing their professional and academic competencies.