Perceptions of Paramedical Students Regarding Artificial Intelligence in Paramedical Education: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing healthcare education, but evidence regarding its integration into paramedical curricula remains limited.  Objective: To assess paramedical students’ perceptions and attitudes towards integrating AI into paramedical education.

Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 902 undergraduate paramedical students from Allied Health Sciences, Nursing, and Physiotherapy at ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through physical and online forms. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used for analysis.  

Results: Most students perceived AI as beneficial for education (90.4%), easier learning (86.9%), and research support (82.6%). Ethical concerns were reported by 77.7%, while 64.0% perceived potential professional displacement. Significant differences in AI-related scores were observed across departments (F=10.806, p<0.001), academic years (F=6.731, p<0.001), and digital-device access (F=3.705, p=0.011).  

Conclusion: Students showed favourable perceptions of AI but expressed concerns about clinical preparedness, ethics, and professional roles. Structured AI education integrated with practical clinical training is warranted.