A proposal regarding English education at schools to train paramedics/medical technologists in Japan

English has not always been a required subject at training institutions for medically related professions because it was not included in the national examinations. However, “team medical practice”, which was devised to overcome the recent lack of physicians, requires paramedics’ ability to understand English. English education for paramedics may be useful for providing correct treatment, overcoming the lack of physicians, and treating patients together with several types of paramedics and nurses cooperatively. Therefore, paramedics including medical technologists need English for Medical Purposes (EMP). This study introduces a trial for practical English education, which has been carried out in our hospital. A curriculum which focuses on English medical terminology was developed, and applied in the classroom. As the results, most of the students showed a high level of satisfaction. A term-end examination of English medical terminology was conducted, and the scores were compared between students using a paper or electronic dictionary, showing no significant difference. The scores were also compared between students who were taught by native English-speaking teachers and Japanese teachers, again showing no significant difference, indicating the distorted views of older Japanese teachers. The younger generation is more comfortable with foreigners than the older 2 J.Med.English Edu., 11(1), 7-14. 2012. generation, and they have grown up surrounded by computing technology such as computer games and mobile phones, revealing that the students are accustomed to using an electronic dictionary. These results should be used for the improvement of the curriculum