Becoming a paramedic
Most people wanting to pursue a career as a paramedic now follow a university course. There are more than 20 universities in the UK that currently offer a degree or diploma programme in Paramedic Science. There are many different courses and there is an option of doing the course full-time, part-time or as a sandwich course. Most courses have a significant practical element, as well as academic study modules.
Most people wishing to join the ambulance service used to start at a low level and progress through the ranks. However, this route is no longer available and candidates must either complete a degree or diploma or apply for a student post at an ambulance trust.
Entry requirements
Different courses require different levels of academic qualifications; some only ask for GCSEs or NVQ levels, while others ask for A levels. If you are interested in a paramedic course, you should contact the institution or university for details of their individual entry requirements.
In order to drive an ambulance, paramedics must have a full clean driving license and some trusts send their employees on advanced driving courses to teach them how to drive at high speeds in difficult environments and heavy traffic.
Practical experience
Practical experience is essential for paramedics, as they are required to deal with a huge variety of different situations and scenarios on a daily basis. Most of the university and college courses offer a mixture of theoretical study and professional work experience and the student placements at ambulance trusts are focused on learning on the job.
Further professional training
To work as a paramedic in the NHS, you must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC requires all professionals to undertake continuous professional development. This ensures professionals are up to date with protocol and regulations, ensures they can work new instruments and equipment and master new techniques. Paramedics often attend seminars, workshops and conferences and participate in specialist interest groups as part of their continuous training.
Some paramedics undertake specialist training so that they can work in different crews and environments. For example, some may choose to train so that they can join the air ambulance crew and others may work alongside nurses and doctors as emergency care practitioners (these paramedics work in a variety of settings, including health centres, hospitals, GP surgeries and community health clinics).
