What you’ll learn
Paramedics are always needed. No two days will ever be the same, so this job is challenging and learning is never-ending. There is a national drive to produce better-qualified paramedics by making the profession degree only. You will learn to treat and stabilise patients at the scene of an accident or emergency – in those crucial minutes when your knowledge and ability can make the difference between life and death. On graduation, you will be eligible for registration as a paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Most students have a fundamental wish to help people and make a difference in their time of need. Plenty of applicants are interested in healthcare, but some come with an interest in the emergency services. Stronger applicants understand that making a difference is also about social needs and mental health within the community, aside from trauma and medical illnesses.
How you’ll learn
You will learn frontline care through a combination of classroom theory, online learning and clinical placements. Your time will be split 50/50 between theory and practice, in line with the College of Paramedics recommendations, and you will do placements. At universities such as Hull, there is also simulated practice. Approximately half of the practice time will be spent with a local ambulance service. The remaining time is spent in a range of health and social care environments, including anaesthetics, midwifery, nursing homes, critical care, mental health providers, acute medicine and paediatrics. When allocated a placement, you’ll be expected to work a variety of shifts to experience 24/7 care.
Entry requirements
Most courses require three A-levels including biology, other sciences or maths. You will need to show good grades in your chosen subjects, normally a B or above.
What job can you get?
Most graduates go on to work in the NHS. There are alternatives in private practice, social services, the pharmaceutical industry, the armed forces or the prison service. Students from the University of Greenwich have also gone on to work in supportive roles within specialist services, such as the premature baby transfer service, air ambulance team and the hazardous area response team. Opportunities are also available in minor injury units and GP surgeries.
