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Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who provide emergency care to people who are injured or suddenly become unwell. They are usually the first healthcare workers to arrive at the scene of an accident or medical emergency, working primarily in ambulances but also in rapid response vehicles or helicopters. Paramedics assess patients, provide life-saving treatment, and transport them safely to hospital if needed. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, involving shift work, including nights and weekends. Paramedics need to make quick decisions, stay calm under pressure, and have excellent communication skills. In the UK, you need to complete a degree in paramedic science and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to work as a paramedic.
Paramedics in the UK typically earn between £27,055 and £40,588 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 23,000 registered paramedics working in the UK as of 2023.
The demand for paramedics is expected to grow by around 6 percent between 2022 and 2032, due to an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs.
Specialises in providing emergency medical care in dangerous environments such as chemical spills, terrorist incidents, or industrial accidents.
Offers advanced medical support to critically ill or injured patients, often working alongside doctors in air ambulances or rapid response vehicles.
Focuses on delivering emergency care specifically to babies, children, and young people, often working in specialist child health teams.
Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English, maths and science.
These subjects are essential as they provide a solid foundation in communication, numeracy, and scientific understanding, all of which are crucial for a paramedic. Some universities or ambulance trusts may require specific grades or additional subjects, so check entry requirements carefully.
Take A-levels, preferably in biology or another science, or a relevant Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC in Health and Social Care.
A-levels in biology or health-related subjects will prepare you for the scientific and practical training involved in becoming a paramedic. Some training providers also accept relevant apprenticeships or access to higher education diplomas.
Apply to a university for a degree in Paramedic Science approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Course lengths are usually three years full-time and combine classroom learning with practical placements in the NHS or ambulance services. Entry is competitive, so gaining relevant experience or volunteering can strengthen your application.
Gain hands-on experience during your course through clinical placements in ambulance services and hospitals.
Placements allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations under supervision. You will develop essential skills such as patient assessment, emergency care, and teamwork.
Register with the Health and Care Professions Council once you have completed your degree.
Registration is a legal requirement to practise as a paramedic in the UK. You will need to meet the HCPC’s standards of proficiency and maintain your registration through ongoing professional development.
Apply for jobs as a newly qualified paramedic within NHS Ambulance Trusts or private providers.
You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website or other relevant healthcare job boards. Be prepared for interviews and assessments that test your clinical knowledge and decision-making skills.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.
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You can get into this work through:
You'll need to do a paramedic science degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
You'll usually need:
You could apply to do a Paramedic Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes 3 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an ambulance care assistant or an emergency medical technician, also known as an associate ambulance practitioner (AAP).
With experience you could apply for a place on a paramedic training scheme. You would need to check the application and entry requirements with individual ambulance service trusts.
Entry to paramedic courses is very competitive and it may help you if you have some relevant experience or training. You could:
You can find more information on how to get relevant healthcare work experience from Health Careers
You could apply for a training scheme as a student paramedic with an ambulance service. You would study for a university paramedic qualification while working at the same time.
When applying for degree courses or apprenticeships, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
You can join the College of Paramedics and get access to courses, conferences and workshops to keep your skills up to date. You can also swap ideas with colleagues in the profession.
You can find out more about becoming a paramedic from the College of Paramedics and Health Careers.
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