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Paramedics are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide emergency medical care to people who are injured or suddenly become ill. They are usually the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency, whether it is a road accident, a medical crisis at home, or an incident in a public place. Paramedics assess patients, carry out life-saving procedures, and transport patients to hospital if needed. Their work involves using specialist equipment, administering medications, and working alongside other emergency services such as the police and fire brigade. Paramedics must stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, but also highly rewarding.
Newly qualified paramedics in the UK typically earn between £28,407 and £34,581 per year (NHS Band 5).
There are over 22,000 registered paramedics in the UK as of 2023, with demand expected to grow due to an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs.
Paramedics usually work 37.5 hours per week, often in shifts including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Specialises in providing emergency care in hazardous environments, such as chemical spills or major incidents.
Provides advanced pre-hospital care to seriously ill or injured patients, often working alongside air ambulances or specialist teams.
Teaches and trains future paramedics at colleges, universities, or within ambulance trusts.
Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English, Maths, and Science. Some universities may also require A Levels, preferably in a science subject.
GCSEs and A Levels are the standard academic qualifications required for entry into higher education in the UK. Science subjects, such as Biology, are particularly helpful for understanding the medical aspects of the paramedic role. It is important to check the specific requirements of the universities or apprenticeship providers you are interested in.
Try to gain some experience in healthcare, first aid, or voluntary work to strengthen your application.
Experience can be gained through volunteering with organisations like St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross, or by shadowing healthcare professionals. This demonstrates your commitment to the profession and helps you develop relevant skills, such as communication and teamwork.
Apply for and complete a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved paramedic science degree at university.
Paramedic science degrees usually take three years to complete and include both academic study and practical placements with ambulance services. Entry is competitive, so having strong grades and healthcare experience is beneficial. You will learn about anatomy, emergency care, and how to handle a variety of medical situations.
Alternatively, you can apply for a paramedic degree apprenticeship, which allows you to earn while you learn.
Degree apprenticeships are offered by some NHS ambulance trusts and combine practical on-the-job training with academic study. They typically last around three years and provide a salary while you work towards your qualification.
After completing your degree or apprenticeship, register with the Health and Care Professions Council to become a qualified paramedic.
Registration with the HCPC is a legal requirement to work as a paramedic in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of your completed qualification and meet the HCPC’s standards for proficiency and conduct.
Look for job vacancies with ambulance services and apply for your first role as a qualified paramedic.
Most paramedics work for NHS ambulance trusts, but there are also opportunities in private healthcare, the armed forces, and event medical services. As a newly qualified paramedic, you will receive ongoing training and support to further your 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.
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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.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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