View this career for different education levels:
A paramedic is a highly trained healthcare professional who responds to emergency calls and provides medical care at the scene of incidents and while transporting patients to hospital. They assess a patient's condition, provide life-saving treatment such as CPR, administer medications, use specialist equipment, and ensure patients get the right care quickly. Paramedics usually work for NHS ambulance services and are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from heart attacks and injuries to mental health crises. The job can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging but is also highly rewarding, as paramedics often make a real difference in people's lives during critical moments.
Paramedics in the UK typically start on Band 5 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, earning around £28,407 per year.
There are over 30,000 registered paramedics in the UK as of 2023.
Paramedics often work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. A standard full-time role is around 37.5 hours per week.
A specialist paramedic who responds to major incidents, such as chemical spills or collapsed buildings, providing emergency care in dangerous environments.
A paramedic with advanced training who cares for patients with serious injuries or illnesses, often working alongside doctors in air ambulances or critical care units.
A paramedic who works in local communities to provide healthcare support, help manage long-term conditions, and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
You will generally need at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English, Maths, and Science.
Focusing on science and maths will be especially helpful, as these subjects underpin much of the knowledge needed for paramedic practice. Some courses may also require A-levels or equivalent qualifications in relevant subjects such as Biology or Health and Social Care.
Volunteering or working in a healthcare or emergency services setting can give you insight and boost your application.
Experience with organisations like St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross, or the NHS can help you develop essential skills and demonstrate your commitment to caring for others. This experience is often valued by universities and employers.
Enrol on an approved paramedic science degree at university or through a degree apprenticeship.
Paramedic science degrees usually take three years and combine academic study with practical placements. Courses must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alternatively, some ambulance trusts offer degree apprenticeships where you can earn while you learn.
Gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings as part of your course.
Placements will include time with ambulance services, hospitals, and community settings. These experiences are crucial for developing practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of patient care in real-life situations.
You must register with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a paramedic.
Registration ensures you meet the national standards for training, professionalism, and conduct. You will need to provide evidence of your qualification and may be asked to complete a character and health declaration.
Search for paramedic vacancies with ambulance trusts and apply for positions.
Most paramedics start with NHS ambulance services, but opportunities also exist in private healthcare, air ambulance, and remote locations. Prepare for interviews by highlighting your clinical skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, and commitment to patient care.
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.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
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.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
