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Paramedics are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide emergency medical care to people who are seriously ill or injured. They are often the first on the scene after an accident or medical emergency and work mainly for ambulance services across the UK. Their job involves assessing patients, providing life-saving treatment, and transporting them safely to hospital if further care is needed. Paramedics must be able to make quick decisions under pressure and use advanced medical equipment. The role requires strong communication skills, resilience, and the ability to work as part of a team. Training involves completing a degree in paramedic science, which includes both academic study and practical placements.
The average salary for a paramedic in the UK ranges from £27,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, there are over 25,000 registered paramedics working in the UK, with ongoing recruitment due to high demand.
Paramedics usually work 37.5 hours per week, often including nights, weekends and public holidays as part of a shift pattern.
Specialises in providing medical care in dangerous environments, such as chemical spills or major incidents.
Provides advanced emergency medical care and rapid transport to hospital by helicopter or aeroplane.
Delivers advanced life support and critical care to patients with severe injuries or illnesses before they reach hospital.
Gain the necessary GCSEs and A-levels or equivalent qualifications to apply for paramedic training.
You will typically need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and Science. Additionally, two or three A-levels, preferably including a science subject, or equivalent qualifications such as BTECs or Scottish Highers, are required. Some universities also accept relevant work experience in place of certain academic qualifications.
Volunteer or work in a healthcare or community setting to gain experience interacting with people in need.
Experience in healthcare, such as volunteering at a hospital, care home, or with St John Ambulance, can strengthen your application. This will not only develop your communication and teamwork skills but also demonstrate your commitment to caring for others.
Apply to a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved university course in Paramedic Science.
Paramedic Science degrees usually take three years and include both academic study and practical placements with ambulance trusts. You will learn about anatomy, physiology, trauma care, patient assessment, and emergency procedures. Check the entry requirements for each university, as they may vary.
Undertake clinical placements with ambulance services as part of your degree.
During your course, you will complete placements working alongside qualified paramedics and other healthcare professionals. This hands-on experience is vital for developing the skills and confidence needed to work in emergency situations.
Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a paramedic.
Once you have successfully completed your degree, you must register with the HCPC. This is a legal requirement to work as a paramedic in the UK. The registration process involves submitting evidence of your qualifications and meeting professional standards.
Apply for paramedic positions with ambulance trusts or private ambulance services.
Most newly qualified paramedics begin their careers working for NHS ambulance services, but there are also opportunities with private healthcare providers or in specialist roles. Job vacancies are often advertised on NHS Jobs and other recruitment sites.
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.
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