View this career for different education levels:
Paramedics are vital members of the emergency medical services, providing urgent care and transportation to people who are ill or injured. They are often the first healthcare professionals on the scene of accidents, medical emergencies, and public health crises. Paramedics assess patients, provide life-saving treatment, and make critical decisions quickly under pressure. Their work can involve anything from treating minor injuries to administering advanced life support techniques. Most paramedics in the UK work for NHS ambulance trusts, but some are employed by private ambulance services or in settings such as air ambulances and urgent care centres.
Paramedics in the UK typically earn between £28,407 and £42,618 annually, depending on experience and banding within the NHS.
There were over 25,000 paramedics employed by the NHS in England in 2023, with increasing demand due to an ageing population and expanding urgent care services.
Becoming a paramedic usually takes three years of university study, including both academic and practical training.
A paramedic who provides advanced life support and specialist care to patients in critical condition, often as part of air ambulance or rapid response teams.
A paramedic specially trained to respond to emergencies in hazardous environments, such as chemical spills or major incidents, providing medical care in difficult and dangerous situations.
A paramedic who specialises in providing emergency medical care to babies, children, and young people, often working with paediatric emergency teams.
Achieve at least five GCSEs at grade 4 C or above, including English, maths, and science.
GCSEs are essential as they form the basic entry requirements for further study in health and science subjects. You may also consider taking A levels or equivalent qualifications, especially in biology or physical education, as these will be beneficial for university applications.
Apply for and complete an approved paramedic science degree or a paramedic degree apprenticeship.
A full-time paramedic science degree typically takes three years and includes both academic study and practical placements. Alternatively, a paramedic degree apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn and combines on-the-job training with study. Entry requirements usually include relevant GCSEs and sometimes A levels or equivalent.
Apply for registration with the HCPC to practise as 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 qualification and demonstrate your fitness to practise. The registration process may include background checks and a declaration of health and character.
Apply for paramedic roles with NHS ambulance trusts or private ambulance services.
Most newly qualified paramedics work for NHS ambulance services, although there are opportunities in private healthcare and specialist emergency services. You will undergo an induction and may receive additional training to help you adjust to the demands of the role.
Participate in ongoing training and development to maintain and enhance your skills.
CPD is vital to keep your HCPC registration active and to ensure you remain up-to-date with medical advancements. This may include attending courses, workshops, and conferences, as well as learning new clinical procedures.
Explore opportunities to specialise, such as becoming a critical care paramedic, or move into management or education roles.
With experience, paramedics can take on specialist roles, such as hazardous area response teams HART, critical care, or mentoring new recruits. There are also opportunities to progress into leadership, research, or teaching within the ambulance service or higher education.
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.
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 80 positions available )
Being a Medical Assistant in the Royal Navy means embarking on a career that offers more variety and adventure than you’d ever experience in civilian medicine. From the day you join, you’ll gain new skills, pushing yourself to the limit in some unique and challenging environments.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
MYHEALTH PHARMACY LTD
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with My Health Pharmacy. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) apprenticeship standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
Healthways Chemist
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Healthways Chemist. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) Apprenticeship Standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
Arkle Pharmacy
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Arkle Pharmacy. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) Apprenticeship Standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
Meraj Pharmacy
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Meraj Pharmacy. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) apprenticeship standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
FLYPHARM LTD
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Blue Dew Pharmacy. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) apprenticeship standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
ROSE HEALTHCARE LTD
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Rose Pharmacy. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) Apprenticeship Standard.
Closing date: in 1 month
Possible start date: 31 Oct 2025
TOWER Pharmacy
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Tower Pharmacy. You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) apprenticeship standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
TRIO PHARMA LIMITED
( Added 26 Jul 2024 - 1 position available )
An opportunity has arisen with Trio Pharmacy.You will be taking in and handing out prescriptions, dispensing and selling over the counter medicines. You will work towards a Level 3 Pharmacy Technician (integrated) apprenticeship standard.
Closing date: in 5 days
Possible start date: 30 Sep 2025
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 →
