Becoming A Paramedic
How do I become a paramedic in the UK? There are 2 options for gaining your full qualification and registration with the HPC as a paramedic. You can become a student paramedic at a university offering a suitable paramedic degree course or you can train with one of the UK?s ambulance trusts.
Which route you choose for training to become a paramedic depends upon various factors such as how long you?re prepared to wait, whether you can move location to train or need to remain local and whether you must earn whilst training or have the time and circumstances to train at university. Read full details on the selection procedure to become a paramedicon this site.
Training to be a paramedic at university is easier to access but requires funding and time. To apply for university you will also need relevant work experience. Examples and links are provided on this student paramedic blog. Many student paramedics are eligible for funding to cover fees but no wages are paid for the 2-3 years spent training. At the end of training you will gain a full paramedic degree.
University students have placements with NHS ambulance trusts. These can be blocks or a sandwich year. Training placements are not paid positions but many trusts offer paid shift work for students. If you choose a sandwich course to become a paramedic then most students are paid for their sandwich year although at reduced student rates.
When making an application to become a paramedic either with an ambulance trust or at university you will need certain educational qualifications or their equivalents. These would include the following.
5 GCSEs including maths and English to level C or higher and including a science subject by preference.
2 A levels also at grade C and some universities are now asking for 3 as the level of academic work on the courses continues to rise. At least one of these A levels should be a science if possible.
Often mature applicants looking to become a paramedic are considered on the basis of alternative equivalent qualifications such as NVQs or Open University credits. These should demonstrate a similar level of academic ability and again cover some sort of scientific subject.
It is also important that candidates can demonstrate an appropriate level of physical fitness. Fitness tests vary between Trusts and institutions but a student should be able to carry a 20kg emergency pack up and down stairs at a brisk pace for 5 minutes.
Read more details on how to become a paramedic including how and where to apply, techniques for interview and insider tips for success in the final selection process.