A Paramedic is a specialist healthcare professional who provides immediate response to emergency medical 999 and 111 calls. Learn how to treat patients at an emergency scene in a role that no two days are the same. Paramedics are usually the first senior healthcare professional on the scene to deal with life threatening conditions to minor illnesses and injuries. Employed in the out-of-hospital setting you will deal with people at some of the most vulnerable times of their lives and can make a difference to help people in their time of greatest need. The job satisfaction is high because Paramedics give life, deal with death and everything in between. Our online Access to Paramedic Science course can help you get started in this exciting career.

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What are the university entry requirements for a Paramedic - Main entry routes are A levels or Access to HE

To apply to universities for Paramedic Science, you should have, or be working towards achieving a relevant Access to HE Diploma in Health Science. Or, alternatively, 2 or 3 A Levels with at least one in a science area Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Geography or Maths. Universities can advise on any entry requirements and they also publish these on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

Academy Online Learning provide fully Online Access to HE Diplomas which are aimed at adults 19+ returning to education.  The online Access Diploma qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels and offers a flexible route into Paramedic Science.  Access to Paramedic Science can be studied via distance learning with Academy Online Learning.

To gain the required level of practical skills and technical competence to become a Paramedic, the time on your degree programme will be spent between theory and clinical practical work including, placements with the ambulance services. The theory part will be based within the university setting where you will have contact with other students and your tutors and attend seminars and lectures. The hands-on practical placements have a direct link to the theory and effective practice all of which is supervised by a placement lecturer.

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What is the role of a Paramedic?

Within the Health care sector, this is a front-line role including diagnostic emergency care.  They are often the first healthcare professionals to reach the scene of an emergency. Paramedics are trained to determine any urgent medical needs of patients are and provide care until doctors can carry out more specific and extensive treatment.

A Paramedic has the knowledge, skills and clinical expertise to assess and diagnose symptoms, treat patients by supplying and administering medicines. They discharge and refer patients in a range of urgent, emergency, critical or out of hospital settings. There are around 26,000 Paramedics employed in the UK today.

What personal attributes are needed to become a Paramedic?

• • • Paramedics respond immediately to 999 emergency calls that may involve any type of accident, disaster or medical emergency.
    • Positive team spirit as a high level of teamwork is required. 
    • It’s vital to have excellent critical thinking skills 
    • The ability to remain calm in challenging situations
    • Evaluate problems quickly, apply effective solutions. 
    • The role involves physical activity which required a good level of personal fitness 

What are the pay and working conditions?

As of 2022/23 Paramedic salaries start at Band 5, which starts at £27,055 plus an additional unsocial hours payment in most situations. As a team leader or for senior Paramedics who have undertaken extended skills training in critical care or trauma, salaries are at Band 6 and fall between £33,706. If you continue to work up to the level of consultant Paramedic, you could achieve a Band 8c salary of £67,064 to £77,274.

Paramedics typically do 37.5 hours per week, which are usually in shifts made up of evenings, weekends and public bank holidays. There are opportunities to work flexible hours such as part-time and job shares that may be available. 

Did you know?

• • • Paramedics are the most highly qualified emergency medical responders, trained and equipped to deliver more care than basic level Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or other rescue staff.
    • The green uniform is the universal colour for medicine and health. 

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If you would like to complete an online Access to HE in Paramedic Science with Academy Online Learning and obtain the level 3 Access Diploma in Health Science Professions for university entry, please complete the online enrolment form, or contact us for more information by phone or email. Studying and achieving Access to Paramedic Science via distance learning provides a more flexible route as it is fully online, students don’t have to attend a classroom setting, Access to HE is widely recognised and accepted by UK universities.

Most universities have a September start date for undergraduate students. However, some do offer a January start for Paramedic Science. View here to see the universities that have a January intake.

How your degree is funded?

Studying to become a Paramedic allows you to apply for the standard student support package in the form of a student loan. Students on healthcare courses may spend time travelling away from home periodically. Students on placement courses are often eligible for reimbursement of additional travel and accommodation costs. Scholarships, bursaries or grants may also be available for example, through the university or your place of work. 

Find out more about our Access to Paramedic Science Course