Gaining Practical Experience in Healthcare
Whether you are already enrolled on an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Allied Health or Paramedic Science) with Academy Online Learning or are just starting your journey, gaining practical experience in healthcare settings can be a major advantage in your quest to become a paramedic. Hands-on exposure to patient care not only enhances your application for paramedic science degrees or apprenticeships but also provides valuable insights into the realities of emergency care.
Relevant Roles
- Volunteering with Organisations
- St John Ambulance: Assist trained first aiders and medical staff at community events.
- Community First Responder Schemes: Respond to local 999 calls in your area, supporting patients before ambulance crews arrive.
- Local Care Homes: Provide basic care and companionship to residents, helping you develop empathy, patience, and communication skills.
- Healthcare Assistant or Care Roles
- Working as a Healthcare Assistant in a hospital or clinic builds familiarity with medical procedures and patient-facing responsibilities.
- Roles in care homes or home-care agencies develop transferable skills in infection control, patient mobility, and record-keeping—knowledge that is equally important for aspiring paramedics.
Why It Matters
- Demonstrates Commitment
Gaining direct healthcare experience signals to universities and ambulance trusts that you fully understand—and embrace—the high-pressure nature of the paramedic role. By putting yourself in situations where you’re helping others, you’ll showcase the essential qualities of compassion, resilience, and teamwork. - Strengthens Your Application
Your personal statement and interviews are the perfect platforms to highlight these real-world experiences. Universities and employers value candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and an authentic passion for patient care—two traits that become evident when you discuss your volunteering or work roles.
Making the most of volunteering and work opportunities while studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma with Academy Online Learning will help you build a solid foundation for a future in paramedic science. Not only will these experiences enhance your confidence and preparedness, but they will also give you plenty of concrete examples to discuss when interviewing for paramedic programmes or apprenticeships—taking you one step closer to your goal of becoming a paramedic.