[Robbie2012]

Hi, I'm looking to do a paramedic degree following my gap year. I've looked at the core modules and think it is such an interesting course.


I was wondering however what the difference is between a 3 year BSc (hons) and a 2 year FdSc. Do each of them qualify you to be a paramedic? And do they both count as degrees, which therefore grant you access to higher levels of pay ect.


Also what the difference is between the degree titles 'paramedic practice' and 'paramedic science'


Also if you are not looking to be a paramedic straight after the degree is it worth doing or is it a purely vocational course? I say this because I like this course not because I really want to become a paramedic but because I really like the look of the modules and would really like to acquire the health care skill. Who knows, I may end up being a paramedic. But just in case.


Also what are the best universities for studying a paramedic degree, I've assumed Surry as the entry requirements are highest.

[ahsanchachi123]

Hi
They both allow you to register with the paramedic council so therefore they are pretty much the same. The FdSc requires you to top up though whereas the BSC is a full degree; they both have same employability prospects though.
Yes you can study paramedical sciences because you like the modules. 40% is practical work whereas 60% is written, so just bare that in mind. Surrey has a good track record, and Birmingham city is also good but the entry requirements arn't as high. Hope that helps.

[sphyg]

(Original post by Robbie2012)
Also if you are not looking to be a paramedic straight after the degree is it worth doing or is it a purely vocational course? I say this because I like this course not because I really want to become a paramedic but because I really like the look of the modules and would really like to acquire the health care skill. Who knows, I may end up being a paramedic. But just in case.

Hi Robbie,

It's not worth doing unless you are 110% sure that the Paramedic profession is for you. With all due respect, there are over 500 applicants for what is currently 20 spaces, so you would need to be sure about the job at hand, and want it before you would be considered for interview.

Surrey and Hertfordshire are both well respected courses for Paramedic Science and both have good track records and facilities. Hertfordshire has been the running the course the longest and has the most experience churning out Paramedics in combination with the LAS.

Hope that helps - good luck.

PS I start at Surrey in September - feel free to ask any more questions

[segs12]

Hi,
I am looking into Paramedic practice/science courses and just wondered if anyone was going into it as a mature student?
I say mature, I'm 22
I have 13 GCSEs A*-B, 4 A-levels in biology, chemistry, psychology and general studies and a Biomedical Science Degree with a year of professional experience as a research assistant integrated into it. I volunteered at a hospice for over a year, volunteered with a self-advocacy charity for adults with learning disabilities for several years and worked as a volunteer leader for 3 campaigns with a national charity. I have shadowed on hospital wards, in theatre and in GP practises. I have worked as a camp counsellor at summer camps in America for 2 summers, I was a unit leader there most recently! So I have the experience with children too. A few weeks ago I returned from some volunteer work in South Africa and now work for the organisation that sent me as a volunteer recruiter so am currently travelling around universities in Canada!

I was curious about any other 'mature' applicants and what experience they have before application. Are there many people that have applied several years in a row? I know it is very competitive. I am doing research as much as I can before I apply, which I think will be next October.

Any responeses are appreciated, just interested what other things you guys have done for experience!

[Happy_Holidays]

(Original post by segs12)
Hi,
I am looking into Paramedic practice/science courses and just wondered if anyone was going into it as a mature student?
I say mature, I'm 22
I have 13 GCSEs A*-B, 4 A-levels in biology, chemistry, psychology and general studies and a Biomedical Science Degree with a year of professional experience as a research assistant integrated into it. I volunteered at a hospice for over a year, volunteered with a self-advocacy charity for adults with learning disabilities for several years and worked as a volunteer leader for 3 campaigns with a national charity. I have shadowed on hospital wards, in theatre and in GP practises. I have worked as a camp counsellor at summer camps in America for 2 summers, I was a unit leader there most recently! So I have the experience with children too. A few weeks ago I returned from some volunteer work in South Africa and now work for the organisation that sent me as a volunteer recruiter so am currently travelling around universities in Canada!

I was curious about any other 'mature' applicants and what experience they have before application. Are there many people that have applied several years in a row? I know it is very competitive. I am doing research as much as I can before I apply, which I think will be next October.

Any responeses are appreciated, just interested what other things you guys have done for experience!

There is a lot of mature applicants to paramedic courses. Personally I worked in the packing department of a warehouse and in home care as well as working on the ambulances for saint john ambulance and being a cadet instructor and sergeant in the army cadet force till I was 18. I started the course at 21.

Some people will apply for a few years in a row before getting on a course or deciding its not for them.


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