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Can you become a paramedic without doing paramedic science at uni?

Do I need to study paramedic science at university to become a paramedic? If not what are the different pathways to becoming a paramedic? Any help is much appreciated.
If after my degree I still have the desire to become one I will definitely take the route of studying while working. Thank you for your reply I appreciate it very much it is super detailed.
Reply 2
I believe after next year, the only way to become a paramedic is to go through the academic route through university
Original post by Tabbs.x
I believe after next year, the only way to become a paramedic is to go through the academic route through university

I Hope that’s not true :frown: as I would rather study something Else at Uni and if IT doesn’t Work Out I wanted to be a paramedic.
Original post by Anonymous1502
I Hope that’s not true :frown: as I would rather study something Else at Uni and if IT doesn’t Work Out I wanted to be a paramedic.

I believe the only way to work and study would be to apply for a degree apprenticeship at West Midlands Ambulance Service as they are the only trust affiliated directly with a university.

I am not entirely sure about that, I believe the best way is to do a paramedicine degree.
Reply 5
Original post by Anonymous1502
I Hope that’s not true :frown: as I would rather study something Else at Uni and if IT doesn’t Work Out I wanted to be a paramedic.


So sorry dear :frown: I asked around and other have told me that in order to be employed as a paramedic you need to be HCPC registered and the only way to become registered is through a university degree.

I’d double check to see if it’s after this year or the following.
Original post by Tabbs.x
So sorry dear :frown: I asked around and other have told me that in order to be employed as a paramedic you need to be HCPC registered and the only way to become registered is through a university degree.

I’d double check to see if it’s after this year or the following.

Thank you for asking around
Reply 7
At the minute the answer may be yes. However, I'm currently training as a TEAC and have been informed that a 2 year apprenticeship (instead of a 3 year degree) is being created and will be available next year sometime.
Original post by Anonymous1502
Thank you for asking around

HCPC requirement is from 2021 to be elligeble to register, applicants will need a BSc Hons or equivalent level 6 qualification. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/news-and-events/blog/2018/new-threshold-for-paramedic-registration/

On the job educational routes are still available through front line services or private companies, but are limited. They are also lengthier, typically trusts don't offer direct entry for training. Is often 1 year as an ECA and then applying for internal on the job courses that are competitive and likely to be 3+ years.
They are also more arduous having to attend lectures, self study and do essay around a full time working schedual and night shifts.
The quality of training is also less as you are supernumary.


A word of advice, I would heavily explore the role and work of a paramedic before commiting to is, as it is not a "back up carreer". It is an arduous training process with an awful lot of responsibility at the end of it, making high level emergency and primary care decisions with patients.

Exp: 5 years as a paramedic, currently training as specialist paramedic + masters student
Fo they accept open uni courses and which ones in swansea ??

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