CAREER ENTRY
Paramedic science is an evidence-based subject that applies both vocational and academic inputs and currently, degree and non-degree paramedic qualifying programmes are jointly approved by the professional and regulatory bodies.
Paramedics are governed professionally by The British Paramedic Association (BPA) which was formed in 2001 in response to paramedics being accepted as members of the Health Professions Council (HPC). The BPA, as one the 15 professions under the auspices of the HPC, has the responsibility for defining the professional code of practice, code of conduct, the curriculum framework appropriate up to graduate level to enter the profession and tasks related to self-regulation.
There are currently three ways to HPC paramedic registration. The basic entrant level is achieved by passing either of two academic course options.
1. A two year full time university diploma in paramedic science, offered at several locations such as Coventry and Swansea Universities. Standard Entry requirements are typically:
- Candidates must be over 18 years, minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including GCSE English, Mathematics and a science
- A minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points; typically two A-levels (minimum grade C) or equivalent. Equivalent qualifications include BTEC National Certificate (merit, merit) and BTEC National Diploma (merit, pass, pass)
2. Alternatively applicants may have successfully completed an Access to Higher Education Diploma (60 credit) validated programme (K11). Access Diploma students must have passed 15 level-2 credits and achieved 45 level 3-credits as indicated below and not achieved the results via distance learning methods:
- Acceptable Access Diploma grades for Level-3 credits
- Minimum of 6 Distinctions
- Minimum of 33 Merits (including project / extended essay)
- Maximum of 6 Passes
- If extra credits are undertaken then they must be graded at merit or above so that applicants’ profiles do not exceed 6 level-3 passes
3. A two or three year full time FdSc foundation degree in paramedic science that requires 220 points to include 80 points from A/AS levels in single science subjects; Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Sports Science. Again Coventry University offer this option as well as Greenwich and Staffordshire Universities. After the FdSc, candidates can apply for a one year (2 years part time) BSc in Acute Clinical Care.
It is recognised that individuals without formal qualifications may have relevant experience and knowledge. Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) principles can be used to consider applicants who may present with non-typical profiles.
Finally, and gaining increasing favour from organisations such as the Welsh Ambulance Service, career entry can be via a straight BSc Honours in Paramedic Science such as the one at the University of Swansea. This degree typically requires 280 UCAS Pts including GCE A level (or equivalent) grade B in Biology, Physics, Human Biology or Chemistry, plus 5 GCSE at C or above including double science, English and mathematics.
Because of the close contact, hands-on nature of the role, all shortlisted university applicants are subject to Criminal Records Bureau clearance and Occupational Health clearance, this latter clearance being concerned with communicable diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV.
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