Paramedic : Entry requirements

The minimum qualification required for entry in the field of paramedics is a diploma in higher education in paramedical science, but many paramedic courses are now offered at a BSc level.

Over 20 UK universities offer a range of paramedical qualifications at foundation degree, diploma and BSc degree level. These can be taken on a full-time, sandwich or part-time basis. Roughly 40% of the course is spent gaining work experience on ambulance and hospital placements, the other 60% on theoretical studies. A list of approved courses is available on the Health Professions Council (HPC)  website.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• a caring attitude and outgoing, helpful personality;
• a responsible and highly motivated approach to the work;
• good interpersonal and teamwork skills;
• good oral and written communication skills;
• the ability to be calm, quick-thinking and decisive in a crisis;
• good general fitness to cope with lifting patients and equipment;
• the ability to relate to people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, races, religions and cultures;
• a commitment to continuous professional development and education.

Other requirements include:

• a clean, current, full driving licence held for a minimum of one year (often two), and preferably experience of driving larger vehicles and carrying passengers;
• satisfactory clearance of a standard Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)  check;
• passing a fitness test, occupational health screening (normal colour vision and manual dexterity are important) and medical assessment including eye tests (spectacles are acceptable);
• residence in the local area within an acceptable travelling distance from work.

Useful pre-entry experience includes:

• experience of dealing with the public, especially sick, disabled and elderly people;
• first aid certificates as evidence of your interest;
• voluntary experience in organisations such as the St John Ambulance , the St Andrew's Ambulance Association  and the British Red Cross ;
• experience in life-saving techniques, which you can gain by volunteering as a community 'first responder' in association with local ambulance services;
• office-based work in an ambulance service.

Find out more by visiting an ambulance station and check the Ambulance Service Network  to keep up to date with current issues.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.