Why I chose Paramedicine in the UK

I moved to the UK from Ireland in order to study Paramedic Science. This was not a decision I took lightly. I did a lot of research into paramedic education and paramedic practice in the UK. Education for paramedics in the UK is extremely advanced, and yet it is still constantly developing.

The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree is brilliant in the UK. At ARU you could choose to study in Cambridge or Chelmsford. They’re both really well-connected campuses and Chelmsford is close to Stansted airport if I want to travel home. I also like Chelmsford for the city’s atmosphere and great student night-life.

The courses are taught over 3 years and produce superb clinicians. I wanted to focus on my career and there are also many possible development routes for paramedics in the UK, for example: becoming an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner (APP in Critical Care or Urgent/Primary Care), becoming an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP), becoming a consultant paramedic, and much more.

ARU’s degree is validated by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) which means I’ll graduate eligible to register as a paramedic. The validation also brings other benefits. For example, the scope of practice of HCPC paramedics contains a lot of advanced skills, for example endotracheal intubation is a HCPC paramedic skill. HCPC Paramedics also have a broad range of medication in which they can administer to patients. These drugs also have many possible administration routes, such as Intravenous injection and intraosseous infusion.

Paramedics and Student Paramedics in the UK also have a very good professional body: The College of Paramedics. The college of paramedics provides support and development for paramedics and paramedicine in the UK.

Jack studies Paramedic Science at ARU in Chelmsford. Find out more about Paramedic Science, and other degree courses, at one of our Open Days.