How to become a paramedic
You can get into this work through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- apply for a trainee scheme
University
You'll need to do a paramedic science degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
You may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this role through a paramedic degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an ambulance care assistant or an emergency medical technician. With experience you could apply for a place on a paramedic training scheme. You would need to check the entry procedures and requirements with individual ambulance service trusts.
Volunteering
Entry to paramedic courses is very competitive and it may help you if you have some relevant experience or training. You could:
- volunteer as a first responder with a charity or social enterprise, like St John Ambulance
- volunteer with an NHS ambulance trust
- work at a residential care home or day care centre
- get a first aid certificate
- work in an office-based job for an ambulance service
You can find more information on how to get relevant healthcare work experience from Health Careers
Other Routes
You could apply for a training scheme as a student paramedic with an ambulance service. You would do your university paramedic qualification on the job.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When applying for degree courses or apprenticeships, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the College of Paramedics and get access to courses, conferences and workshops to keep your skills up to date, and to swap ideas with colleagues in the profession.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a paramedic from the College of Paramedics and Health Careers.