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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
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
More Information
Work
You could start as an ambulance care assistant. With experience, you could apply for a place on a paramedic training scheme.
Volunteering
Entry to paramedic courses is very competitive and it may help you if you have some relevant experience or training. Examples include:
- volunteering as a first responder with a charity or social enterprise, like St John Ambulance
- volunteering with an NHS ambulance trust
- working at a residential care home or daycare centre
- a first aid certificate
- working in an office-based job for an ambulance service
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.
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
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.