https://www.collegeofparamedics.co.uk/how_to_become_a_paramedic

To work as a paramedic, you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to do this you'll need to have completed an approved paramedic science qualification. There are two ways to do this:

• complete a university course at diploma, foundation degree or degree level (this is the main recommended route);

• apply for a position within an ambulance trust as a student paramedic and study while working.

Full details of all HCPC approved paramedic science qualifications are available at HCPC Register of Approved Programmes.

Student paramedic schemes are very competitive and each NHS ambulance service trust may have its own individual entry requirements for posts. Either check for details in the job advertisement or contact the trust directly for further details.

For more information locally: https://www.nwas.nhs.uk/careers/roles/apprenticeships/

When applying for a Paramedic Course whether through university or direct to the Ambulance Service they often like you to have some form of experience of working in the health care sector. Work with the elderly and children can be useful as these are often clients of the ambulance service. You may also want to volunteer with St John Ambulance, the Red Cross or as a Community First Responder.

 Below is a list of websites that may help you get experience:

If you're preparing for your interview for a Paramedic course.

• Check the information provided from the University when you were invited to interview what do you need to take with you?  What type of interviews will you be undertaking? 1 to 1/ group?

• Be on time! Make sure you know where you need to be and how to get there with plenty of time to spare.

• Bring all documentation they have asked you to take with you. 

• Dress appropriately - remember, this is an interview for a professional course.

• Re-read your application form and personal statement as they will ask you to elaborate on it.

• Be clear about why you want to be a paramedic - why you have chosen this field? what do you know about the role and responsibilities of a paramedic?

• Be ready to answer questions about the profession – brief yourself on current issues. Check current News related to the profession you are hoping to go into. 

• Be ready to answer questions about the course.

• Be ready to answer questions about the University – have you been to an Open Day; why do you want to study here; how will you fit in?

• What are your core values and how do you display these values – read  NHS England’s Compassion in Practice.

• Be yourself! Be confident ! Good luck! 

Interview Questions

Some questions could include: 

• Why do you want to be a paramedic?

• What do you know of the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic? 

• Tell us about your work experience. What did you learn from it? Was it a daunting experience? 

• What qualities do you need to be a good paramedic? Think about how your talents and skills match the qualities needed. Read  NHS England’s Compassion in Practice for guidance. 

• Also consider what you would want from a paramedic

• Tell us about a problem and how you solved it. 

• How would you deal with death? 

• Is there any type of person that you think you would not be able to handle? 

• Why have you chosen to apply to this university; what do you know about our course; have you been to an Open Day?

• How can you demonstrate professional awareness and commitment in this profession?

• What current issues in paramedic interest/are of concern to you?

Recent example questions :

• If someone rear ended your car- how would you react if they were drunk and had a pregnant person with them?

• What do you do outside of college/ work?

• What's different about paramedic from other professions?

Useful Links 

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/ambulance-service-team/roles-ambulance-service/paramedic

https://www.how2become.com/careers/paramedic-interview-questions-answers/

https://www.collegeofparamedics.co.uk/how_to_become_a_paramedic/preparing-for-your-university-interview

https://www.studential.com/university/applying/UCAS-application-guide/interviews/questions-and-answers