Which paramedic course gives the highest level of training and qualifications.

Merit Training said:
The bottom line is to get training that will get you jobs.

Clearly there is some paramedic training programmes what will prepare the graduate better than others. A three year BSc in Paramedic Science that culminates with HCPC registration is a profound training programme.
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Especially when combined with prior or current military service, OSM cert and all of the bells and wolf whistle type add on stuff that goes with the profession.

But what would I know. I am afterall, ONLY a HCPC Paramedic.............
 
Starlight said:
Especially when combined with prior or current military service, OSM cert and all of the bells and wolf whistle type add on stuff that goes with the profession.

But what would I know. I am after all, ONLY a HCPC Paramedic.............
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Those bells and whistles are an important addition to get jobs in the offshore, maritime, and security industries. Thankfully all registered paramedics can get those additional courses in order to get work. They don't limit those courses to just HCPC Paramedics.

Your statement about military service is spot on. Most of our graduates have military experience and with those "bells and whistles" makes them prime candidates for jobs outside of the UK.
 
Just to clarify, the HCPC registered Paramedic is now a 3 year Bsc (Hons) in Paramedic Practise at University, up from 2 years. Also the ambulance Tech to Paramedic fast track route has been canned also?
 
Shep9 said:
Just to clarify, the HCPC registered Paramedic is now a 3 year Bsc (Hons) in Paramedic Practise at University, up from 2 years. Also the ambulance Tech to Paramedic fast track route has been canned also?
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My understanding gleaned from the young'uns, is that the foundation degree is still 2 years, but the masters, which will be the new standard, is 3. Some of course will specialise, and do post grad degrees, pushing it to 4 or even 5 years. Out of that, a small proportion will go on to do PHDs, so anything up to 10, 11 or 12 years.

Haven't heard that the tech to para route has been canned, but very few trusts have been offering it anyway. I think that old fookers like me, can still do a top up, but I argue 'why bother'? It'll make no difference what-so-ever to my working practice.
 
There are still Universities that run 2 year Paramedic programs (diplomas) but many are 3 year degree programs, and it's going to go the way of nursing where initially you had the choice of doing a diploma or a degree, but then all moved to being a degree.

Lots of the HCPC paramedics I know what have diplomas are doing a program through university to 'upgrade' to a degree. As it's been pointed out probably outside the NHS it won't make much (or any) difference to your practice, but in the NHS it will probably help your promotion, and opens us the possibility of doing a masters or beyond level of study.

Also some universities run a year long program for IHCD Techs to upgrade to a paramedic diploma and HCPC registration.
RL
 
The majority of our new starts come in with the 2 year foundation degree. Some then go on to do the BSc part time.

In terms of scope of practice it makes no difference on the road. We're all bound by the same clinical standards, JRCALC guidelines etc.

Scott


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Hi Guys

Tech to Para Diploma is still alive and kicking, check out Birmingham City Uni. Having the Dip HE or Bsc makes no difference to normal Paramedic work but if the Para wants to specialise in the future like go up a band or go advanced then it is worth doing the degree as I think this will be the benchmark for the future. The Trust I work for is already starting to implement this. I have the Dip HE but in Jan I am doing the degree top up part time because I'm sad ha ha.

Mr B
 
Yeah, outside the NHS I think degree/diploma/IHCD makes little to no difference to job prospects, but when it comes to going up a band or promotion in the NHS it'll soon be necessary to have the degree.

RL
 
Yeah. If you want a CTL/CTE post or to go onto advanced practice you'll need a BSc possibly MSc depending on the role.

The tech to para course will probably be around as long as there's techs willing to undertake it.


Scott


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Apologies, (I am not in the trade and I could't find it on the HCPC site) but can a NREMT US Advanced EMT register/re-qual to the HCPC? Or NREMT P? some up-skill required at all?
 
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Recognition of international qualifications are dealt with on a case by case basis.

HCPC would most likely want to see qualifications, cpd portfolio and evidence of continuous practice.

It's best to speak directly with the HCPC before you apply. The international route us pricey.


Scott


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Qbanmedic said:
Here is how it works for the USA when it comes to training, certifications. ALL USA paramedic programs have to follow a curriculum set by the US Dept of Transportation. There is no such as a thing as a NREMT medic program. Once a student finishes his schooling depending on what state you live you get your Paramedic license by taking a test done by your State or by a private company called "National Registry of EMT's" Yes the NREMT. So all Paramedic courses in the USA give you the same standard curriculum. The NREMT licensing carries more weigth because "National" sounds impressive so overseas recruiters think that those that are NREMT had longer, better training.


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Hi Qbanmedic!

Thanks for the input!

Let's say one does however pass the NREMT P exams, and register with them, would you be able to challenge a particular state's exam? If that is the case, and you pass the state exam and clinicals etc., would you still be able to register and work in the US as a foreign citizen? Or will you at some point reach a total dead end regarding the NREMT-P registration.

My idea is not to work in the US, but if need be, and I have to for some unknown reason, I do not want to find out that my NREMT-P registration doesn't hold weight on a state?

Many thanks
 
RiaanVos said:
Hi Qbanmedic!

Thanks for the input!

Let's say one does however pass the NREMT P exams, and register with them, would you be able to challenge a particular state's exam? If that is the case, and you pass the state exam and clinicals etc., would you still be able to register and work in the US as a foreign citizen? Or will you at some point reach a total dead end regarding the NREMT-P registration.

My idea is not to work in the US, but if need be, and I have to for some unknown reason, I do not want to find out that my NREMT-P registration doesn't hold weight on a state?

Many thanks
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If you're wanting to work in the US, you must get your residency and work permit... like most other countries. NREMT can be used for reciprocity for almost all states but some require an 'immersion' course to familiarize the medic with state/local protocols. NREMT is used to show a level of training and competence, not a permit/license to work. It may be helpful to procure work internationally but, as always, there's no guarantees.
 
Hi Irish,

I have joined CPW recently and have been a NHS registered paramedic for nearly 20 years and have worked in various medical areas such as offshore, military and sea based. Generally in my experience, as an NHS qualified paramedic registered with the HCPC seems to have opened doors easier than being just a privately based Paramedic. As other posts have said, go for the student paramedic route and get some experience within the NHS as you are exposed to a wide range of medical and traumatic emergencies through the biggest age ranges. The course is long but should open doors in other fields later on. I have found some of the other courses available can be very role specific but its something I have added to my NHS profile
 
Old thread but still mega relevant I think. I'm former Royal Marines, served 7 years and got two Afghan tours under my belt. Left the corps and wanted to go the CP route. Did Ronin SA course and ended up falling in love with the medical side of things. Returned home to UK and decided to get to work researching how I was going to become a paramedic. Looked at all the available options and decided the uni/HCPC route was the best option even though it was the longest and hardest. With my prior mil experience, CP training (and experience here and there) and a HCPC registration and FdSc degree in paramedic emergency care, the options open are far greater and the scope for professional progression is vast.
So yes, I bit the bullet and struggled and scraped my way through an access course in college, got into uni, and am now 3 months away from graduating. I'll have racked up 1500 hours on the road, 120 hours in hospital (A&E resus, theatres, stroke, maternity and ICU) and 12 hours training with HEMS. Add this to the numerous essays, OSCE's, discussion forums and lectures from some of the UK's leading practitioners the course has been amazing and I've learnt a hell of a lot.
I've had to scrape by doing shitty part time jobs that have been soul destroying at times and also become a father along the way. My point is, if you want to become a paramedic and you truly want to do it for the love of medicine then don't take shortcuts. You'll only be cheating yourself and your patients at the end of the day. Work hard, battle through the tough times financially and emotionally and become what you set out to become.
As for working remote and hostile, that is definitely still what I'd like to do but only AFTER GAINING A LOT MORE EXPERIENCE. No one becomes a competent paramedic overnight. The human body is insanely complicated and looking after it when it goes wrong isn't something to be taken lightly. I honestly can't see how these industry paramedic courses could churn out competent clinicians in such a short time frame. I'd also be worried about taking a remote job with such little experience. It's one thing having all the equipment and resources close to hand, it's a whole different kettle of fish out in some shithole with someone dying in front of you and no help for hundreds of miles. Think about that for a second.
 
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