Paramedic Science

Two years full-time

The course has a modular curriculum, ensuring that students are able to develop both academically and practically. It also provides the prerequisites for level six study programmes such as the Emergency Care Practitioner/Paramedic Practitioner competences.

There is some shared learning with other health care professionals which enhances the students' experience. Practice placements are undertaken within the East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (Northamptonshire and Leicestershire areas). Placements include ambulance service work areas such as emergency ambulances and response cars, and specialist areas such as paramedic practitioners. Other practice areas include experience in theatre departments/anaesthetics, A&E, maternity, minor injury/minor illness, coronary care and paediatrics.

Stage one

The Fundamentals of Emergency Clinical Care module provides an initial underpinning of the key concepts and practice in emergency care. Students develop clinical assessment and intervention skills using a range of equipment and technologies, within the context of the Professional Studies module topics such as ethics, law and communication that relate to practice are considered.

Stage two

The Pathophysiology module offers a progression from the stage one Anatomy and Physiology module and introduces the student to more detailed aspects of pathophysiological processes. The Patient Assessment module provides the student with the underpinning knowledge and skills base to be able to promote individualised patient care, as well as integrate an understanding of the altered physiology that manifests itself in various clinical signs and symptoms. Paramedic Clinical Care and Pharmacology modules further underpin safe and effective practice.

• Variety of placements in clinical practice embracing both ambulance and non-ambulance areas
• Robust mentorship/preceptorship in place to support students in practice
• Financial support via a grant may be available
• Specialised equipment is available to the paramedic science students in profession-specific skill areas, including a purpose-built ambulance within the skills laboratory
  

• Fundamentals of Emergency Clinical Care
• Anatomy and Physiology for Pre-Hospital Care
  
• Paramedic Clinical Care
• Paramedic Practice
• Pathophysiology for Pre-Hospital Professionals
• Patient Assessment
• Pharmacology
  
• Professional Studies for Paramedics

• Students require a manual UK Driving License
• Students require a provisional C1 licence on commencement of programme
• Students are subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure
• Students require Exposure Prone Procedure Occupational Health clearance

Assessment is diverse and includes a practice portfolio, examinations, assignments and coursework, practical work-based assessments. Students are required to pass an advanced ambulance driving course and obtain their C1 driving qualification.

Clinical skills suite with ambulance simulator, medium fidelity manikins and a full range of paramedic patient management equipment and patient handling aids.

Successful completion of the programme would enable the student to apply for registration as a Paramedic with the Health Professions Council, meeting the HPC's education requirements for registration.