Paramedics are multiskilled professionals at the frontline of healthcare and emergency care delivery across many diverse settings. The role of a paramedic is ideal for those who want an engaging and stimulating profession that puts people at the centre of their care.

The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at Birmingham Newman University is designed to enable you to practice confidently, competently and safely across a range of established and emerging practice settings .The programme of study, will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to rise to the challenge of working in a profession delivering evidence-based effective and compassionate care across the lifespan.

Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to develop your initiative, clinical reasoning and critical thinking as you learn to work flexibly in a range of diverse and challenging settings. You will be supported to develop a wide variety of practical skills and work calmly in high pressure situations whilst utilising dynamic planning skills.

Studying alongside other student healthcare professionals in the School of Nursing and Allied Health you will develop vital communication and interprofessional skills to enhance your practice and enrich patient care.

The programme will develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills within both the university, via state-of-the-art simulation and through a variety of clinical practice environments.

This new BSc (Hons) represents your first step into a profession it is a privilege to join.

On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

• The curriculum has been designed to reflect the dynamic and evolving role of a paramedic in initiating care and immediate treatment in a range of settings.
• With our commitment to inter-professional learning, you will learn from and with other health care professionals to enhance your practice and patient care.
• You will learn form a highly experienced and passionate teaching team who will support you to achieve your goals
• We work with the ambulance service and a number of other clinical partners to give you essential exposure and practical experience in a variety of practice placements.
• You will benefit from our new clinical skills suite including a state-of-the-art immersive lab, specially designed paramedic workshop, and simulated ambulance.

To cover all the components required to be eligible for registration as a Paramedic, you will study a wide variety of content both academically and practically including but not limited to:

• Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Disease
• Clinical Skills and Advanced Life Support
• Patient Assessment and Intervention
• Trauma Care and Treatment
• Pregnancy and Birth
• Management of Mental Illness
• Interprofessional and Collaborative Practice
• Evidence Based Healthcare.
• Leadership and Professional Practice

Consent to participate in practical sessions

The development of practical and clinical skills is integral to your development as a Paramedic. Participation in interactive practical sessions is therefore essential to your education. During these teaching sessions, you may be asked to act as a ‘model’ for others or role play during ‘scenarios’. This is a vital part of the learning and teaching model for this course. Much of the practical elements may include the need to physically move, lift, kneel and stand and participants should consider this element of the both the course and the career.

If you feel that there is an issue which may have an impact on your ability or willingness to participate in this manner, please contact the programme leader to discuss this. We will make every effort to put mechanisms in place to address your concerns. We want everyone to feel valued and included whilst ensuring that everyone gains the practical and clinical skills needed to successfully complete the programme of study.

As part of the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science, you will be provided with practice placements to develop your paramedic skills and knowledge. Placements will take place in each year of the three years of your programme.

Your initial care based placement in year one, focuses on developing your professional responsibilities including communication and patient safety. This may take place in an acute or community setting.

You will complete a significant proportion of your placements with our partners in West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Trust at a location anywhere within the West Midlands and potentially into neighbouring counties.

As you progress through your course, you may undertake practice placements in practice areas outside of the Ambulance Service. This commitment reflects the emerging scope of practice of Paramedics and provides opportunities to experience these areas prior to qualification.

You should be aware that placements are valuable learning experiences and cannot be chosen. While on placement you will be supported, supervised and assessed by practice and academic staff to develop your knowledge and skills and achieve your competencies.

As part of the programme you will be required to successfully complete manual handling training and a mandatory assessment. This assessment includes carrying a weighted mannikin up and down the stairs using appropriate equipment.

As part of the programme you will be required to successfully complete manual handling training and a mandatory assessment. This assessment includes carrying a weighted mannikin up and down the stairs using appropriate equipment.

You will be assessed throughout the duration of the programme using a range of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

• Objective Structured Practical Exams (OSPEs)
• Written assignments such as essays, case studies and reflections.
• Exams (multiple choice, short/long answer)
• Portfolio completion
• Presentations both individually and as a group

On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a paramedic*.

Many paramedics have lifelong careers within NHS Emergency Ambulance Services which may offer a variety of roles (dependent on Trust) such as:

• Double crewed ambulance (DCA) Emergency Clinician
• Solo Rapid Response Clinicians (RRV)
• Advanced or Emergency critical care practitioners (ACP/ECP)
• Operation or Clinical Management roles
• Hear and Treat (control room) Clinicians
• Hazardous Area Response Team Paramedics (HART)
• Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)

*Please be aware that a valid UK driving license is necessary including a C1 category for employment within an ambulance trust. Whilst it is not a requirement at this stage it is strongly recommended that you are working towards this during your course if you do not already hold one.

**At the stage of employability some ambulance services require you to pass physical fitness tests to join.

The rapidly evolving nature of the paramedic profession now provides a multiplicity of emerging roles both within the NHS and private services.

Within the NHS there are roles with Primary Care, See and Treat, Community and Frailty Care, 111 Hear and Treat Services, Minor Injuries Units and many others.

Other roles include Off-shore medicine, Armed Forces and Remote Medics, private ambulance response services.

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

There are a number of costs associated with this programme of study:

Placement expenses (essential)

There may be some costs for travel or temporary accommodation associated with placements. Please note that for placements within emergency ambulance settings there is a requirement to travel to and from placement during unsocial hours which may incur additional costs or challenges. Personal use of a car is advisable although not mandatory. The NHS Learning Support Fund can assist with these costs. For Information regarding the fund including what it covers, and eligibility criteria please see: NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA

General Costs (optional)

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

Books (optional)

All module essential texts will be available for you to access via the University library but in limited numbers for physical copies. If you choose to purchase your own copy, books can cost up to £60 each.

Accommodation and living costs (essential)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in on Accommodation – Newman University, Birmingham

Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.