What degree do you need to be a paramedic?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You need a paramedic science degree to be a paramedic. To work as a paramedic, you'll first need to successfully complete an approved degree in paramedic science or an apprenticeship degree. You'll then need to apply to an ambulance service as a qualified paramedic and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Paramedic science programs typically take between three or four years of full-time school. Courses include a mixture of theory and practical work, including placements with ambulance services.

Entry requirements for an undergraduate course are typically:

apprenticeship(s)
two or three A levels, including a science, along with five GCSEs (grades 9-4/A-C), including English language, math, and science

Or equivalent qualifications:

a BTEC, HND, or HNC, including science
a relevant NVQ
a science- or health-based access course

When applying to an ambulance service trust as a student paramedic or once you're fully qualified, you'll need to have a full, manual driving license.

If you passed your test after 1996, you might also need an extra driving qualification to drive larger vehicles and carry passengers. Ambulance service trusts use vehicles of different sizes, so check which classifications you need on your license.