BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science program equips students with the skills and knowledge to become qualified paramedics. Emphasizing practical learning, reflection, and critical thinking, the program provides 1,875 hours of placement experience in ambulance services and other healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for careers as paramedics, with opportunities for continuing education and roles in other healthcare areas. The program features unique experiences like Major Incident Day and modern facilities, fostering a close-knit learning community.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become fully qualified paramedics. The program emphasizes practical learning, reflection, and critical thinking. Students will gain experience in both pre-hospital care through the ambulance service and other clinical settings.

Objectives:

• Become a safe and competent paramedic:
The course aims to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to practice safely and effectively as a paramedic.
• Develop essential lifesaving skills:
The course emphasizes the development of skills to handle emergency situations and provide immediate lifesaving care.
• Gain practical experience:
Students will complete 1,875 hours of placement experience with the ambulance service and other health care settings.
• Learn from experienced faculty:
The course is taught by a diverse faculty with a wealth of practical experience in paramedicine.
• Become prepared for practice:
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the realities of paramedic practice in ambulance service settings.

Outline:

Year One

• Developing Person Centred Care in Paramedic Practice 1:
This module introduces the principles of person-centered care in paramedic practice.
• Physical and Clinical Sciences:
This module focuses on the fundamental knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, including major body systems.
• Clinical Practice 1:
This module provides students with practical experience and assessment in professional values, skills, and competencies.
• Professionalism and Followship:
This module explores professional practice, including digital professionalism, regulation by the HCPC, values, ethics, and their impact on person-centered care.
• Introduction to Research and Evidence-based Practice:
This module introduces the evidence base for pre-hospital and emergency care, professional roles, and the use of therapeutic interventions.

Year Two

• Developing Person Centred Care in Paramedic Practice 2:
This module builds upon the first year's module and delves deeper into the theories and evidence behind person-centered care.
• Clinical Practice 2:
This module continues to develop practical skills and competencies for the developing paramedic.
• Social Health Behavioural Sciences:
This module explores societal health determinants, key health and social care policies that influence paramedic practice.
• Research Methods:
This module aims to develop an understanding of research in paramedic practice, including developing research proposals and conducting projects.
• Professionalism, Law and Ethics:
This module further explores leadership theories and develops leadership skills.

Year Three

• Dissertation:
This module enables students to conduct independent research projects on a chosen topic within paramedic practice.
• Understanding Primary Care:
This module focuses on primary and urgent care structures and the paramedic's role within these systems.
• Clinical Practice 3:
This module provides further practical experience and assessments as students become autonomous clinicians.
• Contemporary Issues in Paramedicine:
This module explores contemporary issues in paramedic practice, including dealing with complex situations and unplanned deaths.
• Leadership and Management:
This module develops leadership and mentorship skills in preparation for graduation.

Assessment:

• Formative Assessment:
This ongoing assessment helps students to monitor their progress and includes activities like research diaries, assignments, and tests.
• Summative Assessment:
These assessments contribute to the student's portfolio and include a variety of methods like clinical practice assessments, projects, and examinations.
• Clinical Assessment of Practice (CAP):
This assessment measures specific learning outcomes related to clinical practice. It involves both formative and summative assessments.

Teaching:

• Diverse Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.
• Practical Learning and Reflection:
The program emphasizes practical experience, reflection on practice, and developing a critical approach to study.
• Technology-Enhanced Learning:
The program utilizes technology like Virtual Reality, Simulation, and multi-media to enhance learning.
• Simulated Learning:
The program utilizes a Simulated Learning Ambulance and a purpose-built 'flat' to provide real-world learning experiences.
• Tutor-Led Sessions:
The program includes tutor-led classroom learning, case study approaches, and tutorials.
• Guided Study and Reflection:
The program encourages guided study, reading, and reflection on professional practice.

Careers:

• Paramedic:
The most common career path after graduation is becoming a fully qualified paramedic working in ambulance services.
• Other Healthcare Settings:
Graduates may also pursue roles in emergency departments, mental health settings, and other areas of healthcare.
• Continuing Education:
The program also emphasizes the importance of continuing professional development and postgraduate courses to enhance careers.

Other:

• Unique Program Features:
• Major Incident Day:
This unique experience allows students to work with policing and forensic science students to handle simulated crimes.
• Modern Facilities:
The program utilizes modern facilities, including a simulated ambulance, a mock hospital ward, and a mock patient residence.
• Close-Knit Learning Community:
The program emphasizes supportive teaching and a close-knit learning environment.
• Placement Opportunities:
Placements are offered across a wide geographical area within the North West (predominantly Cumbria).
• Accreditation:
The program is accredited by [accreditation body name, not provided in the text].

Note:

While the text highlights the program's rankings in the North West and UK, it doesn't directly state specific career opportunities or outcomes. The text does mention that graduates will be "prepared for practice in the ambulance service setting," suggesting a strong focus on traditional paramedic careers.

Tuition Fees 2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.