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University to offer paramedic masters degree

Alex Pope
BBC News, Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire Three trainee paramedics, all female. One to the right has a long ponytail, wearing a uniform and high-vis jacket, she is looking to the left, one behind her is looking down and a third, with a long blond ponytail, has their back to the camera. They are in a wood, with trees behind them. The University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire said about 1,000 paramedic scientists have graduated from its courses

A university that 25 years ago set up the UK's first ever paramedic science degree, said it was expanding to offer a new master's degree in the profession.

The University of Hertfordshire, in Hatfield, said the two-year paramedic science course, starting in January, was for anyone who wanted to respond to medical emergencies.

Principal lecturer Alexandra Ulrich said students will be able to "study at a higher academic level and reduce the length of time and costs associated with university degrees".

The new course was announced "as the NHS signals a demand for more qualified medical professionals", the university added.

The University of Hertfordshire Six paramedic students taking part in a simulation session at university. They are all wearing a green uniform, with a top and trousers, with four wearing simulation headgear. They are in a while room, with monitors, chairs and desks with screens on them. The University of Hertfordshire
Students can video and audio record their simulation, so they can review and reflect on it, the university said

Phil Withers, professional lead for paramedic science, said: "You can find paramedics in GPs surgeries, control rooms, primary care and also in research.

"Having a degree has opened up a range of options that were not there when paramedic science degrees first began."

Students will also be able to study via clinical simulation.

"It provides a realistic environment for our students to practice and enhance their skills before entering clinical placement," he added.

Ms Ulrich said: "By recognising their existing knowledge and experiences, these students are able to study at a higher academic level and reduce the length of time and costs associated with university degrees."

University of Hertfordshire Professor John Martin, with short hair, wearing glasses, smiling, looking straight at the camera, wearing a paramedic green uniform and standing in front of an yellow ambulanceUniversity of Hertfordshire
Professor John Martin graduated from the university's first ever paramedic degree course in 1999

Professor John Martin, an alumnus from the university and chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "There is now an improving mix of gender and ethnicity, and also a number of mature students changing course in life as well as those just setting out.

"We know that healthcare is a challenging field but becoming a paramedic is a brilliant career for anybody wanting to work in health and to make a real difference to other people's lives."

University of Hertfordshire Jaabir Booly, wearing a green uniform, with top and bottoms, holding his left thumb up, standing in front of a red helicopter, with yellow stripes on it. University of Hertfordshire
Jaabir Booly said his course was meaningful because of the "hands-on placements, which provide real-world preparation for emergencies and practical skills"

Jaabir Booly, a third-year paramedic science student at the university, said after he graduated he hoped to work in London with a tactical response unit or in urgent care.

"I would absolutely recommend paramedic science as a career—it's dynamic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in people's lives."

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