Paramedic Practice

Year 1

You will undertake theory modules and develop your core skills through simulated learning before you go onto placement. This allows you to experience real-life situations but in a safe environment, and reflect on your response. Interprofessional learning will also build your communication skills.

Whilst on placement you will develop risk management skills preparing you for the urgent and emergency care environments in Year 2.

Year 2

Year 2 will build on theories and concepts, introducing more complexity relating to paramedic practice. Placements within ambulance and non-ambulance environments will focus on developing the student’s history taking and assessment skills building on exposure to the urgent and emergency care environment.

Theory modules will consolidate learning and prepare the student to become a registered paramedic (HCPC). It will address theories and concepts such as pharmacology; advanced assessment and consultation skills; resilience and disaster preparedness; leadership and quality improvement. You may have the opportunity of an elective placement in this year.

Learning Methods

This course is delivered through a variety of online and face-to-face methods in an environment that fosters student-centred learning where responsibility is shared between the student, lecturers and practice supervisors.

Your theoretical learning will be supported by lectures, a virtual learning environment, online activities, group work, virtual reality, clinical simulation and reflection on practice. In our purpose-built Clinical Skills Centre you will be able to develop your skills and confidence in a safe environment using real-life high-fidelity simulations with volunteer patients before going out on placement.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - maximum 70 students per group,on campus or online, approximately 6 hours perweek
• Seminars -maximum 70students per group, approximately 6 hours perweek
• Placement / Work Based Learning -number of students varies by placement 37.5 hours perweek

How long is a BSc Paramedic Practice course?

A Paramedic Practice course can be successfully completed in 3 years.

Independent Study

Self-study time is an important part of your success, including learning in practice settings. The course is delivered face to face in lectures and tutorials as well as online and you will be required to access and complete all elements.

The online delivery, through RGU’s virtual learning environment CampusMoodle, is highly interactive. This flexibility allows you to study at your own pace with support from peers and lecturing staff within the School of Nursing & Midwifery.

Staff Delivering on This Course

This course is delivered by appropriately experienced lecturing staff and placement educators from a variety of specialist backgrounds. Our collaborationwith the Scottish Ambulance Service will also ensure you’re learning the necessary skills that are in demand now and in the future.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed eachyear:

Year 1

• 1 written exam, typically for 2.5hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 project output
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 2

• 1 written exams, typically for 2.5hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 project output
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 3

• 1 written exams, typically for 2.5hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 project output
• 1 practical skills assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

Practice placements equate to 50% of your course and will be located over Grampian, Highland, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles regions. Your placement will comprise of an equal balance between ambulance settings, where you will be linked to one area for the full duration of the course, and a variety of non-ambulance health and social care settings. These will include emergency ambulances, advanced paramedic placements, emergency departments; minor injuries units; GP practices; care homes; operating theatres; children’s hospital; coronary care; maternity; or mental health units. Students will be supported on placement by experienced Practice Educators.

We will aim to place students within their area of preference for placements however this may not always be possible and will depend on the requirements of the placement provider and their availability within that preferred area.

Job Prospects

Is Paramedic Practice a good career choice?

RGU Paramedic graduates with HCPC registration will be able to apply directly to the Scottish Ambulance Service for employment.