Becoming a paramedic or dr
Discussion
My brother is interested in this so asked me to ask here (as he knows how much PH has helped me in the past 
) for advice as to what is involved in becoming either a paramedic (1st choice) or Doctor (possible future ambition). So, what would he need in terms of A levels, training, other qualifications etc etc? Time scale involved?
Any help or suggestions much appreciated.
) for advice as to what is involved in becoming either a paramedic (1st choice) or Doctor (possible future ambition). So, what would he need in terms of A levels, training, other qualifications etc etc? Time scale involved? Any help or suggestions much appreciated.
Lil' Joe said:
My brother is interested in this so asked me to ask here (as he knows how much PH has helped me in the past ) for advice as to what is involved in becoming either a paramedic (1st choice) or Doctor (possible future ambition). So, what would he need in terms of A levels, training, other qualifications etc etc? Time scale involved?
Any help or suggestions much appreciated.
Someone looking to go in to medicine would be highly intelligent and a self starter so would have the wherewithal to have sourced the information pertaining to the A Level requirements to enter medical school.) for advice as to what is involved in becoming either a paramedic (1st choice) or Doctor (possible future ambition). So, what would he need in terms of A levels, training, other qualifications etc etc? Time scale involved? Any help or suggestions much appreciated.
With regard to Registered Paramedic; a simple search would lead you to NHS Careers and the HPA.
A desire to help people and not be squeamish and being prepared to study hard for 3 (Paramedic) to 5 (for basic doctor) years are a necessity. Places however are very competitive and training places will shrink in line with the contraction of the main employer, the NHS.
A good way to find this sort of information is by looking at the Prospects website. Here is the info for a paramedic-
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/paramedi...
It's a good starting point for finding out all sorts of information.
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/paramedi...
It's a good starting point for finding out all sorts of information.
To be a doctor requires a sense of vocation. It's not just something that you might take up because you quite fancy it. The training is lengthy, exacting, and the work often difficult and stressful, as well as being potentially rewarding, financially and emotionally. Entrance to medical school requires very high standards of academic achievement in science subjects.
Mate of mine did a Geography degree before getting his 'calling'. His application to a number of medical schools was turned down on the premise that as he'd obviously done a course in a completely different field he didn't show them the requisite desire to become a medic of any variety.
He went travelling for a year, did some portering in a local hospital and reapplied. He's now a qualified GP in the SW of England and couldn't be happier.
I think he started his medical training in 2000, and became a GP last year.
Becoming a paramedic is a completely different kettle of fish, IIRC.
Dr Rick
(non-medical Dr, so don't expect relevant answers)
He went travelling for a year, did some portering in a local hospital and reapplied. He's now a qualified GP in the SW of England and couldn't be happier.
I think he started his medical training in 2000, and became a GP last year.
Becoming a paramedic is a completely different kettle of fish, IIRC.
Dr Rick
(non-medical Dr, so don't expect relevant answers)
No clue about paramedic, though have a friend training with west midlands ambulance service at moment, so could ask.
As for medicine check out http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/
I'm a mechanical engineer with first degree in mech eng, but applying to study medicine. The process is basically;
- 3-4 A levels including Biology and chemistry (need A*'s in these)
-Sit generic intelligence/apptitude test called UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and get a high score
(most uk med schools use UKCAT in the application process
-Have some kind of shadowing/work experience under your belt. I did a week at sunderland royal hospital shadowing a cardiac and a vascular surgeon. This bit is vital in the application
-Maybe also do some volunteering in a hospice or similar setting
-Apply, do a really good personal statement and hopefully get some interviews
If you achieve lower than the UKCAT threshhold that they set for that year, they wont look at you however good your grades or reference. Yes its very vocational but you don't need want to do it from the age of 12 for it to be for you. I'm 27 and it took a while to realise what I should/want to do
As for medicine check out http://www.medschoolsonline.co.uk/
I'm a mechanical engineer with first degree in mech eng, but applying to study medicine. The process is basically;
- 3-4 A levels including Biology and chemistry (need A*'s in these)
-Sit generic intelligence/apptitude test called UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and get a high score
(most uk med schools use UKCAT in the application process
-Have some kind of shadowing/work experience under your belt. I did a week at sunderland royal hospital shadowing a cardiac and a vascular surgeon. This bit is vital in the application
-Maybe also do some volunteering in a hospice or similar setting
-Apply, do a really good personal statement and hopefully get some interviews
If you achieve lower than the UKCAT threshhold that they set for that year, they wont look at you however good your grades or reference. Yes its very vocational but you don't need want to do it from the age of 12 for it to be for you. I'm 27 and it took a while to realise what I should/want to do
phil-sti said:
i've always wanted to be a paramedic but looking on there site there is no part time grad course's available 
with a family i can't afford to go into full time education but i have the drive to do it while working.
anyone know where part time courses may be available?
No. with a family i can't afford to go into full time education but i have the drive to do it while working.anyone know where part time courses may be available?
Paramedic jobs are very over subscribed so they can pick and choose.
The other option is to move to Scotland where they still do it the old way (on the job training):
http://www.scottishambulance.com/WorkingForUs/Curr...
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