A year in the life of a paramedic science student

Hi, my name is Safina, and I would like to take you through the journey of becoming a student paramedic at Bradford. I'm currently in my third year, which is a paid sandwich year.

At the University of Bradford, the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course is four years long. However, don't let the length of the course put you off. Believe me, it is worth it.

A little bit about me

I’m an adult learner and I have two children. After many years of wanting to pursue this vocation, I finally decided to come to Bradford to fulfil a lifelong ambition.

Why Bradford?

It's simple.

For me, it's not only local, but it's the only university in England that offers a paid sandwich year in your third year. You have the opportunity to work for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service in a paid capacity, developing and enhancing the skills you learned at Bradford.

Structure of the course

The course usually begins in early September and breaks up for the summer at the end of May. You will be expected to attend campus Monday to Friday, for both practical sessions and to learn the underpinning theory relating to paramedic practice.

This course is designed so that you spend 50% of your time on placement and 50% of your time doing practical university activities such as lectures and seminars.

First year

Placements are usually designated depending on the location where you live. You'll have an assigned mentor to guide and support you.

Placements can include:

• patient transport service
• learning disabilities
• dementia and frailty services
• being stationed in a base ambulance station

Second year

Your second year will challenge you to develop your practice and theoretical knowledge.

Placements can include:

• being stationed in a base ambulance station
• maternity
• emergency department
• theatres
• acute mental health teams
• a fire service experience day

Third year

Your third year is a paid sandwich placement year. This year is unique to Bradford as they will support your Blue Light Emergency response training.

Fourth year

This will be your final year.

Placements can include:

• being stationed in a base ambulance station
• urgent care services
• opportunity to work with various health care providers
• a fire service experience day

Placements

There is a dedicated placement team that will provide you with an appropriate placement, and you will be provided with your uniform, boots and PPE by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

As a student paramedic, you will be required to work various shift patterns including nights, weekends and evenings. These experiences will help refine your skills and practice by working with patients. You will have the opportunity to interact with patients, ambulance service staff, the police, and the fire service, to name a few.

You will be working alongside a clinician and each shift will be different. You may start a shift by attending to someone within their home, and then the next could be in a shopping centre!

Money money money

As this is an allied healthcare course, you will have access to the NHS bursary. Every student receives £5000 per year, apart from the 3rd year. Whilst on placement, you are also able to claim back any additional expenses.

If you have parental or caring responsibilities, you can receive additional contributions to support your journey. The University of Bradford also have a Money and Welfare Advice Service to help you and offer financial support.

Student Finance will also contribute towards your study years.

Advice on placement

• be punctual – it makes a great impression
• ask questions
• communicate with patients
• don’t sit back – get involved
• familiarise yourself with the equipment

Advice at University

• start assignments early
• learn anatomy and physiology
• access support from the Academic Skills Advice Service – utilise the free workshops available
• use the services in the library – there are books and online literature available to support your written work

My first day vs now

It's always daunting to start something new, regardless of age and experience. I was apprehensive at first; however, I have met some amazing people and developed some great friendships along the way.

I’m now in my third year and ready to start working. Yes, I'm nervous, but I’m excited. This year will allow me to focus on my craft and put into practice everything I have learnt.

I’m not the same person I was when I started; I’m a better version of myself and will continue to strive on my journey to becoming a paramedic.

My advice to you

There is no other university I would have chosen, regardless of my location. Bradford is unique, and to be able to work for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service will give you the head start you need.

This is a challenging course, but don’t be daunted. To help those in an emergency and be able to make a difference... to save a life... it is a privilege.

Ready to take the next step?

Become a lifesaver.

Take the leap and apply for BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science to become the best version of yourself.