Paramedic Practice
Developed in response to an increase in learning and training requirements for paramedics, the Paramedic Practice course at Robert Gordon University is delivered in collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). You will learn the necessary skills that are in demand now and in the future, within unique remote and rural placement locations.
To meet the needs of this rapidly diversifying profession, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to confidently deliver complex high-quality care across the life-span to your local community. As a Paramedic you will play an integral part in the National Health Service. Not only will you deliver front-line emergency care on road ambulances, you’ll also work in a number of advanced paramedic practice areas such as primary care and critical care.
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.
Year 3
MODULES
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our Course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationThis 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 per week
- Seminars - maximum 70 students per group, approximately 6 hours per week
- Placement / Work Based Learning - number of students varies by placement 37.5 hours per week
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 collaboration with 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 each year:
Year 1
- 1 written exam, typically for 2.5 hours
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 project output
- 1 practical skills assessment
Year 2
- 1 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 project output
- 1 practical skills assessment
Year 3
- 1 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
- 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.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
ONLINE LEARNING & SUPPORT
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on-campus or by online distance learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
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.
What is needed for a Paramedic Practice course?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: CCC. Higher English and a science subject are recommended. English, Maths and a science subject are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
- GCE A Level: CC. A Level English and a science subject are recommended. English, Maths and a science subject are required at GCSE grade 5/C or above if not held at A Level.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H4H4. Higher English and a science subject are recommended. English, Maths and a science subject are required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
- IB Diploma: 24. Higher Level English and a science subject are recommended. English, Maths and a science subject are required at Standard Level grade 3 if not held at Higher.
Minimum entry requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: CCC. Higher English and a Science subject are recommended. English, Maths and a Science subject are required at National 5 C if not held at Higher.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
You do not require to have a driving licence for entry to this course.
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English are required to have an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of 7.0 with a score of 7.0 in all elements apart from writing where minimum score is 6.5. Appropriate equivalents will be considered.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Tuition fees for this Paramedic Practice course are as follows:
FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021
- £1,820 per academic year
This program is funded by the Scottish Government and therefore it is available, at present, to Scottish students only. Eligible students should claim tuition fees via the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) in line with all standard guidance and timescales.
The Scottish Government have confirmed expenses for Scottish domiciled students undertaking the paramedic science degrees. In line with AHP student expense policy, students can claim placement expense costs for additional travel and accommodation from SAAS.
Uniforms, including personal protective equipment, will be provided
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Accommodation and Living costs - students may be eligible for financial assistance with accommodation and placement costs.
- Printing
- Uniform - At the beginning of your course and during all practice placements you are required to wear an official uniform and personal protective equipment. If you are a student from Scotland, this will be paid for by the Scottish Government. Where uniforms become damaged or for any other reason unsuitable, you are responsible for the cost of the replacement.
- Specialist clothing for clinical skills teaching.
Student Funding
Qualifying Paramedic students are eligible to apply for a loan which is administered through the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
Widening Access Accommodation and Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2021 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for free accommodation in your first year of study, along with our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Team and we'll do our best to help.