Although the level of demand fluctuates, paramedic science graduates are continuously recruited into the NHS to be paramedics. However, other options include working within HART (the ambulance service’s Hazardous Area Response Team), minor injury clinics, GP surgeries, the military, or working as a forensic paramedic. This degree can also take you into working around the world as an offshore paramedic or within other nations’ ambulance services.
Paramedics tend to start their careers in generalist roles before gaining specialisms through experience and further study, such as working for an air ambulance unit or as an emergency care practitioner. Paramedics have also been known to move into other health care fields and/or into the military, such as by becoming a nurse, doctor, care worker, midwife, or surgeon.
Since specific career paths may not be obvious, it is important to use your research skills to explore the range of opportunities and to consider your personal interests, motivations, values and strengths. You should also not forget that some employers will accept applications from graduates with a degree in any subject.
Researching your career options
Given the diversity of career options open to paramedic science graduates, it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future.
Take a look at the following websites for inspiration:
Employment opportunities
Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth paramedic science graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping stones’ to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.
- Front Line Paramedic
- Newly Qualified Paramedic
- NHS Paramedic
- Paramedic
Employers to consider
- London Ambulance Service
- NHS
- North West Ambulance Service
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- South Central Ambulance Service
- South East Coast Ambulance Service
- South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
- The Ambulance Sevice
- Welsh Ambulance Service Trust
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys of 2017/18 and 2018/19. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 23 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.