How to Become a Paramedic in 2024

The complete guide on how to become a paramedic and pass the UK recruitment process.

4.9/5 Rating | 1,000+ Reviews 
How2Become Reviews 5 Star Rating from TrustPilot

Start Preparing Now 👉

How to Become a Paramedic in 2024

The complete guide to on how to become a paramedic and pass the UK NHS trust recruitment process.

“…I have now secured a position as a student paramedic with thanks to the tips and advice in this book.” – How2Become customer
How2Become Reviews 5 Star Rating from TrustPilot

Access the #1 resource now 👉

 BECOME A PARAMEDIC in 2024

The paramedic selection process is regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC sets out clear standards of proficiency for those wishing to complete a programme leading to application to join the HPC Register of professionals.

Part of the selection process for assessing a candidate’s suitability will involve an interview. The purpose of the interview is to see whether you:

  • Possess the personal, intellectual and presentational qualities suitable to become a Paramedic Practitioner;
  • Have the ability to accomplish the academic and professional requirements of the programme;
  • Display an understanding of the demands of studying at university;
  • Meet the standards required for entry to the programme applied for;
  • Display a commitment to developing subject knowledge, skills and understanding in order to be able to care for patients in the pre-hospital environment;
  • Display a commitment to becoming a competent safe professional practitioner;
  • Communicate clearly in written and spoken Standard English.
become a paramedic

The Paramedic Selection Process

The Paramedic recruitment process will normally consist of the following elements:

paramedic training course

Stage 1 – TRAINING TO BECOME A PARAMEDIC

The first step on your journey to become a paramedic is to complete a degree in paramedic sciences or via an apprenticeship degree.

The course itself will last between three to four years and will involve a mixture of theory and practical experience in the way of placements to the ambulance services.

There are a number of different course providers who offer different options. For example, some NHS trusts give you the option to study for the paramedic degree while you work for them, so it is best to investigate all available options for you before making a decision on your course entry point.

Stage 2 – The paramedic application form

The next stage in the application process to become a paramedic is for you to complete the online application.

Now, just because you have completed the paramedic degree, this does not automatically mean you will be employed as a paramedic. There is still much to be done. The application form being the first of number of required steps. Many candidates fail at this stage, so it is vital that you are fully prepared when completing your application.

Stage 3 – The paramedic tests

The next stage in the process to join the ambulance service as a paramedic is to undergo a number of psychometric tests at an assessment centres based around the UK. This assessment will include a number of tests which you will need to pass to progress in the selection process.

  1. Verbal reasoning
  2. Numerical reasoning
  3. Map reading test
  4. Dictation test
  5. Oral Highway Code test

Stage 4 – The Paramedic Interview

The last stage of the selection process will be for the trust to invite you to attend an interview with them.

This interview is tough and you will have to prepare comprehensively to ensure you are successful and be offered the role of paramedic. There are a number of different areas which you will need to have a sound knowledge of and these are all contained within this resource.

become a paramedic

Do you want to know how to PASS THE PARAMEDIC SELECTION PROCESS?

Get the edge now from only £19.97. Today’s price only £17!

Order now

How to Become A Paramedic: Commonly Asked Questions

To be eligible to join the ambulance service as a paramedic, you will have to either undertake and achieve a degree in paramedic science or join with an apprenticeship degree. Once qualified you can then apply for qualified paramedic roles with the ambulance service. An undergraduate paramedic science degree can be expected to be completed between 3 to 4 years and is available from a number of different universities. The entry requirements to be eligible to undertake a paramedic science degree requires you have a number of qualifications such as two to three A levels which must include a science and at least 5 GCSE’s. If you have equivalent qualifications such as a HND, BTEC or HNC including science or a related NVQ.

Some UK ambulance services do offer apprenticeships but you must have at least 5 GCSEs Grade C or above which must include Maths, English and Science. Once qualified you will also need a full driver’s license which includes manual and have been held for at least two years.

It is possible to apply directly to an ambulance service as a Student Paramedic. With this route you will then train as you work. This will be mixture of theory and practical placements with the ambulance service. The entry requirements for this route, will require you have five GCSEs which must include Maths, English and Science. You would also need a good level of fitness and hold a clean manual driving license. It is worth noting that student paramedic opportunities are scarcely available as the NHS trust will only recruit student once a year at the most. Some, every two years.

When you first qualify as a paramedic and have secured your first paramedic role you will be placed on a starting salary of £26,00 which is Band 5 of the NHS Trust pay-scale. There will be opportunities to increase your salary if you undertake further training in specialist areas such as trauma and critical care. The average annual salary for paramedics in the UK stands currently at around £27,000.

Qualifying as a paramedic can take between 2-4 years. There are a number of different routes you can take to qualify, but the courses themselves will all include a mixture of theory and practical placements within ambulance services and other healthcare environments. Each organisation will have different entry requirements so you will need to check in advance that you meet the entry requirements.

Paramedics will be called in emergency situations where there is danger to life or injury. They usually form part a 2-person crew which include an ambulance technician. They are responsible for assessing patients and if required providing any emergency treatment. Other typical duties can include:

  • Driving emergency vehicles;
  • Provide hospital personnel with information regarding the patient’s condition and what treatment they have administered;
  • Dressing of injuries including lacerations, breaks etc;
  • Respond to emergency calls;
  • Making quick and accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition;
  • Administer medication pain relief as required by the patient;
  • Competent in the use of specialist equipment such as ventilators and defibrillators.

The Paramedic Interview

You can expect that the paramedic interview will assess all of the following areas:

INTELLECTUAL ABILITY AND PERSONAL AND PRESENTATIONAL QUALITIES

You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for paramedic practice and would be likely to adopt a positive approach to work. The particular qualities that the assessors will be looking for include:

  • Confidence
  • Clear speech
  • Positive demeanour
  • The capacity to be an effective member of a team
  • Good communication skills
  • Enthusiasm
  • Ability to get on with people
  • A caring attitude
  • A genuine liking for and understanding of caring for sick patients
  • An ability to analyse questions and issues
  • An ability to give clear, thoughtful answers to questions

You will be expected to have well thought out ideas on why you wish to enter a career in Practice. Previous experience of health care is not usually necessary but you should have a good understanding of the knowledge, concept and skills of the subject area and the capacity to articulate your understanding. If you have planned to gain experience after the interview you should let you interviewers know.

Success on a course depends on you being able to commit to academic and professional demands and for this reason you should be able to demonstrate clearly an understanding of the academic rigours of this course and how you will ensure assessment deadlines are met.

Interviewers will expect candidates to have a basic understanding of the theoretical experience that will be gained during this programme and how that might enable your practice experience.

You should also remember that an interview is a two way process and that you should treat the interview as an opportunity to ask the assessors questions. It is important that you make the right choice of programme.

PASS THE PARAMEDIC RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Upload Image...

We guarantee that our Paramedic online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 250+ pages of recruitment information which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the interview, and the various tests.

Start Preparing Now 👉

PASS THE PARAMEDIC RECRUITMENT PROCESS

become a paramedic

We guarantee that our How To Become a Paramedic online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process successfully. The package contains pages of recruitment information, tests, and top tips which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the interview, and the various tests.

Start Preparing Now 👉

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

We have created a powerful online resource that will provide you with insider information on how to pass the selection process.

These online resources are literally packed full of quality tips and advice on how to complete the application form, how to pass the paramedic tests and also contains sample paramedic interview questions and answers.

BECOMING A PARAMEDIC IN THE UK

Step 1: Training

In order to practice as a paramedic you must first be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you’ll need to complete a HCPC programme in paramedic science. There are a wide range of universities in the UK which offer these courses, and also many ambulance service trusts which can provide HCPC approved training. The courses generally last from 2-5 years, depending on whether you are full-time or part-time. Students who wish to enrol on a paramedic science degree course will be required to pass a selection process that includes a numeracy and literacy test, a fitness test and an interview.

The training consists of both theoretical and practical study. You’ll spend a large amount of time working within real hospital departments, under the supervision of senior doctors.

Step 2: Application Form.

Next, you’ll need to download the paramedic application form. This is the stage where a huge number of candidates fail, so it’s essential that you give yourself plenty of time to complete it. You can download your application form from the website of the Ambulance Service that you are applying to join.

The majority of the sections within the application form are fairly simple. However you will need to produce a detailed and focused response to the ‘person specification’ questions and ‘vision/values’ questions. To ensure this, make sure that when you sit down to complete the application form, you have a copy of the person specification/job description next to you.

Step 3: Written Tests.

The next stage in the process is the written tests. These will take place at an assessment centre, and you’ll need to prepare thoroughly in advance! The tests that you will take are as follows:

  • Verbal Reasoning.
  • Numerical Reasoning.
  • Map Reading Test
  • Dictation Test
  • Oral Highway Code Test

You need to start your preparation for these tests immediately! The results of the tests are used as part of the entire selection process and not in isolation. You should be aiming for high scores in every element of the selection process, and that also includes the written tests.

Step 4: The Interview.

Finally, you’ll need to sit an interview. This is most common stage at which candidates fail, so make sure you prepare as much as possible. Make yourself stand out during the interview, having carried out plenty of research, and be ready to provide specific real examples of where you have met the personal specification for the role.

You should research in areas such as:

  • What does the ambulance service do?
  • What other services do they offer?
  • What does the role you applying for involve?
  • What qualities are needed to perform the role successfully?
  • What issues are effecting the ambulance service at the current time?

You also need to be aware of issues such as:

  • What the term ‘diversity’ means, and why this is important for paramedics in the workplace.
  • Why ‘diversity’ benefits the local community.
  • How the ambulance service in your community has worked to overcome different problems.

Pass the Paramedic Selection Process. First Time.

Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: become a UK paramedic.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

How to Become a Police Officer Guide Features

Pass the Paramedic Selection Process. First Time.

Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, these resources were made to help you achieve one goal: become a UK paramedic.

Customer Success Stories

Having helped 1,000s of aspiring paramedic applicants for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…

“Really good resource Thank you.” – Paul A. – TrustPilot

“A must for anyone going for any type of job, so many good questions and answers. Great for the interviews.” – How2Become customer

“My son found this book to be very helpful in preparing him for the interview stage. Clear and concise without waffling on. Recommend to anyone at this stage.” – How2Become customer

How2Become.com-testimonial-02

“This book has helped me in soo many ways. I have now secured a position as a student paramedic with thanks to the tips and advice in this book.” – How2Become customer

“Bought as a gift to help with preparation for student paramedic interviews for uni. I hear it’s been helpful so far!” – How2Become customer

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?

Complete guidance to ensure you pass the ENTIRE Paramedic recruitment process

Insider advice on how to complete the application form, including sample questions and answers

Previously successful application form responses that you can use to develop your own winning application

join army officer

Revealed – Tips to help you successfully pass the paramedic assessment process

Discover exactly how you are assessed throughout the entire selection process

A complete breakdown of the paramedic tests and how you MUST prepare if you wish to succeed

army officer interview

Sample paramedic interview questions and guidance on how to answer each one of them

Practice questions and answers for the paramedic tests. Practice the same skills you’ll be tested on for the real thing so you enter your tests fully prepared

The importance of ensuring you meet the minimum eligibility requirements

Time-saving strategies and score-boosting methods verified by our panel of Paramedic recruitment experts

How to get fit and be able to pass the fitness tests and medical test

PLUS…BONUSES!

BONUS #1

150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide

FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ downloadable resource free of charge.  It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough paramedic interview!

Interview Skilss | Sample Interview Questions and Answers Guide How2Become
  • All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face, broken down.
  • Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
  • How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
  • Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.

Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is exclusively available as a limited-time bonus!

Worth £9.99, Yours FREE

BONUS #2

How to Get Paramedic Fit: Insider’s Guide

A concise online guide to show you how you can get “Paramedic fit” and see results quickly to ensure you pass the fitness test – even without a gym membership!

  • Crafted with the fitness benchmark levels required of a UK paramedic recruit in mind, this guide provides an insider insight to the fitness regimes you can follow.
  • Your very own “Paramedic fit” workout regime created by former emergency service staff.
  • Full technique diagrams, workout timetables and regime templates you can implement right away!

Important: This insider’s guide cannot be purchased individually anywhere else and is available exclusively as a bonus with this resource.

Worth £9.99, Yours FREE

BONUS #3

PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Paramedic Testing Platform!

As well as life-time access to the Paramedic career resource, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to Online Paramedic Testing Platform (usually £9.99 + vat per month).

Online Royal Navy Testing Platform Subscription
  • 100s of questions on each element of the test to help boost your scores!
  • Practice all of the test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite.
  • Instant online access.
  • Compatible on mobiles, tablets and computers.
  • Scores are tracked so you can focus on areas that need improvement.

Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the quick-win strategies to give you the advantage right away.

Worth £9.99, Yours FREE for 30-days*

*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.

TOPICS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED WITHIN THIS GUIDE:

HOW TO PASS THE SELECTION PROCESS

  • Completing the paramedic application form to ensure success
  • Sample application form responses that have actually been successful.
  • The top 10 insider tips and advice brought to you by serving recruitment staff.
  • How you can easily beat the competition to land a job.
  • The criteria for joining the NHS Trust Ambulance Service.
  • The different training options explained.

HOW TO PASS THE PARAMEDIC TESTS

  • How to prepare for the assessment centre and test questions.
  • Sample test questions to help you in your preparation.
  • Map reading skills and exercise.
  • Actual paramedic interview questions.
  • How to answer the interview questions including sample responses to use.
  • Sample interview question responses.
  • Dictation Exercise.
  • How to pass the lifting and handling tests.
  • How to prepare for the driving assessment.

HOW TO KICK START YOUR PARAMEDIC CAREER

  • Paramedic training and what to expect.
  • How the NHS Ambulance Service operates.
  • Entry requirements for joining the NHS Ambulance Service Trust.
  • Training and what you will go through.
  • Salary and benefits.
  • Opportunities within the service for career progression.
  • Useful NHS trust contacts.
  • What your training will involve.
  • Manual handling skills.
Contents

250-page How to Become a Paramedic Online Guide (Lifetime access)

40-minute Paramedic Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)

60-page Paramedic Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)

67-minute Paramedic Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)

130-page Paramedic Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)

Bleep Test (Multi-stage Fitness) Audio File and Worksheet (Lifetime access)

150-Page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)

How to Get Paramedic Fit Insider’s Online Guide (Lifetime access)

30-Day Free Trial to the Online Paramedic testing Suite. Thereafter just £5.95 plus VAT per month (Monthly Service)

SILVER ACCESS

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

£17
(14% Saving)

Access Now

GOLD ACCESS

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

£25
(16% Saving)

Access Now

PLATINUM ACCESS

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

£35
(22% Saving)

Access Now

Features

You don’t just get advice on what to do. We will show you exactly how to pass the UK paramedic recruitment process.

Your 250-Page Guide To Success.

Our best-selling Paramedic career guide in a compact, accessible, online format to hold your hand throughout the entire selection process.

Created By Experts. Made For You.

With over 16 years’ of history behind us, we are the leaders in UK paramedic recruitment advice. So whether you want to understand the scoring criteria, learn what must go on your application form, recognise what not to say at the interview, or practice and pass the paramedic tests, you can access it all at your finger tips, today.

Order Now

Pass the paramedic recruitment process today. Trusted by 1,000s of customers worldwide.

SILVER
PARAMEDIC SILVER PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
£19.97 £17
YOU SAVE 14%

how to become a paramedic

✓ SILVER Access to the UK’s No.1 Paramedic Careers Guide and Bonuses
✓ 250-page How to Become a Paramedic Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 40-minute Paramedic Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
60-page Paramedic Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
67-minute Paramedic Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
130-page Paramedic Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
Bleep Test (Multi-stage Fitness) Audio File and Worksheet (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-Page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get Paramedic Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Online Paramedic Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 plus VAT per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
GOLD
PARAMEDIC GOLD PACK
INSTANT ONLINE ACCESS
£29.97 £25
YOU SAVE 16%

✓ GOLD Access to the UK’s No.1 Paramedic Careers Guide and Bonuses
✓ 250-page How to Become a Paramedic Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 40-minute Paramedic Application Form Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 60-page Paramedic Interview Questions & Answers Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 67-minute Paramedic Interview Coaching Video (Lifetime access)
✓ 130-page Paramedic Tests Online Workbook (Lifetime access)
Bleep Test (Multi-stage Fitness) Audio File and Worksheet (Lifetime access)
✓ 150-Page Interview Skills Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ How to Get Paramedic Fit Insider's Online Guide (Lifetime access)
✓ 30-Day Free Trial to the Online Paramedic Testing Platform. Thereafter just £5.95 plus VAT per month (Monthly Service)?
Order Now
FAQ
Frequently asked questions

Simply put, this training works and is proven to help people like you to successfully join the NHS Trust as a paramedic. As a lifetime access member, you will not only benefit from our flagship Paramedic resources (which has sold 1,000s of copies) but you’ll also get access to a dynamic portal of content that we update frequently with all the very latest information, practice material, and strategies that are helping people across UK become paramedics. With 1,000s of customers frequently thanking us for the career success we have helped them gain, and 16 years’ experience in providing recruitment and assessment centre training, you can rest assured knowing you are getting the best training material on the market.

This resource is our flagship career guide, designed to help anyone looking to become a paramedic and conquer the gruelling selection process with an NHS trust.

It is ideal for those just staring out at the application stage, who want an “over-the-shoulder” guide to passing each stage of the process.

If you have already begun the selection process, and gained your degree then you’ll be able to pick up this guide from the exact stage you are at and follow the step-by-step guidance to passing the tests, application form and  interviews, and more with confidence.

Whatever stage of the process you are at, you can be confident you’ll have all the strategies and tools you need to succeed.

Yes! With our guides and resources you will be able to access training that has been helping applicants successfully become paramedics for over a decade.

At How2Become.com we like to do things a little differently. Instead of just giving you access to guides which explain how the selection process works, and what you need to do to pass, we teach you HOW to do it also. For example, we don’t just provide you with sample interview questions, we provide winning sample responses and step-by-step guidance on how to create your own successful answers. Whether you are thinking about applying, or you are half way through the selection process, this guide will ‘hold your hand’ step-by-step. Here is a full list of everything you will get within this resource.

You will get unlimited access to all of the content contained within these resources with no time restrictions! We understand that applying to become a paramedic can be a long and stressful experience, that is why we want to take away that worry – you will get access whenever you need, whether it’s just for a week, or for a year, you will have full access to the ‘How to Become a Paramedic’ resource whenever you need it. You will also have access to all future updates we make to this guide, ensuring you are getting the latest guidance.

When we launched How2Become.com we wanted to ensure our content would help as many people as possible no matter where they are, and we are achieving just that! We sell our resources to every country in the world, with 1,000s of customers in the USA, UK, India, Australia, Africa and more! All of our content is either written or spoken in English, with the content designed to be as universal as possible unless otherwise stated. Our ‘How to Become a Paramedic’ guide is designed specifically for for the UK ambulance NHS trust selection process. If you can’t see a guide you need in our huge catalogue, then just let us know and we will help if we can!

Whichever option you choose, you can be confident you are getting the latest and highest quality training to become a paramedic. All packages contain our flagship guides: ‘How to Become a Paramedic’ career guide and application form video, and the bonuses listed on this page.

The Gold package contains everything in Silver plus our paramedic interview workbook and video coaching, also included is the online paramedic online tests workbook. The platinum package contains all in the silver and gold packs, plus the Multi-Stage fitness test download audio file.

As soon as your order is complete you will be able to access all of the guides, training resources via your How2Become account! You can use any smart phone, PC, Mac, or tablet to access your materials.

Yes, absolutely! We get 100s of testimonials and comments each month from those that have used our training, thanking us for the help it has given them.

Having created recruitment guides for the last 16 years, we know how often selection processes change. That is why we keep close ties to those “in the know” and we regularly update our content. You will get the latest and best strategies to enable you to become a paramedic.

WHY BUY WITH HOW2BECOME?

CREATED BY THE EXPERTS

PROVEN TRAINING

EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUSES

Firstly, these guides are created by us and our team of experts – we have all the answers to your questions and will help you succeed (like we’ve been doing for the last 16 years), we update our material frequently and you can contact us at any time with any questions you have.

Secondly, we provide exclusive bonuses with all our products that you won’t find anywhere else. These bonuses include free guides, powerful online testing suites and more!

Finally, our guides and training just work. Take a look at our TrustPilot page where you will see our rating of 4.9/5. There, our customers share their positive buying experiences and more importantly the time-saving success our resources have given them.

how to become a paramedic guide

Learn how to BECOME A UK PARAMEDIC

We’ve helped 1,000s of aspiring applicants in their journey to become serving paramedics. Trust the UK’s #1 careers and education specialists to help you secure your role.

Get instant access »

“Great resource and excellent information for interview preparation.” S. Peruri


RELATED PRODUCTS

Learn to pass the NHS Graduate Scheme video interview with our excellent tips.

Paramedic Tests
As part of the Paramedic selection process you will be required to pass various psychometric tests. The tests include numerical reasoning tests, verbal reasoning tests, dictations tests and memory tests. We will provide you with 100s of sample test questions and answers!

Learn More
Online Aptitude Tests Training Course From How2Become

Online Paramedic Recruitment Training Course
This masterclass is specifically designed for candidates wishing to become a UK paramedic. The course will provide you with expert tuition and insightful guidance through the challenging process of becoming a Paramedic, including how to pass the paramedic interview.

Learn More
One to one video interview questions and answers training by how2become

One-to-one Career Training
Want to get the edge over the competition from a recruitment expert? Get industry-leading personal one-to-one coaching from your home to improve your application form, CV and cover letter, or to brush up on the latest interview techniques.

Learn More