Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Studies is a four-year undergraduate degree program offered by the University of Limerick. This program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to become a paramedic.

Key Information

• NFQ Level: 8
• Award: Honours Bachelor Degree
• Duration: 4 Years
• Course Code: LM103
• CAO Points: 369
• Subject Area: Health Sciences
• Course Director: Paramedic Studies

About the Course

The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in paramedic studies, including both theoretical and practical components. The curriculum is divided into four main domains: Knowledge of Health and Illness, Clinical and Anatomical Skills, Professional Skills, and Pre-Hospital Research.

What You Will Study

The course covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, pre-hospital pharmacology, fundamentals of paramedic practice, and principles of pre-hospital care. Students will also participate in clinical placements and simulations to gain hands-on experience.

Year 1

• Semester 1: Anatomy and Physiology for Paramedics, Pre-hospital Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Paramedic Practice, Paramedic Practice Placement 1, Emergency Driving Theory
• Semester 2: Emergency Driving, Paramedic Practice Placement 2, Principles of Pre-hospital care
• Semester 3: Continuation of principles of pre-hospital care and other related topics

Year 2

• Semester 1 & 2: Rostered Clinical Placement 1 and 2
• Summer: Rostered Clinical Placement 3

Year 3

• Semester 1: Anatomy and Physiology in Emergent Care 1, Principles of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care 1
• Semester 2: Anatomy and Physiology in Emergent Care 2, Principles of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care 2

Year 4

• Semester 1: Professional Development in Paramedic Practice, Introduction to Emergent Care Research, Population Health and Emergent Care
• Semester 2: Leadership and Mentorship in Pre-Hospital Education, Pre-Hospital Research Proposal

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Grades: 2 H5 (Higher level) grades and 4 O6 (Ordinary level) grades or 4 H7 grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
• Subject Requirements: Applicants must hold an O6/H7 grade in one of the following Laboratory Science subjects: Biology; Physics; Chemistry; Physics and Chemistry; or Agricultural Science.
• Additional Considerations: Evidence of a clean unrestricted Full B driving licence and a minimum provisional C1 driving licence is required prior to offer of a place on the programme. Applicants must produce a full C1 licence by the end of Year 1.

How to Apply

Applications must be made through the CAO. Mature students must apply through the CAO by February 1st and may be required to interview for a place on the program.

Fees and Funding

• EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant: HEA pays Tuition Fees (4,762), SUSI pays Student contribution (2,500), Student pays Student Levy (104).
• EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant: HEA pays Tuition Fees (4,762), Student pays Student contribution (2,500) and Student Levy (104).
• Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant: Student pays Tuition Fees (4,762), Student contribution (2,500), and Student Levy (104).
• Non-EU Students: Student pays Tuition Fees (27,096) and Student Levy (104).

Scholarships

Various scholarships are available, including the Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme, All Ireland Scholarships, and others.

Your Future Career

As a graduate of Paramedic Studies, you will be ready for employment within state and private emergency medical services. The program prepares students for a career as a paramedic, with opportunities for advancement and further education.