BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science draft

Program Overview

Liverpool John Moores University's BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to become registered paramedics. The program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness, providing hands-on training through placements with North West Ambulance NHS Trust, one of the largest ambulance services in the UK. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, enabling them to pursue careers in the ambulance service, primary care, and other healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become registered paramedics, capable of working effectively at the frontline of healthcare.
• Program Description: The program focuses on developing strong leadership skills, independent work abilities, and teamwork skills.
It emphasizes the importance of physical fitness due to the demanding nature of the role, which involves moving and handling patients and equipment.
• Placement Opportunities: The program offers a wide range of placement opportunities, primarily with North West Ambulance NHS Trust (NWAS), the largest ambulance service outside London.
• Learning Environment: Students learn in a multi-professional environment, alongside other health professionals and emergency services.
They receive excellent supervision and support in practice settings.
• Key Features:
• Evidenced-based education and learning
• 5,000 per year NHS training grant, plus another 2,000 for students with dependent children
• Simulated experiences to support practice
• Multi-professional days with midwifery and nursing students

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program is a 3-year full-time course, delivered on the City campus.
• Course Schedule:
• Level 4: 50:50 split between theory and practice
• Level 5: 50:50 split between theory and practice
• Level 6: 40:60 split, emphasizing practice to prepare for employment
• Modules:
• Level 4:
• Structure and Function of the Human Body (20 credits)
• Foundations of Communication and Professionalism (10 credits)
• Perspectives of Health (10 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness (20 credits)
• Illness, Diagnosis and Treatment (20 credits)
• Paramedic Practice (40 credits)
• Level 5:
• Research Methodologies for Paramedics (10 credits)
• Pathophysiology (20 credits)
• Promoting Professional Values (10 credits)
• Applied Pharmacology for Paramedics (20 credits)
• Clinical Examination, Assessment and Decision Making (20 credits)
• Advanced Practice (40 credits)
• Level 6:
• Enhanced Clinical Skills (20 credits)
• Expanding Research in Paramedic Practice (20 credits)
• Critical Review (40 credits)
• Leadership as a Practice Educator (20 credits)
• Paramedic Approach within an Integrated Urgent Care Service (20 credits)
• Reflective Practice: The program utilizes state-of-the-art recording equipment to facilitate reflective practice, allowing students to analyze their own and fellow students' simulated clinical practice.
• Module Guidance:
• All modules are core, meaning all students must study them.
• Changes to modules will be communicated as necessary.

Assessment:

• Methods: Assessment varies depending on the module, but typically includes a combination of exams and coursework.
• Feedback: Marks and feedback are provided within 15 working days of submission.

Teaching:

• Approach: The program utilizes an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning.
• Methods: Modules are delivered through a variety of methods to cater to different learning styles.
• Faculty: The program is led by Jason Comber, Programme Leader, and a team of senior lecturers.
• Support: Students are assigned a Personal Tutor for guidance and support.

Careers:

• Eligibility: Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, allowing them to practice as paramedics anywhere in the UK.
• Career Paths:
• Ambulance service
• Primary care settings
• NHS Trusts
• Private organizations
• Progression: Graduates can pursue further education and development, including:
• Progression within their chosen healthcare setting
• Development of wider skills and educational pathways
• Support: The College of Paramedics offers advice and guidance on career and professional development.

Other:

• Facilities: The School of Nursing and Allied Health offers specialist clinical practice suite facilities, seminar rooms, IT suites, lecture theatres, a café, and social spaces.
• Driving Licence: All applicants require a full UK driving licence upon commencement of the program.
• C1 Licence: Students are encouraged to obtain a C1 provisional entitlement on their driving licence, as it is required for employment in many ambulance services.
• DBS and Occupational Health: All applicants must undergo a DBS check and Occupational Health assessment.
• International Qualifications: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
• Application Process:
• Applications are assessed based on qualifications and personal statements.
• Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview.
• Offers are subject to satisfactory medical clearance, DBS check, and completion of moving and handling assessments.

Fees and funding:

Home full-time per year

£9,250

International full-time per year

£18,250 All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.