First paramedic graduates at University of Hull all secure NHS jobs

The first Paramedic Science graduates at the University of Hull have all secured vital jobs with ambulance services across the country.

The degree was launched at the University three years ago, following an approach from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, to help tackle a worrying shortage of trained paramedics.

Fast-forward to this summer, and the first cohort of graduates from the course are ready to join the front line and help save lives across Yorkshire and beyond.

As the University helps respond to an alarming skills shortage within the NHS, it has announced every one of its graduates has been offered a full-time job working as a paramedic.

Nicki Credland, Head of Department of Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice at the University of Hull, said: “This all started four or five years ago, when we had a conversation with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and had the idea of launching a Paramedic Science undergraduate degree at Hull.

“Nationally there is a huge issue around paramedic recruitment, so the more graduates we can get trained up and onto the front line, the better.

"At the University of Hull, we are doing our bit to get student paramedics through the degree and into full-time positions."

The first intake of Paramedic Science students at Hull has culminated in 13 new fully-qualified paramedics for the NHS front line.

Since the successful launch of the degree three years ago, the number of students on the course has increased.

This September, almost 50 Paramedic Science students are expected to commence their studies.

It comes as the University of Hull continues to play its part in supporting the region’s NHS and developing a highly-skilled healthcare workforce of the future.

Ms Credland said: “Students on the Paramedic Science course spend half of their time at university learning the theory – that involves a lot of simulation work and classroom-based teaching.

“The other half of their three-year degree is spent on clinical placement with the NHS, from GPs and ambulance services to mental health specialists. It helps students gain experience in a broad range of healthcare areas.

“It has been a challenging three years for these students, but they have all been absolutely outstanding, and I could not be prouder of them as they graduate and prepare for work as paramedics in the NHS.”

Students on the Paramedic Science course at Hull learn how to treat and stabilise patients at the scene of an accident or emergency – in those crucial minutes when knowledge and ability can be the difference between life and death.

Paramedics respond to all manner of incidents, administer medication to patients, and provide the first line of care to those in need.

Find more information on the degree course at the University of Hull here.