In October 2020 UWS welcomed its first cohort of students onto the new BSc Paramedic Science programme. This new degree, run in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, will enhance patient care and boost training opportunities for budding paramedics and reflects the growing emphasis placed on the profession to support people with long-term chronic conditions, mental health and minor illness.
Our students, studying at our state-of-the-art Lanarkshire Campus, have been outstanding over the first few months of the programme, especially given the restrictions that are in place at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are looking forward to continuing the journey with them as they move through the programme.
Some of our students have been blogging on their experiences of the programme so far.
“We have got on like a house on fire,” says Rachel Taylor, of her new classmates and academics. “Our cohort has gone above and beyond what is expected in terms of making the best of an odd situation. So far, we have formed groups to keep in regular (daily) social contact and formed a new society at the University – The Paramedic Society. Not bad for a brand new course?!”
Nicola Martin focuses on the adjustment to the University’s hybrid model of learning for academic year 2020/21 in her blog. “Whilst it’s a bit disappointing that we are not always on campus to enjoy the fantastic facilities, the University has more than made up for this by putting together some great resources and methods for online teaching. More than this, the Paramedic Science team have really helped us to feel connected by making our learning interactive. There are so many different platforms to share material and connect on, all of which offer different things but complement each other nicely.
“As Paramedic Science students, there is an element of our course that is practical and there really isn’t a way to do that online, so happily, we’ve been able to attend campus for basic life support and infection control classes.”
Debbie Sinnett blogs about her decision to apply for the Paramedic Science programme and embark on a complete career change. “I am 37 years old and hopefully proof that you are never too old to follow your dreams. I have always wanted to be a paramedic from a young age. For many years I was a hair stylist and set up my own company but it still just wasn't enough for me, so a few years back I got into healthcare and started working for the NHS as a Healthcare Support Worker. I still currently do this job which I do love and I also gain lots of experience which I will apply to my new role as a student paramedic.
“At the beginning of the year I decided to take the plunge when I heard about UWS starting this course and applied. I thought if I don't do it now I never will and here I am today starting my journey to becoming something I've always dreamed of being!!”
You can keep up to date with our student blogs on the programme’s twitter page @UWSParamedic. For more information on the programme visit www.uws.ac.uk/paramedicscience
Last updated: 09/02/2024