To work as a paramedic in the UK you need to be registered as a paramedic with the Health Professions Council.
Several paramedic qualifications enable you to do this.
You can attend university and train in one of several certified courses, including Paramedic Health Science, Paramedic Practise, Paramedic Science or Emergency Healthcare.
These can result in different degrees ranging from foundation degrees up to BSc with honours according to the university you choose and the specific paramedic course you take.
Alternatively, to gain paramedic qualifications you can train directly with an Ambulance Trust who may well send you on a day release scheme to join one of these courses as part of your training.
If you train with a trust you may not gain a full paramedic degree but you will receive a qualification which enables you to register as a paramedic professional with the HPC so long as their training scheme is approved.
Training with a Trust, you are paid a wage, albeit reduced, whilst training.
When training for paramedic qualifications at university you do not receive any wages but many Trusts will offer paid part time shift work to students.
Many students are eligible for grants to help with fees or are able to secure a student loan but you can easily check your circumstances and eligibility on the government's student funding website.
Any application for a paramedic degree course needs to be made through the UCAS system.
To gain a paramedic qualification directly with a Trust, search the NHS jobs website for trainee paramedic posts and apply directly.
Learn how to make a successful application though, as these positions are highly competitive and mainly only those who know how to apply get through the paramedic selection process successfully.