What brought you to think about going to university?
Caring for people and using my interpersonal skills has always been something I wanted to do. I had considered doing medicine but after completing my a-levels I decided it wasn’t for me and I took a gap year. My gap year fell during the Covid-19 pandemic and I worked as a carer which was challenging but solidified that I wanted to work in healthcare.
What is it you wanted to accomplish?
I didn’t want to work in a rigid clinical environment and found the autonomy and diversity of Paramedic Science appealing. I went to an open day and was hooked! Additionally, as it is a BSc, I knew there would be the opportunity to develop my academic and research skills.
Why did you choose Cumbria?
The University of Cumbria was the best fit for me for many reasons. I liked the small class sizes that meant I would have greater support from the lecturers and the practical learning and simulation environments were unlike other institutions offering the same course. Personally the diverse placement area which offered both busy and rural areas attracted me to the university. Finally I wanted to move away for university and the proximity of Lancaster to the Lake District and other areas seemed ideal.
The moment I met my mentor and attended my first ever job I knew that I had picked the right course for me. This has only been solidified with every placement hour I have completed!
Why did you choose this course?
I didn’t get the grades I wanted or needed to get into university to study medicine after my A-levels and actually received 5 rejections. This ended up being a blessing in disguise, as paramedicine is absolutely the best fit for me, my wants and skills.
What was the breakthrough moment for you when things began to fall into place?
I think it all clicked into place on my first ever ambulance placement. I had been so worried leading up to it, especially since my first shift was a night shift and it had snowed. The moment I met my mentor and attended my first ever job I knew that I had picked the right course for me. This has only been solidified with every placement hour I have completed!
What are your top tips for anyone else thinking of going to university?
Familiarise yourself with the HCPC’s Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and the Standards of Proficiency as well as the College of Paramedics’ ‘Becoming a Paramedic’ page. Make sure you engage with all of the university’s resources and ask for help when you are struggling.
What is your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part of the course is the ambulance placement hours as well as the clinical skills sessions. I enjoy working as part of a team to work on clinical case studies and create differential diagnoses.