Is becoming a paramedic a good job?

Which route is best to become a paramedic?

• My boyfriend is interested in becoming a paramedic. He's in his last year of school and he's got a conditional offer for uni to do nursing but he doesn't think he's going to meet the conditions and he thinks the job of a paramedic would suit him better anyway. We've done a bit of research but it's kind of confusing. As far as I can tell, you can either do a degree or you can start as a driver and work your way up...? What are the pros and cons of each route? Is one easier than the other? And is it possible to volunteer with the ambulance service or do work experience, to get an idea of what's required? Thanks!

• Answer:

  To become a paramedic you need to apply to your local ambulance association. You would start as an ambulance assistant, then progress to ambulance technician, then paramedic after on the job training. They usually require a few GCSEs or Standard Grades for entry. There are some degree level courses in Paramedic Sciences, but these are usually for employed paramedics for the purposes of professional developement. If you ask me, tell him to stick with Nursing, it is better paid.