Paramedic degree apprenticeships and the University of Cumbria approach

The role of a paramedic within the ambulance service continues to diversify, with paramedics using a widening scope of practice to care for patients. Because of the knowledge, skills and experiences paramedics develop, the NHS has been utilising them in many roles outside of the ambulance service, most notably in primary care. In 2018 it was estimated that there were currently 1000 paramedic vacancies within the UK. Clearly there needs to be more paramedics educated each year and the paramedic degree apprenticeship is one of two options to address this workforce imbalance.