Uni application for paramedic science

[ucasstatement]

DD (18) is in her final year of A Levels (psychology, combined science and health & social care). She wants to apply to uni next year for paramedic science. I have agreed to help her with her UCAS personal statement. I'm just wondering what are the key things they'll be looking for? She has a part time job in a cafe, and has worked in a bar/restaurant, but she has no healthcare experience. Is she likely to need this specific experience?

Any tips from those who know what this course will be looking for will be much appreciated!

*I, not U

I’m glad other people have jumped in. I was really worried I was being mean. Tbh, it’s not even really about how competitive it is, although that certainly is a factor. I’m a MH nurse and, even though my uni insisted on work experience, our drop out rate was still 50%-and that included people who were really sure that this was what they wanted to do with their lives. The reality of front line health care can be terrifying. I’m probably projecting now, but I remember the first time I was left “in charge” or the first time someone handed me a list of names and left me to get on with it. Being a paramedic is like that without having the backup of a full team and having to do it while cold and possibly wet. She has to be really really certain that this is for her.

Just to add, there are so many more opportunities these days for qualified paramedics. These include working in primary care, in GP practices, GP out of hours services and A & E.

If she can’t get first aid/ambulance type experience then what about volunteer at hospital (is that still a thing?) I know years ago lots of kids did this chatting to patients and collecting menus. Or helping in a nursing home or summer camp with children with disabilities? Maybe more relevant than her cafe experience. Good luck to her.

I've showed her this thread this evening and she now seems to be taking it much more seriously! Shes emailed a few local care homes, our local St John's Ambulance, Red Cross, and our local ambulance service about volunteering. Fingers crossed she hears back from at least one of them.

I think seeing this thread was the kick up the arse she needed tbh, which I'm happy about! Thank you all 😀