How do I become a Student Paramedic?

Paramedics are trained at the National Ambulance Service (NAS) College which has three campuses in Tallaght (Dublin), Ballinasloe (Galway) and Tullamore (Offaly) with more campuses planned. The HSE/NAS offer a Paramedic course which is a three year degree level programme. You will obtain a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree upon completion.

The recruitment and selection process for this campaign is managed by the HSE National Recruitment Service.

Register on the HSE Career Hub to receive a notification of the next Student Paramedic recruitment campaign. You can also visit the HSE Jobs page.

Visit the HSE Eligibility Criteria which outlines the entry requirements and Careers Portal for information on other entry routes.

Female paramedic standing in front of ambulances

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) who maintains the statutory register.

The role and purpose of the NAS is to provide a clinically appropriate and timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation service. Pre-hospital emergency care and transportation services are provided as an integral part of a continuum of care for patients, and there is a requirement to work in partnership with other health care providers in both Scheduled and Unscheduled Healthcare Services.

The intention of the Paramedic Training Programme (including Internship) is to provide a pool of suitably qualified paramedics, licensed to practice by PHECC, who will be offered positions at the grade of Paramedic at various locations throughout the NAS.

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway

  • Paramedic
  • Specialist Paramedic (AP, Community, Critical Care, etc.)

Management Pathway

  • Paramedicine Practice Development Lead

Educational Pathway

  • Paramedicine Tutor
  • Paramedicine Tutor, Principal

This is just an example of the many opportunities within the NAS.

 

paramedics at an ambulance

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of Health and Social Care Professionals working in the HSE.

HSELAND is the HSE portal which offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie

PHECC provides guidance and information on the approved education and training pathways for paramedics and other pre-hospital emergency care professionals. They ensure that all training programs meet the necessary standards to provide high-quality care and support and ongoing professional development. For more detailed information, please visit the PHECC website.

Emergency helicopter

Staff benefits and testimonials

There are some very attractive benefits on offer to Paramedic trainees including the following:

  • Paramedic trainees are paid while they are attending the 3 year course at the NAS College – please click on the link below for the up to date salary scales
  • Successful completion of the course leads to the awarding of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree
  • Successful candidates will be able to apply for Paramedic vacancies at the end of their training

The HSE offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Please click on the below link to find out more about Paramedic roles:

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.

Female paramedic students standing in front of ambulances