The newly qualified paramedic programme, from the perspective of a student paramedic

What is it about?

This article comments briefly on the Department of Health's newly qualified paramedic programme, which introduces a 2 year post qualification scheme for newly registered paramedics to be continually mentored as they reduce the theory-practice gap and gain experience. Secondary to this, is to improve retention of front line staff within the NHS. The article explores similar concepts from other healthcare professions and countries to establish potential benefits and pitfalls of the newly qualified programme.

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Why is it important?

The importance of this article is the timely need to question the scheme on behalf of current students, prospective paramedics, and the academic institutions that write and develop paramedic programmes. The paramedic profession is comparatively new compared to other healthcare professions, with a growing recognition of a need for higher education and experiential support and development in order to satisfy the professional demands required by the regulatory body, the HCPC, and the College of Paramedics. The newly qualified paramedic programme seeks to bridge the transition from student to registered professional, ensuring that newly registered paramedics are supported, develop confidence and meet the public expectation as defined by the HCPC. However, the article calls into question the duration of the programme, and whether the outcomes anticipated by the Department of Health and the NHS will be of benefit in the future.

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