BSc Paramedic Science Frequently Asked Questions
The information here relates to Level 1 of the BSc Paramedic Science programme itself, if you have general queries related to being a student at GCU have a look at the wealth of information that can assist you at:
How many students are there?
There will be approximately 50 students in the Level 1 BSc Paramedic Science, and for many of your lectures you will be taught in that group. In addition you will be allocated to smaller tutorial groups and practical groups for some modules, and for your Inter-Professional Education modules you will have the opportunity to work with students from other professional disciplines
What is the age mix?
Paramedic Science attracts people from a range of ages, backgrounds and nationalities. This mix of people means that a wealth and variety of experience is brought to the group and adds to the dynamic of your learning experience whilst at GCU.
Who will be teaching me?
Glasgow Caledonian University prides itself on having skilled and experienced teaching staff. Not only are staff skilled in their professional field but they are experienced educators. For your Paramedic specific modules you will be taught by Paramedic lecturers and other out-of-hospital care experts. Your other essential supporting modules such as Physiology, inter-professional and evidence based practice modules are taught by subject specialists in their areas.
Where does teaching take place?
Most of your Level 1 studies will take place within the learning and teaching facilities on the University Campus. You will also be provided with a range online learning materials for you to work through in preparation for class based activities. Learning on campus will also include aspects of your clinical studies as we will utilise the state of the art Inter-professional Simulation Centre within the Govan Mbeki Building. Other aspects of your Level 1 studies will take place in the clinical environment to enable you to put your new skills and knowledge into practice in a controlled and supportive setting.
We can teach you, and we can assist you to learn but at the end of the day it will be you who will be doing the learning. You are encouraged to make the most of every learning opportunity that presents itself to you to get the very best out of the exciting opportunity and experience that undertaking a programme of study like this brings.
How often will I be in practice placement?
In your first year of study you will undertaken 3 practice based education periods. The first is a 3 week observational placement with the Scottish Ambulance Service. This will occur in January of your first year and allow you to experience the realities of the paramedic profession first hand.
Your subsequent practice placements will be in trimester C. These will be 10 weeks in total with 5 weeks spent in the Scottish Ambulance Service and 5 weeks in a clinical environment such as a hospital ward, this placement is to enhance person-centred care and communication skills.
Is there any extra training additional to the modules?
During your first trimester you will required to attend a number of tutorials/training in preparation for entering the clinical practice environment. In addition to this you will be required to complete some e-learning courses. These are all mandatory and necessary to ensure your health and safety in the clinical environment.
Are there any books I need to buy?
It is advised that you purchase the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) UK Ambulance Services Clinical Practice Guidelines. There is currently a 2016 edition of the main text and the pocket book. Both formats will be useful. These guidelines are updated regularly, however if you become employed by an NHS ambulance service they will purchase for you.
All modules will provide you with recommended reading at your module induction. A programme recommended reading list will be available in the programme handbook which you will receive on your first day and is also available on GCULearn.
During the course of your studies you will have texts recommended to you and we suggest that in the first instance you get them from the library to enable you to ‘try before you buy’ as not all text books suit all learners. GCU Library has an extensive range of books and journals available to you and many, many more which are available electronically.
Will I require specialist equipment?
The only specialist equipment we ask you to purchase is a a copy of the JRCALC Pocket book for clinical use.
All other specialist equipment is provided for you either at the University or in the clinical setting. Advice regarding the voluntary purchase of personal issue equipment will be available in the programme handbook.
Do I have to buy uniform?
No. Currently your uniform will be provided for you at no cost. This includes all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required for entering the ambulance service environment.
You will be fitted for your uniform in Induction Week. Please ensure you check the induction week timetable carefully for your fitting time and place. Following this your uniform will be ordered and distributed to you in due course.
What do I need to bring on the first day?
Your joining instructions which will be posted/emailed out to you will identify the various aspects of paper work we require you to bring. The nature of Induction is one where we need to go through a variety of administrative processes with you. If you can be prepared and have with you all the relevant documentation it will make this whole process much smoother for all parties.
You may find it useful to dedicate a folder to all of the necessary documentation so you have it all in one place for when you need it.
Another thing that is extremely useful to have with you is a diary as there will be a lot going on in addition to your standard timetable of events.
Why do I have to attend for an immunisation appointment?
Once you have firmly accepted a place at GCU you will have received a Health Declaration Form (HDF). As you will undertaking clinical placements within NHS facilities you will have to comply with the NHS immunisation standards and as such as well as completing your HDF you will be required to have an appointment with our Occupational Health provider to check and where necessary bring up to date your immunisation status