Student profiles

Michael Fletcher

"I am 29 and a paramedic student for the London Ambulance Service (LAS). Before deciding to become a paramedic, I studied for another degree. After graduating, I decided to change my career path and follow the paramedic route.

"After a lot of research, I chose to study at St George's as it's probably one of the best medical universities in the country - having that on your certificate/degree is a great starting point. Also, because it is a medical and hospital-based institute, you have the chance to see patients on a daily basis and adapt to working within a hospital environment.

"Studying in a hospital also means there is always someone who is medically qualified to turn to if you have any questions. As students we have access to the anatomy and dissection room and can spend a day in there, studying anatomy and physiology.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my time at University - not only am I learning a profession, but I have met some great friends and colleagues."

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James Curtis

"My name is James Curtis, I am 28 years old and I live in Isleworth, Middlesex. I am a paramedic for the London Ambulance Service. Before becoming a paramedic I joined the Royal Berkshire Ambulance Service, where I worked for the Non-emergency Patient Transport Service. I also have a degree in Business Studies and French.

"Going to a university inside a hospital takes some getting used to. Pushing your way along busy corridors past patients attached to IV stands to get to a class or the student bar seems slightly unorthodox, but you soon get used to it!

"The Paramedic Science Foundation Degree is a very specific course that requires a great deal of motivation and self-discipline. It is vital to make good use of the e-learning tools available, such as online discussion boards. The more you contribute, the more you will learn. Practise your patient-assessment skills on healthy patients as well as sick ones. Read around subjects and ask lots of questions. The teaching staff at the faculty is composed of experienced doctors, nurses and paramedics. The faculty is second-to-none, so use it to your advantage.

"I really enjoyed the combination of e-learning, classroom study and work-based practice. The balance is just right, and allows you to apply new knowledge and practise new skills on the road as you progress through the course.

"There are numerous career pathways available within the modern Ambulance Service. For those wishing to develop their managerial and leadership qualities, the roles of Team Leader and Duty Station Officer may be of interest. However, I prefer my career to take a more clinical pathway, and there is never any shortage of clinical secondments available for those who enjoy a challenge. The Fast Response Car, the Cycle Response Unit, the Motorbike Response Unit, the Clinical Advice Desk, the Clinical Telephone Advice team and HEMS all hold exciting opportunities to develop your career, although competition can at times be fierce. Ultimately, I would like to take the Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) pathway. This role is still developing and will hopefully give me the opportunity to work in hospitals and GP surgeries in the future."

To find out more about life as a student in the joint Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences.