What GCSEs Do You Need to Be a Paramedic?

Written by: Ann Howell

Reviewed by: Dan Mitchell-Garnett

Published

20 December 2024

Read time

6 minutes

Illustration of a paramedic with a stethoscope and a medical bag, against a blue background with text: "What GCSEs Do You Need to Be a Paramedic?"

Contents

Paramedics often arrive first at an incident when someone has been injured or needs help. Their quick response to make life saving decisions under pressure means paramedics must be highly skilled, highly knowledgeable and highly trained.

There are many training routes students can take to become a paramedic dependent upon factors that include:

Qualifications
Cost
Time
Location

The two most common routes for becoming a paramedic are:

Paramedic science degree at a university
Apprenticeship as a student paramedic through an ambulance trust

This article will discuss the qualifications required for both routes, as well as other ways to obtain the knowledge and skills of a successful paramedic.

Core GCSEs for Paramedics

Maths and English requirements

Both routes to becoming a paramedic require GCSEs at a minimum of a grade 4 in Maths and English language.

Suitable equivalent GCSE qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland include:

A functional or essential skills course in maths or English
A national diploma or a national certificate in maths and English

In other countries GCSE-equivalent qualifications include:

The National 5 (N5) qualification in Scotland
IGCSEs are based on GCSEs but have a more international perspective and are studied in many international schools

Science requirements

Paramedics save lives using their knowledge of the human body, so a vital part of their training will be in biology and medicine. As well as being an admission requirement at some universities or ambulance trusts, a GCSE level science qualification builds a base for further study and includes:

Integrated science GCSE(s)
Combined science GCSE(s)
Single biology GCSE
Single chemistry GCSE
Single physics GCSE

Optional GCSEs for Aspiring Paramedics

As a paramedic you will frequently deal with people from all walks of life in stressful situations. You will have to make quick decisions, often with limited information available. Aside from the core GCSEs required, there are many other optional GCSEs you can take to develop the skills you will need.

Communicating with people

Articulating to others with confidence and empathy can come from studying the following GCSEs:

Drama
A language such as French, Spanish, Bengali or Mandarin
Citizenship studies,
Sociology
Religious studies

Knowledge of the law and society

It is critical that as a paramedic you know your legal responsibilities. This includes obtaining informed consent from patients before treatment, reporting child abuse to the appropriate authorities and maintaining patient confidentiality. Knowledge of a huge range of laws and regulations, such as the Equality Act 2010 is also required. A GCSE in law can provide you with a firm foundation for developing this knowledge.

Helpful scientific skills

Learning more about physical and mental health, as well as how people can take care of themselves, may come from studying GCSEs (or their equivalents) in:

You could even improve your data analysis skills with a GCSE in statistics or increase your understanding of computers and information technology through a GCSE in computer science.

Beyond GCSEs – What’s Next?

The most common route to further study, following GCSEs, is by taking A levels and then completing a Paramedic science degree.

To do this:

Most colleges and sixth-forms require at least five GCSEs with a grade C or 4 and above, according to whatuni
The majority of universities require three A levels, often one must be a science

For example, for entry into a paramedic science degree:

At Swansea University students are required to have 3 A levels all at grade B with a science A level preferred
The University of Plymouth may also accept other A level equivalent qualifications (international baccalaureate, T levels, an access to higher education diploma or an advanced apprenticeship)

A trainee paramedic apprenticeship, such as the one with the South Central Ambulance Service, is often paid and includes classroom based learning, placements with an ambulance crew, and the chance to earn a paramedic science degree. Requirements include:

Five GCSEs or equivalent at a minimum grade 4 including maths, English language and a science
Hold a full UK manual drivers license and C1, which allows you to drive vehicles up to a size of 7, 500 kg
Flexibility to work shifts
Good communication skills
The ability to work as part of a team
Physically able to carry the shared weight of 50.8 kg between two people
Use all aspects of patient moving equipment
Be 18 years old

The Importance of Work Experience

Whichever route you choose to become a paramedic, work experience is essential. Demonstrating experience in a customer service or patient care position can give your application the edge, as explained in:

This job advertisement from the West Midlands Ambulance Service
The University of Plymouth’s information on enhancing your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Be a Paramedic Without a Science GCSE?

It is possible to become a paramedic without a science GCSE but you will need an equivalent qualification instead. Anglia Ruskin University, for example, accepts students on their paramedic science degree course without a science GCSE but only if they have studied an access to HE (Higher Education) diploma.

Do You Need a Maths GCSE to Be a Paramedic?

To follow most of the possible entry routes to becoming a paramedic you need at least a grade 4 for GCSE maths or a grade C in an equivalent qualification. Contact the ambulance trust or university you would like to join to find out more about their specific entry requirements. Remember that resists are an option for students who didn’t achieve their required grades.

How Many GCSEs Do You Need to Become a Paramedic?

No matter which route you choose you will need at least five GCSEs all at least a grade 4 or the equivalent qualifications. The only way to find out whether your experience and qualifications are enough is to check out their website, such as the West Midlands Ambulance Service or Paramedic science at UWE, Bristol.

Kickstart Your Career With Save My Exams

Save My Exams provides a wealth of exam specific resources designed to help you ace your GCSE study, including:

Flashcards to help you get to grips with keywords and definitions
Revision notes that provide accurate and concise explanations for all your course content
Many revision notes also include videos with worked examples
Exam practice questions with different levels of difficulty (easy, medium and hard) to practice your exam technique