Qualsafe and MediPro success

The recent completion of the first ever HCPC Approved Paramedic Programme by a Qualsafe Awards Approved Centre, MediPro, resulted in 14 successful candidates eligible to become HCPC registered paramedics - several of whom have already gained their registration number and make their way to the front line!

Qualsafe Awards and MediPro have been working on, what is currently the only truly vocational entrance to becoming a paramedic, for a number of years. This pathway is made up of a progressive suite of qualifications, which are built into an HCPC approved paramedic programme - offering an opportunity to those who may not be in a position to undertake study through the traditional University route.

For MediPro, this marks the end of an 8-year journey to push the prehospital care industry forward and make paramedic education more accessible and flexible. After several set-backs and some unsuccessful partnerships, in 2016 MediPro approached Qualsafe Awards who also felt that there was huge potential for a viable, alternative route to University study.

Qualsafe Awards, at that time, had recently released a range of ground-breaking, vocational prehospital care qualifications (FREC). These progressive qualifications provided a route to a career within ambulance services, so the final step to create an HCPC approved Paramedic programme in partnership with MediPro felt like a natural step.

"With shared values and common goals, our partnership with Qualsafe Awards felt like a natural fit. Their team have helped us to bring our vision to life - we wanted to create a vocational programme that would help address the industry shortfall and provide learners with an alternative route to becoming a Paramedic." - Brian English, Managing Director MediPro "Working with the MediPro team was a pleasure. Both organisations had the same goal to offer greater flexibility for those wishing to become a Paramedic whilst preserving the extremely high standards in the profession."- Anita Goodfellow, CEO Qualsafe Awards

The newly qualified students largely come from ambulance backgrounds, with a variety of ages and prior academic achievements; this has proven to be an excellent route to become a paramedic where learners have been looking for a career change or want the ability to combine work with their study. Already, MediPro have received a commitment to fill available places for the next 2 years from an NHS trust.

For Qualsafe Awards, having students who have come through the full FREC journey is very special; this 2 year Paramedic programme comprises of Qualsafe Awards' nationally recognised qualifications:

• QA Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
• QA Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
• QA Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in the Safe Administration of Lifesaving Medication (RQF)
• QA Level 6 Diploma in Paramedic Practice (RQF)

MediPro's programme not only accommodates those starting from scratch but also allows those who are more experienced, for example as Ambulance Technicians, through a fast-track route to fulfil their ambitions of becoming a Paramedic; taking into account their current skills and prior learning.
This news has come at an especially important time, with as many paramedics as possible needed in the fight against COVID-19, Qualsafe Awards in partnership with MediPro are pleased to provide an alternative route into this fantastic profession.

• To find out more about this programme, please contact MediPro on 01325 609030, contact@medipro.co.uk
or Qualsafe Awards for further details, t: 0330 660 0599,
e:info@qualsafe.com or visit
www.qualsafe.com