Student paramedics in Scotland are required to undergo a BSc Paramedic Science (or equivalent) in order to meet the requirements to join the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register.
Student nurses and midwives receive an NHS bursary, which is rising to £10,000 per year for 2020/21 since 50% of their course is 12-hour shift placement work where they work the same hours as a fully qualified nurse or midwife (unpaid). This bursary is to cover the cost of travel, textbooks and resources, accommodation, and general university costs. The paramedic science course is also 50% 12-hour shift placement work, the same hours as a fully qualified paramedic, also unpaid. Paramedic students are not entitled to a bursary in Scotland.
I am one of many who will be heading to university in September to begin my studies in Paramedic Science. I believe that we will struggle to hold down a job as most employers will not work around the 12-hour shift placements. The course also runs into the summer, giving paramedic students only 2 weeks of summer holiday. This means that students will be unable to work over the summer to earn for their second year.
Student nurses, midwives and student paramedics are all obliged to complete a 3-year degree, with equal hours of completed placements. It seems unfair to me that despite these similarities, student nurses and midwives receive a bursary, which is rising to £10,000 for 2020/21, and student paramedics receive nothing in comparison.
Paramedic students in England receive an annual £5000 bursary from the NHS because it was recognised that most students were unable to support themselves financially during their studies, due to the nature of the course. I share a common fear that without additional funding student paramedics will not be able to support themselves at University despite their SAAS loan. I hope you too can see how this is a problem which causes great stress to me and other student paramedics, I also hope that we are able to do something about it.
I estimate the following projected expenses for the average student during 2020/21:
SAAS loan. £4750 (annual)
Allowing for personal savings £1000 per year
Total money for academic year 20/21 = £5750
Rent - £135 p/w (48-week lease) = £6480.
Food- £20 p/w (approx 44 weeks) = £880
Textbooks and study guides = (approx) £50
Stethoscope = £50-£70
Travel to/from home (depending on location) (year) =£325 (approx.)
Travel to placements. = £100 annual (approx.) & placement accommodation (if necessary)
Total spend £7885-7905
A Paramedic is health professional, registered with the HCPC and how is there equality when we are not supported to the same lengths as our nursing/midwifery counterparts? This is no way of showing gratitude to those whom we rely on in our hour of need.