Jack
Wathen

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree in Paramedic Science?

"Having already completed an undergraduate degree almost ten years ago the postgraduate MSc course at NTU was the perfect choice for me for a number of reasons. Not only did it offer me the opportunity to study at a higher level with other more mature students but it also meant I was able to access all important student finance support to help me complete the course."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"The facilities at NTU for Paramedic and Nursing training are absolutely amazing. I wanted to learn in an environment where the tutors were medically current and the training tools would give me the best chance of becoming a skilled and confident clinician. It was an added bonus for me that I am from the Midlands which meant I could stay living at home and commute into Clifton Campus which is really easily accessible."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"My time at NTU so far has absolutely flown by, it’s amazing to think how quickly I have developed as a clinician since starting my course 16 months ago. The course hasn’t always been easy and has offered me challenges that are completely new but the personal development and feedback from my lecturers and Practice Educators have made it all worth it. Practical placement with the ambulance service is a fundamental part of the MSc in Paramedic Science and for me has been a highlight. It allows students to take their new found knowledge and apply it immediately in real world medical situations. This symbiosis between academia and practical application of medical principles, for me, is an ideal way to learn."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"There have been so many opportunities to volunteer within the department to help promote Paramedic Science and help other students to enrich their learning. I particularly enjoyed volunteering to be an actor for the second-year MSc student Major Incident Day. We were dressed up and given professional make-up before acting as casualties in a disaster scenario."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"To me, social sciences means being able to apply theoretical scientific principles in a way that actively improves people's lives. As an MSc Paramedic Science graduate, I will have so many varied opportunities in both academia and vocational healthcare roles and this variety for me is very liberating."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course? 

"The MSc Paramedic Science course offers around 1200 hours of frontline ambulance or related hospital placement time. This is an invaluable element of the course which prepares graduates for the real world realities of working in a pre-hospital environment. I have been stationed at Ashbourne Ambulance Station which is around 10 minutes from my house and have worked with two Practice Educators who have both been fantastic."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"Placement is such a great opportunity to meet new people and to get a sort entry into the ambulance service. My resounding memories will be the people I have been lucky enough to meet and learn from over the two years."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"I have been supported well throughout my course, I have been able to communicate openly and honestly to the faculty and have appreciated the commonsensical nature of the relationship promoted between staff and mature students."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"My cohort is relatively small compared to some others at NTU but that didn’t stop me from making great friends from day one. Learning to be a paramedic can certainly have it’s stressful moments but being able to rely on the support of my peers and learn from their experiences has been a huge help."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After NTU I hope to pursue a career as a Paramedic with East Midlands Ambulance Service and hope to begin teaching alongside that so that I can share my knowledge and experiences with those looking to become healthcare professionals also."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU has strong relationships with East Midlands Ambulance Service along with a variety of other organisations. The career days have also opened my eyes to the huge variety of options becoming more readily available to registered clinicians outside of the Ambulance Service."