Sophie
Buttner

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science?

"I unexpectedly had to move home to the UK when the Pandemic hit after living and working abroad. I took a job in a care home which was meant to be a temporary role and ended up falling in love with healthcare. I used to work with paramedics quite often and I loved hearing their stories from work and their advice on career progression.

When I looked into all of the healthcare roles I could progress into, paramedicine always stood out as a role that matched my personality so well and would always excite me.

I went on to do an access course to gain the qualifications needed and thankfully secured my place at NTU a year later."

Why did you choose Paramedicine and NTU?

"Having worked in healthcare throughout the Pandemic, I saw first-hand the importance of the healthcare industry and the impact that paramedics have. The trust that I myself, and my residents would put into the paramedics during times of need was paramount and I was able to really understand and appreciate the critical work that they do."

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

"I have absolutely loved the course so far. Although I can’t deny that it is challenging, I have loved the content and the chance to not only learn, but also experience first-hand what it is to be a Paramedic in the community.

One of the highlights for me was having class debates during our Law and Ethics lectures. I found it really insightful to be able to see the viewpoints of my peers and compare them to my own thoughts and opinions on the subject."

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

"I became involved in the newly created ‘Peer educator project’, which has allowed me to work closely with peers from several cohorts as well as lecturers and other staff members. My involvement and commitment to the project have allowed me to progress into a leadership position as well as being nominated by my course lead for a position as a student ambassador at NTU. All of these projects have also resulted in securing a position as a first responder for a private ambulance service."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"I think it can be widely agreed that the NHS was the backbone of the UK throughout the pandemic. This is when it really hit home for me just how important the frontline services are and how critical the work that they do is.

Being a part of an organisation that allows me to spend every day of my working life, helping others and improving their lives, has been a very shaping experience. That is all down to being able to study and develop this career within the school of social sciences."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"At the beginning of this year, I started my first placement block with East Midlands Ambulance Service, working as part of a frontline ambulance crew, responding to 999 calls. Being on the front line has been one of the most amazing and invaluable experiences.

One of the best parts about placement so far for me has been working with my ambulance crew. My practice educator has been great and is always willing to teach me anything and everything he can. The technicians we work with have all been lovely and really hands-on and helpful with my learning. Everyone is really invested in helping you progress, and it’s been great to build good friendships with the people that I work with."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"On my second day of placement, I was lucky enough to go to a maternity job and I had the pleasure of delivering a baby. My mentor was incredibly supportive and although he always kept a watchful eye and answered any questions I had, he allowed me to be completely hands-on and lead the job. Thankfully, everything was okay, and mum and baby were both completely healthy.

This experience is the one that stands out the most for me. It’s very rare that paramedics get to go to jobs with such a happy outcome, so I am glad I got to experience this early on.

I am about to go out on my second block of placement, and I cannot wait."

Support

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

"Whilst being at NTU I’ve had a fair amount of experience with different support teams. From student support services and wellbeing teams to lecturers and peer mentors, I have been offered such an outstanding amount of support and always feel as if there is constantly someone available to help should I need anything.

When it comes to assignments and academic help, there are several resources available throughout the university, however, I was shocked by how much support the lecturers themselves are willing to give. Although there is the option to book tutorials, lecturers can often be found anywhere in our building and are always willing to stop for a chat, answer any questions, or even sit down and give advice wherever needed."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"I live in student accommodation on campus in a mixed flat of 6 people. As well as my flatmates, I’ve made friends with several of the people in other flats within my block and everyone often socialises together.

Within my course, all of the students are friendly and approachable. Although everyone has their own friendship groups, there isn’t anyone that wouldn’t be willing to help or give support and advice when needed.

As for my close friends, I definitely feel as if I have made friends for life and they have been a massive part of my Uni experience so far."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"When I graduate, my initial goal is to join the Royal Air Force as a reservist whilst completing my two years NQP within the NHS.
I would love to travel with my career and hopefully do some work with different charities and organisations around the world which support people living In underprivileged areas who have limited access to safe and effective healthcare.

Long-term I would like to gain my Master’s degree and move into medical education."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"During freshers' week, the university put on a freshers' fair where local businesses and all of the university societies come together to show new students what they can be involved in. This is where I came across the Universities Officer Training Corps (UOTC).

NTU has partnered with UOTC to offer student the opportunity to be a part of the military reserves, alongside their study. This is a great route into my military career and is something I will be getting a lot more involved with in my second year."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"Revise Anatomy and Physiology. It is such a massive part of first year and no matter how much you already think you know; you never know enough. And never leave your work till the last minute. Plan ahead for everything and be as prepared as you can be for whatever is coming up!"