31-year-old Laura Bettison is currently working towards completing her degree in BSc Paramedic Science at QMU – an innovative, exciting and hands-on course that has been developed in response to the need for all paramedics in Scotland entering the ever-growing profession from 2021 to have a BSc level degree.
Having learned about the importance of communication with patients and embarking on several placements in different health settings, Laura is excited for her next two years on QMU’s course, which is ranked in the top 2 of UK and Scottish higher education institutions for Paramedic Science in the Guardian Good University Guide 2025.
What interested you about Paramedic Science?
To me, paramedicine offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of healthcare, working in a very privileged position to support individuals who may be facing the worst day of their life. Having the chance to train to be a paramedic through the degree route suits me well as it provides the time to build up the theoretical knowledge that will be the foundation of all decision-making in the future.
Why did you choose to study BSc Paramedic Science at QMU?
I chose QMU because of the people. Being a smaller university suits me well, and I like the fact that you don’t feel like a stranger amongst a crowd. Even before starting my degree, interactions with students and staff emphasised QMU’s person-centred approach, making me feel like I was part of the community.
What have you most enjoyed about your course so far?
My academic highlight so far has been completing my first ambulance placement and feeling like everything is starting to click into place. We are faced with a lot of information, but over time all the pieces start to come together and make sense.
Socially, I have really enjoyed being part of the Paramedic Society which to date has included social events and (Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions and opportunities. Being in a society has been a great way to meet peers from across the three years, strengthening the community feel that QMU offers.
How beneficial do you find it that a large proportion of your course is placement based?
Working in paramedic science will involve us constantly being on the go and acting in quick response to situations, meaning placement experience is crucial. At QMU, a lot of our placements involve working on the ambulances, but also in various cross sector locations including care homes (1st year only), A&E, maternity, stroke wards, and mental health wards. Placements have been invaluable in bringing all the theoretical components together, and have definitely resulted in a few lightbulb moments. Outside this, just having exposure to different stages in a patient’s journey has really helped to consolidate learning experiences.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned at university so far?
The power of effective communication. It’s all well and good being on top of your clinical skills, but without being able to talk to, and reassure both patients and loved ones, you’ll definitely hit a lot of dead ends.
What advice do you have for any potential students looking at a degree in Paramedic Science?
I would say to make sure you are aware of the breadth of the role of a paramedic, it’s not all car crashes and major trauma! There is also a lot to learn, a large proportion of which is self-study, so I would say organisation is key. You can get ahead of the curve by getting your head around how to learn and different ways of conducting self-study – this is definitely something I wish I’d looked at sooner!
What do you hope to do with your degree upon graduating?
Once I graduate, I’m hoping to work as an NHS paramedic on an ambulance. Long term, I am interested in specialising down the clinical practice pathway, and also getting involved with teaching and educational opportunities.
