Ambulance to Medicine?

[Wombat]

Hi,

I am new to the forums and have been reading the various topics, however I can't really find one that answers my specific questions. So I thought I would post and hopefully gain some useful advice, as you all seem very helpful.

I am 23 and work within the Ambulance service, however not as Paramedic. I work on front line vehicles and respond to Accident and Emergency calls. I have been working there for just over a year. I love my job, however I am somewhat concerned that I am going to hit a glass ceiling at the Paramedic stage. The Ambulance Service is offering a Foundation degree in Paramedic Sciences in September. The course will be four years long and studied through the Open University. However at this time it has not received HPC approval. My only concern is that if I do this course, by the time I have completed it, I shall be another four years on.

I have wanted to be a doctor for some years now, however I am somewhat hindered as I dropped out of my AS levels, due to personal circumstances. However, I was predicted to receive As in Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Psychology. I received 2 As in Dual Award Science and have Bs in 7 other subjects (including English literature, English language and Maths). I also have 2 BTECs, in which I received merit grades.

I am currently studying an Open University course in Understanding Health (level 1), that will be worth 30 points upon completion. I have also been studying various aspects of Anatomy and Physiology, medical conditions and such outside of work and been completing relevant elective studies. I have also been maintaining a professional portfolio that outlines all the skills that I have learned and practiced throughout. I have also done some placements with CCU and Maternity. I have several friends who are doctors and I appreciate the immense workload and the huge commitment that this degree would entail.

I am interested in applying for an access to medicine course, as i understand that Sussex Down and West Anglia both offer it. However, I am concerned that I won't have the relevant qualifications for them to consider me. Whilst their website says that they will consider each application on its own merits, does anyone know if they would look at my situation?

I would appreciate any advice that anyone could offer me. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I apologise if I may come across as being slightly naive, but at the moment I am just looking at gathering as much information as I can.

[burnsie]

Well, the COWA access course says it only requires GCSE's, you have these - and of a good standard too! You also have work experience so that's not a problem either. However I think it may just be easier to email COWA. As far as i'm aware they'll be more likely to know then someone on here.

Try this enquiries@col-westanglia.ac.uk

If you still get no response i'll try and shed some light by asking a COWA tutor in person.

Good luck!

[Fuze]

Yes the college of west anglia will look at your application, as it says on the website, they look at each application individually, it is Dr McGarry who looks at all the applications and she is the head of the course. Get an application in ASAP and who knows you may be seeing me at my annual lecture I give over there in september.

The course is really the best access course in the country to get you into medical school

If you want any more info give me a PM.

I was there in the 05-06 year group and im now a second year at manchester, i got 4 interviews and 4 offers

[Puffin]

Go for it. I got a place on an Access course with no science background whatsoever - I had studied English and Drama! That's the point of 'access' - if you prove you are serious about studying medicine and have the academic potential then they should consider you. I now have an offer at Medical School for 2008!