Working Life

Paramedics are more highly qualified than EMTs because they undergo a longer period of training. However, EMTs are a vital part of the voluntary and auxiliary services where an emergency practitioner must be on board any ambulance transporting a patient to hospital.

Paramedics respond to emergency calls, perform certain medical procedures and transport patients to hospital in accordance with protocols and guidelines established by physician medical directors.

The PHECC Registered Paramedic provides a full range of pre-hospital emergency and out-of-hospital care services, focusing on the patient’s health and well-being in various scenarios.

The role requires paramedics to make complex clinical decisions in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments. This includes ensuring patient safety, performing interventions, and offering leadership to other healthcare professionals in the field.

The paramedic works alongside other healthcare providers, contributing to both scheduled and unscheduled healthcare services. Collaboration is vital in delivering effective care.

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) aims to deliver clinically appropriate, timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation services. The service is integrated within a broader continuum of care, involving coordination with other healthcare providers.

Advanced Paramedics  - The PHECC Registered Advanced Paramedic is responsible for the care, treatment and movement of patients and maintaining self, vehicles, equipment and station in a manner fit to respond to that role. Paramedics must have a minimum of two years paramedic registration experience in order to be eligible to apply for this training programme.

Some of the Clinical/Patient Care responsibilities of an Advanced Paramedic include:

• Developing positive working relationships with other staff and stakeholders; internal and external, to ensure seamless delivery of care and to optimise outcomes for their patients
• Attend to cases of accident and sudden illness and respond to AS1, AS2 and AS3 calls in a prompt and timely manner
• Deal with emergencies as directed
• Attend to patients in a professional courteous and compassionate manner using best practice including compliance with Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Administer drugs, orally or by injection, or perform intravenous procedures.
• Administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in prehospital settings.
• Assess nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritise medical procedures.
• Attend training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in the field, or maintain existing knowledge.
• Comfort and reassure patients.
• Coordinate with treatment center personnel to obtain patients' vital statistics and medical history, to determine the circumstances of the emergency, and to administer emergency treatment.
• Coordinate work with other emergency medical team members or police or fire department personnel.
• Instruct emergency medical response team about emergency interventions, to ensure correct application of procedures.
• Observe, record, and report to physician the patient's condition or injury, the treatment provided, and reactions to drugs or treatment.
• Operate equipment, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators, or bag valve mask resuscitators, in advanced life support environments.

Further Information

• Ambulance Care Assistant- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Ambulance Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Emergency Medical Technician (paramedic)- from: GradIreland
• Patient Transport Service Controller- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

How do I become a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a trained professional who provides emergency medical care to people who are seriously ill or injured, with the primary goal of stabilising the patient before they are transported to a hospital.

Paramedics are skilled in assessing and managing various medical emergencies, administering treatment, and providing life-saving interventions on-site.

Entry routes to becoming a Paramedic:

• Undergraduate BSc Paramedic Studies Degree
• The HSE Student Paramedic Training Programme    

The regulatory body Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC    ) offers guidance on recognised courses and qualifications for those wishing to pursue a career in pre-hospital emergency care.

If you have qualified as a paramedic in a country outside of Ireland, PHECC     provides information on how to have foreign qualifications recognised.

Once qualified you will need to register with the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the Irish regulatory body for emergency care practitioners.

The PHECC Registered Paramedic provides a full range of pre-hospital emergency and out-of-hospital care services, focusing on the patient’s health and well-being in various scenarios. The role requires paramedics to make complex clinical decisions in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments. This includes ensuring patient safety, performing interventions, and offering leadership to other healthcare professionals in the field.

The paramedic works alongside other healthcare providers, contributing to both scheduled and unscheduled healthcare services. Collaboration is vital in delivering effective care.

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) aims to deliver clinically appropriate, timely pre-hospital patient care and transportation services. The service is integrated within a broader continuum of care, involving coordination with other healthcare providers.

Student Paramedics undertake a training programme as well as ongoing training processes thereafter. Once qualified and licensed to practice by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), candidates will be offered positions at the grade of Paramedic at various locations throughout the National Ambulance Service.

The Paramedic Training Programme is a two-year full time programme comprising of:

• An initial twelve weeks training in the National Ambulance Service College (NASC). Here students learn both the theory and the skills necessary to function as an operational paramedic.
  
  
• An additional four weeks experiential module in various hospital departments such as maternity, coronary care, theatre and the emergency department.
  
  
• Five weeks experiential ambulance placements as an observer.
  
  
• Two further weeks in the classroom cumulating in the first stage PRE-Hospital Emergency Care council NQEMT Paramedic examination. This consists of both theory and practical examinations.

On successful completion of the training programme, student paramedics progress to a twelve week undergraduate internship based on an emergency ambulance, working under the supervision of a mentor.

Following this, students return to the NASC for a further two weeks training and consolidation cumulating in the second stage PHECC NQEMT examinations. This consists of both a theory and practical element.

On successful completion of these assessments the student progresses to a Post Graduate Internship; where the Student Paramedic is allocated a position in one of the NAS areas and undertakes working as part of an Emergency Ambulance crew.

NAS Campus Locations

Paramedics are trained at the National Ambulance Service (NAS) College which has three campuses in Tallaght (Dublin), Ballinasloe (Galway) and Tullamore (Offaly) with more campuses planned.

The HSE/NAS offer a Paramedic course which is a three year degree level programme. You will obtain a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree upon completion.

The recruitment and selection process for this campaign is managed by the HSE National Recruitment Service. For more information on the recruitment process, please visit the NAS website    .

Register on the HSE Career Hub     to receive a notification of the next Student Paramedic recruitment campaign. You can also visit the HSE Jobs page    .

Eligibility Criteria 

(a) Eligible applicants will have the following:

(i) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2017 or later with a minimum of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science)
OR

(ii) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2017 or later with a minimum of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate.
OR

(iii) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2016 or prior with a minimum of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Science subject (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture Science).
OR

(iv) Be in possession of a Leaving Certificate awarded in 2016 or prior with a minimum of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level or higher including Mathematics and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) EMT Certificate.
OR

(v) Have completed a relevant examination at a comparable standard in any equivalent examination in another jurisdiction
OR

(vi) Hold a comparable and relevant qualification of at least Level 5 (or above) on the National Qualifications Framework maintained by Qualifications and Quality Ireland, (QQI).
OR

(vii) Have a minimum of two years full time ambulance service experience at EMT level and hold a Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council EMT Certificate.
OR 

(viii) Candidates who do not have a Leaving Certificate or Level 5 QQI FE qualification, but are over 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years full time (or an aggregate of 2 years) of relevant experience may be deemed suitable, subject to the approval of the University College Cork Course Director and Admissions Office. 
And 

• Be the holder of a full Class C1 Driving Licence on application. (Note Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable)
  OR 

• Be the holder of a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence on application. (Note Irish 78 Restriction is not acceptable) 
  OR 

• Be eligible to apply for a provisional Class C1 Driving Licence on application.

And

Candidates must possess the requisite clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

View the HSE Eligibility Criteria     for details on entry requirements. 

The intention of the Paramedic Training Programme (including Internship) is to provide a pool of suitably qualified paramedics, licensed to practice by PHECC, who will be offered positions at the grade of Paramedic at various locations throughout the NAS.

There are some very attractive benefits on offer to Paramedic trainees including the following:

• Paramedic trainees are paid while they are attending the 3 year course at the National Ambulance Service College (commencing salary in year one of 3 year training is €35,042)
• Successful completion of the course leads to the awarding of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree
• Successful candidates will be able to apply to apply for full time Paramedic vacancies at the end of their training.

NAS Post Graduate Student Bill Nolan said: “I enjoy helping people and having an impact in their lives. It’s very rewarding looking after patients making them feel a bit better and secure.” 

The National Ambulance Service in conjunction with the HSE National Recruitment Service (NRS) maintains a panel of candidates who are invited once/twice a year to take up available training places at the National Ambulance Service College. Recruitment campaigns are advertised on HSE Jobs    .  

There are a variety of promotional opportunities within the National Ambulance Service such as further specialisation in paramedicine, becoming a manager, getting involved in the education of other paramedics and also in clinical analysis work.

Upon completion of training, there are a variety of promotional opportunities for qualified paramedics within the National Ambulance Service such as studying a level 9 in Paramedicine, becoming a manager, getting involved in the education of student and qualified paramedics. In additional there is also opportunities to participate in research and clinical analysis work.

The National Ambulance Service has vacancies in ambulance stations nationwide, more information on location of vacancies will be provided for each recruitment campaign.

NAS is seeking persons interested in undertaking the Paramedic Training Programme (including Internship) and acquiring Registration as a Paramedic with the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).

The recruitment process will include the following:

Stage 1 – Application Form

Stage 2 – Supervised Verbal Evaluation and Logical Thinking Testing

Stage 3 – Eligibility Sift in line with eligibility criteria

Stage 4 – Competency Based Interview

The full details of the eligibility criteria will be outlined in the recruitment campaign, when advertised.

Student Paramedic Opportunities will be advertised on HSE jobs    .

Routes to becoming a Paramedic 

Bachelor of Paramedic Studies LM103 at UL - Undergraduate Entry via CAO

An alternative route open to all those with an interest in patient care in the Pre-Hospital Field is Paramedic Studies at UL. Students get the opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge and competencies required for a career in professional ambulance services. During your 4 years of study you will be taught the basic medical and clinical sciences and afforded the opportunity to hone and practice your skills in a controlled supervised environment. This will hopefully build you into a rounded and knowledgeable registered health care professional.

BSc Paramedic Studies LM236 at UL - Practitioner Entry (Graduate/Mature Student Entry) 

The Paramedic Studies programme at UL is open to experienced paramedics/advanced paramedics who can demonstrate current paramedic practice. It has a highly innovative curriculum which offers students the opportunity to complete an honours degree by predominantly distance learning. During your 1.5 years of study, you will be taught the basic medical and clinical sciences necessary to build into a rounded and knowledgeable healthcare professional.

• HSE National Ambulance Service Student Paramedic Route     
  Eligibility Criteria
  
• Irish College of Paramedics Educational Programmes    

The HSE periodically run recruitment campaigns for the position of Student Paramedic within the HSE. The recruitment process involves online application, aptitude testing and interviews.

Successful candidates are then placed on a panel which is used by the HSE to recruit new Student Paramedics as positions become available. When the panel is exhausted, a new recruitment competition is opened.

You can register your interest for specific grades by emailing [email protected]. When a competition for this grade of staff is about to be launched you will receive an email notification, alerting you to the campaign advertisement.

You can also register for alerts on www.publicjobs.ie     where all HSE and NAS recruitment campaigns are advertised.

Campaigns are also advertised on the HSE website     

See also: National Ambulance Service     

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career. 

Career Progression Pathways:

Clinical Pathway

• Specialist Paramedic

Management Pathway

• Paramedicine Practice Development Lead

Educational Pathway

• Paramedicine Tutor
• Paramedicine Tutor, Principal

This is just an example of the many opportunities within the NAS. 

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) College provides training to Ambulance Personnel, the Irish Coastguard, the Defence Forces, Gardai, Health Care Professionals and members of Voluntary Organisations.

The range of training courses includes patient care programmes, leadership courses, tutor development, major incident planning and preparation and driving.

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of Health and Social Care Professionals working in the HSE. This office plays a critical role in supporting the development of healthcare professionals in a variety of fields, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.

HSELAND is the HSE portal which offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie 

PHECC provides guidance and information on the approved education and training pathways for paramedics and other pre-hospital emergency care professionals. They ensure that all training programs meet the necessary standards to provide high-quality care and support, and ongoing professional development.

For more detailed information, please visit the PHECC     website.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €37k - €47k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

See HSE pay scales for more details on salary scales. 

Data Source(s):
HSE

Last Updated: July, 2025

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paramedics, Pharmaceutical technicians, Medical and dental technicians, Health associate professionals n.e.c., Dispensing opticians, Dental nurses.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

This occupation had the largest employment growth rate across all the healthcare occupations, relating mainly to growth between 2021 and 2022. Two thirds of those employed were female, a quarter were working part-time and 24% were non-Irish citizens. At 58%, this occupation had the lowest share employed in the health sector with employment also in wholesale and retail and industry. The small number of employment permits issued related to paramedics and prosthetists/orthotists.

This was one of the few occupations not to experience a decline in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) between 2022 and 2023; adverts included roles for medical/dental and pharmaceutical technicians. The available data sources do not currently point to issues with sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles.

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