A paramedic journey to non-medical prescribing: part 1

This article is the first of three parts, discussing my journey to become a paramedic non-medical prescriber. This first part discusses the route I took to get onto a course, followed in turn by articles outlining my experiences during the course, and then since registration as a newly qualified non-medical prescriber.

My journey to become a non-medical prescriber involved an element of good fortune and chance. Having found enjoyment in academic study during my foundation degree in 2009, I continued to study part-time for a bachelor's degree in emergency care, and subsequently completed a part-time master's degree in advanced practice once I qualified in 2011. When setting out on these courses, I didn't know where they would take me but felt confident that continued academic study would help to broaden my career opportunities as the years passed by.

Having been a paramedic for only 4 years, this strategy appeared to pay off in 2015 when I was offered a development opportunity to become a specialist paramedic in urgent care. I believe that a strong continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio and evidence of academic attainment contributed towards my being offered this chance to train into a senior clinical role.