On 21 March 2018 the HCPC Council agreed that the threshold level for paramedics should change from 'Equivalent to Certificate of Higher Education' to 'Bachelor degree with honours'. In basic terms this means that paramedics will eventually need a degree in order to gain entry to the HCPC Register and practice their profession. Following a consultation we concluded this was necessary to ensure that paramedics in the UK were trained to the depth required for contemporary practice.
However we realise that a change such as this can generate a lot of questions and some concerns. Below you’ll find the need-to-know facts about the changes, and how this effects current paramedics, students and those thinking of joining the Register.
1. If you’re registered you will remain registered
The change to SET 1 does not affect the ability of paramedics to remain registered with us. This is because SET 1 is about the contemporary level of education and training required for entry to the Register and only applies to approved programmes.
All existing registrants will be able to remain registered with the HCPC. No top up education will be required of paramedics in order to remain registered.
2. If you’ve completed a HCPC approved qualification you can still apply
The change to SET 1 does not affect your ability to apply for registration with HCPC, even if you decide not to apply for registration until after SET 1 has changed. This is because SET 1 is about the contemporary level of education and training required for entry to the Register. It applies to approved programmes for registration going forward and is not applied retrospectively.
If you have been out of practice since you qualified, you may need to meet our returners to practice requirements before you register. You can find out more information here.
3. You can still apply if you’re completing an approved diploma
Any student who is currently enrolled on an approved programme - now or when the change is fully implemented on 1 September 2021 - will be eligible to apply for registration with us when they complete their programme.
Enrolled students do not need to have complete their approved programme by 1 September 2021. They can graduate after this date and still be eligible to register.
4. You may have to complete a degree if you wish to train as a paramedic in the future
We will be implementing the change to SET 1 as a phased approach. Students will still be able to start approved certificate, diploma and foundation degree level programmes up until 31 August 2021 and will graduate with eligibility to apply for registration when they finish their studies.
From 1 September 2021, only education programmes delivered at degree level or above will be approved to take on new students. From this date, you will need to enrol on to a degree level programme if you want to train to be a paramedic.
We anticipate that education providers will phase out their certificate, diploma and foundation degree level programmes between 2018 and 2021. Individual education providers will decide when to close approved certificate, diploma and foundation degree level programmes to new entrants. We expect the timelines to vary from provider to provider. We strongly recommend that you contact any providers you are considering applying to as soon as possible to find out their specific plans.
5. If you are waiting to start an approved course you will still be eligible to join the Register upon completion
There is no requirement for education providers to close approved certificate, diploma and foundation degree level programmes immediately. Individual education providers will decide when to close approved certificate, diploma and foundation degree level programmes to new entrants. We anticipate that education providers will phase out this provision at different times between now and September 2021. If you are considering deferring your place, we strongly recommend that you contact the provider as soon as possible as there may not be any guarantee that the programme will run in the next academic year.
The change to SET 1 is being implemented as a phased approach. Students will still be able to start approved certificate, diploma and foundation degree level programmes up until 31 August 2021 and will graduate with eligibility to apply for registration when they finish their studies.
To learn more about these changes click here.
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