Medical

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You could do a college course to give you some of the skills and knowledge you need to become an emergency care assistant.

You could do a level 2 certificate or level 3 diploma in health and social care. You could also do a T Level in Health.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could do an advanced ambulance support worker apprenticeship to become an emergency care assistant.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

You'll find it helpful to have some health or social care experience before applying for a job.

You could:

• get advice about volunteering in the NHS
• do first aid work with the British Red Cross or St John Ambulance
• find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT

Direct application

You can apply directly to become an emergency care assistant. You'll usually need to:

• know the highway code and have experience driving
• have experience working in patient care, ideally in the NHS
• have a first aid certificate

Some ambulance services may ask you for 3 or 4 GCSEs, including English, maths and a science subject at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

You might need an extra driving qualification for larger vehicles and carrying passengers if you passed your test after 1996.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence
• pass enhanced background checks
• have a good level of fitness

More information

Further information

You can find out more about how to become an emergency care assistant from Health Careers.

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With experience and further study, you could apply to train as a paramedic. You could start by applying to become a trainee emergency medical technician or a student paramedic. You could then take an approved paramedic science degree.

You could also become a team leader or supervisor and be responsible for a team of emergency care assistants.