The Foundation Degree or Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Sciences or Operating Department Practice, the Diploma in Paramedic Science and the Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Sciences are work related Qualifications which give a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning skills ideal for specialists in their field.
The work based learning modules within these qualifications are only open to students supported by their employer.
Full information on these modules and Qualifications can be found on the Study at the OU website (new students), or StudentHome (current students).
Please note: students commencing study with The Open University prior to September 2012 will not be considered officially studying toward any of the above Qualifications until you have registered for the first work-based learning module within the Qualification. This will usually be S110 or SZL110, but could be S211 or S212 if you have gained credit transfer for S110 or are studying towards the Diploma in Paramedic Science.
FAQs
This document answers some of the frequently asked questions about the work based learning modules and qualifications, including entry requirements, registration, study, competences and placements.
Registration Process
If your employer has agreed to pay your fees they will organise your registration for you. If you are an employer, or a self-funding student (i.e. you are paying your own course fees), you should follow steps 1-3 below to register. If you are studying towards the Diploma in Paramedic Science (E77/V20) you should follow steps 2-3 below only.
- Ask your employer to complete and return a Collaboration Agreement. This document must be received before we can progress your registration any further.
- Call our Corporate Team (Employers only), 0845 366 6053, or the Student Registration & Enquiry service (self-funding students), 0845 300 6090, for a registration pack.
- Return the Work Based Learning Agreement, registration agreement and fee payment before the deadline specified in the registration pack
Practical Placement Guide
This document details the types of placements recommended, the way in which they work and what is expected of you, your employer and your placement provider.
Workplace Mentor Guide
This document provides guidance on the role of the workplace mentor and explains the assessment used to judge the level of a student's practical skills. Sections of particular interest may include 'The mentor's role' (page 5) and 'Assessing competence' (page 6).
Competency Checklists
Level 1 Competency checklist for Health Sciences
Level 1 Competency checklist for Paramedic Sciences
Level 1 Competency checklist for Operating Department Practitioners
Level 2 Competency checklist for Paramedic Sciences
Level 2 Competency checklist for Operating Department Practitioners
OU Partnerships
Both the Operating Department Practice and Paramedic Science qualifications have been developed in partnership with registered professionals. The South West Ambulance Service have been invaluable partners in the design and content of the paramedic sciences qualifications and support many students on the qualifications each year. The Great Western Ambulance Service and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trusts both support students on the paramedic sciences qualifications as do a number of private ambulance services. Click here to learn more about these qualifications from one of our sponsoring employers.