Keele celebrates graduation of its first fully qualified paramedics

The first ever cohort of paramedic students from Keele University have graduated – with many already providing emergency and urgent medical care in communities to help meet rising demand for ambulance services. 

A total of 18 students have completed the four-year Paramedic Science with Integrated Master’s (MSci) programme, marking the launch of a new generation of frontline healthcare professionals trained at the university. 

Most of the graduates are already working within the NHS or healthcare services, putting their skills into practice across ambulance services and emergency care settings. The achievement represents a significant step for Keele’s health education provision, as well as a boost for the NHS and healthcare services workforce at a time of continued demand for paramedic expertise. 
 
Among those who completed the course are Shannon Walchester, who is now working as a paramedic for West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) NHS Trust and Jon Vening-Richards, who is working as a paramedic for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) NHS Trust. 

Shannon (left), aged 22, who is from Staffordshire, said: “I wanted to become a paramedic because I was drawn to a role that allows me to make a direct and meaningful difference by supporting individuals during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. The variety and unpredictability of the profession particularly appealed to me, as no two days are the same and the role requires a combination of advanced clinical skills, effective decision-making, clear communication, and compassion.  

“The job has been demanding but incredibly rewarding so far. Being able to apply what I have learned at university to real-life situations as an autonomous practitioner has been a big step, and while there is still a lot to learn, my confidence is growing with each shift. Qualifying and becoming a paramedic feels like a huge achievement. It’s a proud moment to finally be in the role I worked so hard towards, and although it can be challenging, it is very fulfilling to know that I can work with my colleagues to make a positive impact on patients on a day-to-day basis.” 

Jon (right), aged 23, who lives in Leicestershire, said: “I wanted to become a paramedic to challenge myself and make a real difference in the community. The degree was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I fell in love with the job as a student and I’m loving every moment. It feels incredible to now be working as a fully qualified paramedic in such a rewarding role.” 

Paramedicine students at Keele learn from expert clinicians in Keele’s School of Medicine, in state-of-the-art facilities such as the skills labs and Keele’s anatomy and surgical training centre. A fully equipped training ambulance also gives students a realistic setting for practicing their skills and learning about their equipment. 

The students also take part in high quality work placements across the West Midlands region for around 50% of the course, which have been co-designed in partnership with WMAS. The placements are designed to provide students with as broad a range of experiences as possible in an NHS ambulance service, general practice settings, emergency departments and hospital settings to name but a few. 

Kevin Armstrong, Director of Education, School of Medicine and Director of Paramedicine, said: “The academic team and I are immensely proud to have supported our graduates throughout what is an extremely challenging programme of study. Their achievements reflect not only their dedication and resilience, but also their commitment to serving others. 

“As paramedics, they will often be the first point of contact for patients, and they will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate and professional care to patients, relatives and service users across communities for many years to come.”