How paramedic degree apprenticeship students experience academic and workplace learning and the relationship between these domains

Harris, Moose ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7168-5598 (2022) How paramedic degree apprenticeship students experience academic and workplace learning and the relationship between these domains. Masters dissertation, University of Bristol. Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

Background and purpose: The study investigated students' experiences of a paramedic degree-level apprenticeship, a new higher education route to paramedic registration for existing ambulance staff. Understanding students' experiences was key to the evaluation and development of the programme, and an area where no previous research had taken place.

Methods: This was a small-scale exploratory study adopting a phenomenological design. Sampling was purposive, recruiting six apprenticeship students from one ambulance trust. Data were collected through audio diaries structured around Gibbs' (1988) reflective cycle, detailing academic, workplace, and peer-learning experiences. The diary findings were explored through semi-structured one-to-one interviews. The results of each data collection phase were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: The result showed integration between clinical practice and academia, with learning from each environment influencing the other. Academic knowledge and skills were transferred into practice effectively, while knowledge acquired through praxis helped students adapt to the limitations of skills teaching. Online learning presented challenges of student participation and engagement. The study demonstrated how students learnt from peers, colleagues, and mentors within communities of practice, identifying some of the challenges, opportunities and inconsistencies involved.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated the value of the apprenticeship as a path to paramedic registration. As online learning is likely to remain a part of HE programme delivery, further research into student participation would be of benefit. A larger study of student experiences across more partner ambulance trusts would provide better understanding, and a more accurate picture of the apprenticeship as a whole.

Item Type:	Thesis/Dissertation (Masters)
Departments:	Institute of Health > Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice
Additional Information:	Moose Harris, Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Practice, University of Cumbria, UK. A dissertation submitted to the University of Bristol in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Master of Science by advanced study in Teaching and Learning for Health Professionals, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, UK, word count: 14,995, date of submission: 25 November 2022.
Depositing User:	Moose Harris
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2025 10:18
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2025 10:18
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/8631