Paramedic studies in Ukraine: tuition, KROK B and registration in the UK and Ireland

Paramedic studies in Ukraine: who they are for

A paramedic helps in emergencies: at the scene and on the way to hospital. It is a profession for people who stay calm in difficult moments, make decisions quickly and enjoy working in a team. In Ukraine, you can study to become a paramedic in English straight after secondary school.

• Paramedics are trained in bachelor’s programmes in the specialty Nursing, with the specialisation Emergency Medicine.
• Graduates receive a Bachelor of Nursing diploma and the professional qualification of paramedic.
• At our partner university in Ternopil, the programme in English takes 4 years and costs USD 2,800 a year.
• The studies end with a state exam: the KROK B test and a practical exam.

In 2019 the Ukrainian government introduced paramedic teams into the emergency medical service. A basic team consists of a paramedic and an emergency medical technician.

The programme and the state exam

Ukraine’s state educational standard requires at least 30 ECTS credits of practical training for the paramedic qualification in the Emergency Medicine specialisation, delivered by certified instructors. In the programme of one Ukrainian university, for example, placements account for 30 ECTS credits, including simulation training and a pre-graduation placement.

1. Studies You complete theoretical subjects, practical classes and placements.
2. KROK B You sit the integrated KROK B test on a date set by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. It is the first part of the state exam. Practice questions for the KROK B exam are available on Medmigrant, our learning platform.
3. Practical exam You demonstrate your practical skills before an examination board, for example in a simulation centre.
4. Diploma You receive a Bachelor of Nursing diploma with the professional qualification of paramedic.

Although the diploma says Bachelor of Nursing, this programme prepares you to work as a paramedic. If you want to work as a nurse, choose nursing, which costs the same in Ternopil.

How much do paramedic studies in Ukraine cost?

Among our partner universities, the paramedic programme in English is taught by the university in Ternopil. A year of study costs USD 2,800:

University	City	Paramedic science
Ternopil National Medical University	Ternopil	$2,800

On top of tuition, you need to budget for accommodation, food, document translations and travel. We go through the university’s current terms with you in a free consultation.

Registering as a paramedic in the UK

In the UK, paramedic is a protected title, and the profession is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). If you trained abroad, you make an international application, in which you show that you meet the HCPC standards of proficiency for paramedics.

1. International application You apply to the HCPC with details of your education, training and experience. Unless you are exempt, you also prove your English, for example with IELTS Academic 7.0 with no element below 6.5.
2. Assessment Two assessors from the paramedic part of the Register compare your education and training with the standards of proficiency. Other education, training or experience can make up for gaps. A first decision takes about three months.
3. Outcome You are accepted for entry to the Register, asked to complete a test of competence, or refused. You can appeal within 28 days.

Registering as a paramedic in Ireland

In Ireland, pre-hospital care is regulated by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). Its register has three divisions: EMT, paramedic and advanced paramedic, and paramedics must be registered with PHECC.

1. Forms A and B Your training institution confirms your training on Form A, and an employer confirms your experience on Form B.
2. Application You send the application by email with certified copies of your documents and pay the fee.
3. Decision Recognition of qualifications usually takes three months.

Start in Ukraine, finish in the EU if you wish

For many students the simplest option is to finish the degree in Ukraine: it costs less, and the paperwork after graduation is manageable. If you prefer an EU degree, you can start in Ukraine and transfer during your studies to a paramedic programme at a university in the EU, for example in Poland.

1. Completed years You pass each year and collect your syllabuses, transcript and placement certificates.
2. Several universities Together we choose several EU universities that accept transfers that year.
3. Documents We prepare the application, translations and a comparison of the programmes.
4. EU degree You finish your paramedic studies at the EU university and receive its degree.

Transfers from universities outside the EU are part of our everyday work. In our experience a transfer always works out, although not always to the first-choice university, so we always choose several. Ask about a transfer.

Frequently asked questions

How long do paramedic studies in Ukraine take?

At our partner university in Ternopil, the programme in English takes 4 years. It ends with a Bachelor of Nursing diploma with the professional qualification of paramedic.

How much do paramedic studies in Ukraine cost?

In Ternopil, a year of study in English costs USD 2,800. Living costs come on top.

Can I work as a paramedic in the UK or Ireland with a Ukrainian diploma?

In the UK, you make an international application to the HCPC, which may accept you onto the Register, ask you to complete a test of competence or refuse. In Ireland, PHECC recognises qualifications obtained abroad, usually within three months.

Can I work as a nurse with this diploma?

This programme prepares you for the paramedic profession, and recognition as a nurse requires meeting separate requirements for nurses. If you want to work as a nurse, choose nursing.

Do I need to speak Ukrainian?

No, the programmes we offer are taught in English. Basic Ukrainian is useful on placements and in everyday life, though.

Where should I start?

With a conversation about where you want to work after graduation and what your budget is. On that basis we draw up a plan, with recognition of your diploma in your chosen country in mind from day one.

University in Ukraine offering paramedic science

Read also: Studying medicine in Ukraine: is it a good idea? and Nursing in Ukraine in English: tuition, the KROK B exam and NMC registration in the UK. You will find more on the Ukraine page, on the Paramedic science programme page and in our university catalogue. Not sure where to start? Book a free consultation.