Biomedical and Medical engineering - How technology is the future of good healthcare

Technology plays a massive part in modern life; it’s almost impossible to think of a scenario where technology doesn’t exist, from retail to medicine. This includes the UK’s healthcare system, which is at the forefront of some dynamic developments. The benefits of technology in healthcare can be experienced long before a patient arrives at the hospital, through paramedics and the ambulance service. Paramedics are counting on the technology at their fingertips to save lives. That’s something you’ll get to grips with during the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at the University of Bolton.

How Is Technology Used In Healthcare

Hospitals and clinics are full of machines and devices that identify and help to rectify medical issues and emergencies, but some of the best medical tech can be found in ambulances and it’s saving lives and money.

There is a lot of thought and application around how changes in medical technology can affect healthcare costs. NHS budgets are more tightly stretched than ever before. It’s not just the time in hospital that costs, but the aftercare and rehabilitation that has to be put into place to support patients. In Birmingham, a 5G-connected ambulance trial is linking on-the-spot paramedics with medical staff back at the hospital to speed up diagnosis and identify treatment. This can not only save lives but lessen the impact of the medical emergency and protect the NHS budget when it comes to continued patient care.^

Modern Paramedic Practice at Bolton University

Bolton’s BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science is offered in partnership with the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust. As well as developing your medical knowledge and refining your clinical judgement skills, you’ll have a first-hand understanding of how changes in medical technology affect healthcare.

While every patient is different, you will come to recognise the indicators of what might be wrong and discover the benefits of using technology in healthcare for yourself. You will balance the time spent during your degree equally between the classroom and the NHS Trust, including undertaking shifts in ambulances. You’ll come to recognise the speed at which an ambulance reaches a patient as only part of the solution, with the treatment put in place on-the-spot also integral to recovery. As well as learning to drive the ambulance in blue light situations, you will develop your understanding of the technology and equipment that’s on board and you’ll learn how to use them in emergency situations.

Supportive, Skilled Lecturers

We’re rated as No.1 for Teaching Satisfaction and this is especially important for our paramedic students. Our experienced teachers and small classes sizes mean that you get plenty of one-to-one support with your lecturers as they take you through every aspect of paramedic practice. Many of our teaching staff have worked in the healthcare sector and their experience is supported by the medical staff you will work with within the local NHS Trust.

You’ll be working in the Greater Manchester region, which is a busy, diverse and multicultural part of the UK. You will learn how to work with patients as they experience extreme trauma and you’ll understand how to work well under pressure. As a paramedic, you often have no idea of the situation that you are going to and our teaching staff will encourage you in developing both your softer skills and patient management, as well as the coping mechanisms you might need to put in place to work in the emergency services.

Paramedic Career Path

A rewarding and fast-paced career, paramedic practice is professionally connected to a role with the Ambulance Service, but there are other pathways to pursue:

Mental health nurse

Midwife

Nurse

NHS salaries are banded and paramedic salaries start at Band 5, which starts at just under £25,000 per year and rises to around £30,000 per year+.  

Bolton – An Inclusive Community

Bolton University has a proud heritage of being a supportive and friendly community. With easy links to Manchester city centre, you’ll be able to make the most of your time at university. Why not come and discover Bolton? #UniAsItShouldBe awaits, where you, the student, and your needs are put first.

^https://www.ericsson.com/en/cases/2020/the-5g-connected-ambulance

+ https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/paramedic

*The Guardian University Guide – North West 2022