Workforce of region’s health professionals boosted with new nursing and paramedic science graduates

York St John University’s first ever cohorts of BSc Nursing and MSc Paramedic Science students celebrated the completion of their degrees at graduation ceremonies in York Minster in November 2024. The 40 nursing students, from both the adult nursing and adult mental health nursing course, and the 12 pre-registration paramedic science students joined their tutors to mark the end of their learning at York St John and the start of their new careers.  

Specialist teaching facilities, which opened to students in September 2022, give nursing, paramedic science, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students an authentic environment where they can develop their skills, alongside classroom and work placement settings. The health simulation suite supports more than 500 students and includes two hospital simulation wards, two large clinical skills rooms for paramedic science, specialist physiotherapy and occupational therapy skills rooms, consultation spaces, and dedicated lecture and seminar spaces. A mock independent living flat creates a realistic environment for many community-based nursing and allied health roles to further enhance simulation activities.   

The University has strong partnerships in the region, with placements shared between the NHS and independent healthcare providers including hospitals, GP surgeries, residential care homes, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, sports clinics and military rehabilitation units. 

Toni Bailey, Associate Head of School for Nursing and Medical Science, said: 

“With graduates fulfilling much-needed roles in the NHS, these courses represent York St John University’s growing provision of allied health programmes to support the national skills pipeline. It was wonderful to share in the celebrations of our Nursing and Paramedic Science students and we wish them well in their chosen careers.”    

Kerry Edwards, Associate Head of School for Allied Health, added:

"We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our first cohort of Nursing and Paramedic Science graduates. Their success highlights the programmes’ focus on academic excellence, practical training, and career preparation, with many graduates already making a meaningful impact in healthcare settings and within the ambulance service. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our graduates, who are now well-prepared to excel in challenging and fast-paced environments."

Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the BSc Nursing (adult) and BSc Nursing (mental health) prepare students for a rewarding career in a range of nursing settings. Students are taught in small class sizes and benefit from learning alongside students in related subjects to expand mutual understanding. The MSc Paramedic Science degree develops students’ experience in ambulance settings as well as non-traditional areas like community care. Upon completion of their degree, graduates are eligible to apply to register with the regulatory body for their profession, putting them in an excellent position for obtaining employment. 

York St John University’s allied health courses have been developed in partnership with clinical experts allowing students to gain up-to-date knowledge and on hands-on expertise to prepare them for a successful career as a health professional. The University is expanding its course offering and introducing the following new courses for entry in September 2025 at its York campus: 

Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons) 
Midwifery BSc (Hons) 
Speech and Language Therapy Pre-Registration MSc 
Operating Department Practice Pre-Registration MSc 

For more information visit the undergraduate and postgraduate course pages.