As a paramedic in the UK, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) isn’t just a tick-box requirement—it’s an essential part of ensuring your skills, knowledge and practice stay up to date in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. CPD helps you stay safe, effective, reflective and ready for new challenges across urgent care, emergency response and community practice.
According to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), all registrants (including paramedics) must undertake CPD continuously and be able to show how it has improved their practice and benefited service users. The HCPC
Why CPD Matters for Paramedics
- Maintain professional registration: The HCPC requires CPD activities as part of your ongoing registration and audit compliance. The HCPC
- Improve clinical skills: Advancing your skillset helps you deliver evidence-based care in a range of settings.
- Career development: CPD supports progression into specialist, leadership, academic or advanced practice roles.
- Adapt to change: Healthcare evolves constantly—CPD ensures you keep up with new protocols, technology, pathways and evidence.
Types of CPD Activities
CPD isn’t limited to formal courses. It can include:
✔ Online modules
✔ Workshops and practical training
✔ Degree or postgraduate study
✔ Reflective practice
✔ Conferences and seminars
✔ Reading clinical guidance and case discussions
Your portfolio should show the outcomes of what you’ve learned and how it benefits your practice. The HCPC
Online CPD Resources (Flexible & Accessible)
1. eLearning for Healthcare – Paramedics
A free suite of interactive CPD modules designed with paramedic practice in mind. Topics include case studies, assessments and quick learning sessions you can do on the go. e-Learning for Healthcare
🔗 Paramedics eLearning Hub: https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/paramedics/
2. College of Paramedics CPD Hub
The professional body for UK paramedics offers members access to CPD resources, online events, and training that count towards your development. collegeofparamedics.co.uk
🔗 CPD Hub (members only): https://collegeofparamedics.co.uk/COP/CPD/COP_CPD_Hub.aspx
3. Geeky Medics – Paramedic CPD Tools
Online clinical resources with downloadable CPD certificates (e.g., ECG interpretation, clinical scenarios) you can add to your portfolio. Geeky Medics
🔗 Online CPD for Paramedics: https://geekymedics.com/online-cpd-for-paramedics/
4. Paramedic Practice CPD Platform
A reflective, clinical learning platform linked to the Journal of Paramedic Practice, including an online portfolio. cpd.paramedicpractice.com
🔗 Journal of Paramedic Practice CPD: https://cpd.paramedicpractice.com/
Practical Courses & Workshops
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
A well-recognised two-day practical course from Resuscitation Council UK, teaching advanced resuscitation skills and teamwork in emergencies—a strong addition to your CPD record. Resuscitation Council UK
🔗 ALS: Advanced Life Support Course: https://www.resus.org.uk/training-courses/adult-life-support/als-2-day-course-advanced-life-support
Immediate Life Support (e-ILS)
Short CPD modules available through universities and NHS training hubs (e.g., ARU’s CPD offerings including e-ILS). Anglia Ruskin University
🔗 ARU CPD Courses (including e-ILS): https://www.aru.ac.uk/health-medicine-and-social-care/cpd-courses
Academic CPD Options (Degree & Postgrad)
Many universities offer CPD pathways that combine formal academic credit with professional development. These programmes suit paramedics seeking advanced practice roles or academic recognition:
Practice Education for Paramedics – CPD
Liverpool John Moores University offers a CPD course focused on professional education skills for paramedics. Liverpool John Moores University
🔗 Practice Education for Paramedics (LJMU): https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/cpd/2025/36449-practice-education-for-paramedics-cpd
Paramedic CPD & Short Courses – University of Cumbria
A range of modules and programmes from levels 5–7 designed to fit around work and build targeted expertise. cumbria.ac.uk
🔗 Cumbria Paramedic CPD & Short Courses: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/cpd-and-short-courses/health/paramedic/
Advanced Paramedic & MSc Pathways
Several universities (e.g., Hertfordshire, Glasgow Caledonian) offer advanced practice masters degrees that count as CPD and prepare you for specialist practice. University of Hertfordshire+1
🔗 MSc Advanced Paramedic Practice (Herts): https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-masters/msc-advanced-paramedic-practice2
🔗 Advanced Paramedic (GCU): https://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-advanced-paramedic-practice-glasgow
Tips for Effective CPD
📌 Plan ahead: Map out your learning goals for the year and pick a mixture of formal and informal CPD to keep your portfolio varied.
📌 Reflect and record: Always capture how learning has improved your practice, not just what you did.
📌 Stay organised: Make use of online portfolios or CPD logs provided by platforms or your employer.
CPD Compliance & Recording
The HCPC does not dictate a set number of hours but expects that you carry out relevant learning, reflect on outcomes, and can justify these activities during audit. The HCPC
👉 Always keep certificates, notes and reflections in your CPD portfolio in case you’re selected for audit.
Final thought: CPD is more than a professional requirement—it’s an investment in your career, confidence and competence as a paramedic. Use the blend of online modules, practical workshops, academic courses and reflective practice to build a CPD record that demonstrates real growth and impact.
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