Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) could give you credit for the skills you’ve gained, letting you skip Year 1 of our new Level 6 Diploma in Paramedic Sciences (subject to HCPC approval).
What is RPL?
Fast-Track Your Paramedic Training with Outreach Rescue
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of giving formal credit for the skills, knowledge, and experience you already have.
The NHS describes it as a way to “gain entry to, or credit within, a programme of study based on learning from previous formal, non-formal, or experiential learning.”
The College of Paramedics notes that RPL can apply to “both clinical experience and academic achievement” and must be assessed to ensure it meets the learning outcomes of the course you wish to join.
Why RPL matters in Paramedic education
Paramedic training is structured to build your competence step-by-step. But many learners, especially those already working in emergency care or rescue, already hold relevant qualifications and hands-on experience.
Through RPL, these achievements can be mapped against the learning outcomes of a paramedic programme, allowing you to skip content you’ve already learned and focus on progressing your career faster.
The FREC/FREUC pathway at Outreach Rescue
Outreach Rescue delivers Qualsafe-accredited First Response Emergency Care (FREC) and First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (FREUC) courses. Each level builds your capability in pre-hospital care:
- FREC 3: Foundation for pre-hospital care. Covers patient assessment, airway management, CPR/AED use, trauma care, and assisting a paramedic.
- FREC 4: Expands into advanced trauma management, medical emergencies, and use of medical gases.
- FREUC 5: Higher-level pre-hospital qualification. Develops decision-making, advanced airway skills, complex patient management, and leadership in emergency care. This level aligns closely with the first year of paramedic science education.
How FREC/FREUC awards count towards RPL
For our upcoming Level 6 Diploma in Paramedic Sciences*:
- Learners who achieve FREUC 5 may be eligible to enter directly into Year 2 of the 3-year programme.
- This means you can skip the first year entirely, saving time and reducing tuition costs, because your prior learning meets the Year 1 learning outcomes.
Benefits of RPL for aspiring paramedics
- Faster route to registration – Start Year 2 with confidence and proven skills
- Reduced cost – One less year of tuition fees
- Focused learning – Move quickly to more advanced topics and placements
Start your journey now
You don’t have to wait until the Level 6 Diploma is approved to begin your training. By starting with FREC 3 at Outreach Rescue and progressing through to FREUC 5, you’ll build the knowledge and competence needed — and position yourself for RPL entry straight into Year 2*.
Explore the pre-hospital care courses that will take you closer towards paramedic registration:
If you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here to help you plan your training journey. Contact Outreach Rescue today to discuss your options, check your eligibility for RPL, and find the next available course dates that work for you.
In summary:
RPL is your opportunity to have your existing emergency care training formally recognised. With the Qualsafe FREC/FREUC pathway delivered by Outreach Rescue, you can convert your skills into academic credit and accelerate your journey to becoming an HCPC-registered paramedic.
*Please note: Qualsafe Level 6 Paramedic Sciences Diploma (RQF) delivered by Outreach Rescue is subject to HCPC approval. At time of writing, this is in Stage 2 of the approval process and in expected to be approved in Autumn 2025.