Oliver Oxbury

Why did you choose Teesside?

The main reason I chose Teesside University over other institutions was the quality of resources available, specifically a dedicated, modern health sciences building and high-quality simulation space, as well as access to an ambulance which was used within a classroom setting to help us learn.

What did you like most about your course?

The best thing about the course was the practice education shifts, both on the ambulance and in other clinical settings. I felt the time allocated was more than enough to prepare me for independent practice. The variation of different placement types, particularly in urgent care settings, made a huge difference and made me feel more comfortable practicing under an expanding scope with increased skills focused on urgent care.

Did your time at Teesside University help you to achieve your goals?

My time at Teesside University definitely helped me progress towards my goals. I was able to achieve my initial goal immediately after graduation when I moved into a role as a paramedic. Beyond this, the additional skills I acquired at Teesside University, such as academic writing and leadership, were essential in me being able to achieve my life-long goal of emigrating to Canada. My current role as Program Manager for the Advanced Care Paramedic Program with the Justice Institute of British Columbia requires me to manage all areas of the Advanced Care Paramedic Program for the largest provider of advanced paramedic training in British Columbia.

What did you think about the facilities and teaching staff?

The facilities available on campus were excellent, particularly the library, which became a second home during my dissertation. The teaching staff were refreshingly different to the faculty I worked with during my first degree at another university. They made themselves available to students as much as possible and always seemed more than happy to help.

Would you recommend Teesside University?

I would recommend Teesside University as I can say with certainty that without the skills I acquired at Teesside, I would not have been able to secure my current job role or move to Canada.