NB: Applications for Cohort 4, commencing January 2027, are now open. Only 5 places remain as of 15th September 2026.
Application Instructions:
Click APPLY NOW.
Complete the initial assessment form.
Proceed to checkout. An automatic discount will be applied, reducing the application fee payable to ÂŁ100.
Pay the ÂŁ100 application fee to submit your application.
The application fee includes your Enhanced AccessNI background check, suitability interview and RPL assessment and mapping, where applicable.
Please note: The ÂŁ100 application fee is non-refundable.
Following completion of the application process, successful applicants will receive a formal offer of enrolment, together with confirmation of their applicable tuition fees based on the outcome of any RPL assessment.
What is the APEX-5 EMT Pathway?
APEX-5 is K2 International’s Level 5 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) pathway, designed for those looking to develop the clinical knowledge, practical skills and experience required to work as an EMT across pre-hospital, remote, austere and expedition environments.
The pathway incorporates the regulated and nationally recognised Qualsafe Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF), commonly known as FREUC 5.
Training is delivered by K2 International’s faculty of experienced and currently operational Paramedics, Specialist Paramedics and Doctors, with a strong emphasis on practical learning, clinical decision-making and realistic simulation.
The taught component is delivered over 20 classroom days, normally in five-day blocks, followed by 750 hours of supervised clinical practice. Learners have up to 24 months to complete the programme requirements.
As FREC 4 is an entry requirement, learners may be able to commence suitable clinical placement alongside the classroom component rather than waiting until all 20 teaching days have been completed.
For groups of six or more, the 20 classroom days can also be delivered as an intensive four-week programme.
Who is APEX-5 for?
APEX-5 is designed for learners who already hold FREC 4 or an accepted equivalent and want to progress to EMT-level practice.
It is particularly suited to those intending to work within private ambulance services, event medicine, close protection, offshore medicine, expedition and remote medicine, international medical support and other pre-hospital emergency and urgent care environments.
Successful completion leads to the Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF), providing the FREUC 5 qualification associated with EMT-level practice and Level 5 Austere, Prolonged & Expedition Medicine issued jointly by K2 International and the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine Foundation.
Those specifically seeking employment as an EMT within an NHS ambulance service should consider the Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) route. APEX-5 graduates can subsequently undertake K2 International’s 30-day FREUC 5 to AAP conversion programme, subject to the applicable entry and awarding-organisation requirements.
Progression to APEX-6
APEX-5 also provides a direct progression route into the APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway.
Because the FREUC 5 component forms the first 20 classroom days of APEX-6, learners who have successfully completed APEX-5 with K2 International can progress to APEX-6 without repeating those first 20 days of training.
Eligible APEX-5 graduates therefore enter APEX-6 at the next stage of the programme, reducing the amount of duplicated training required and providing a structured progression from:
APEX-4 Team Medic → APEX-5 EMT → APEX-6 Paramedic
Recognition of prior learning, placement requirements and the remaining APEX-6 programme requirements are confirmed during the APEX-6 application and RPL process.
Entry and Compliance
Applicants must hold a valid FREC 4 certificate or an accepted equivalent before commencing APEX-5.
Due to the clinical nature of the programme and placement requirements, applicants must also complete K2 International’s compliance process, including an Enhanced AccessNI background check and occupational health review.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent an applicant from being accepted. Applications are considered individually in accordance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and K2 International policies. Individuals who are legally barred from undertaking the relevant regulated activity cannot be enrolled where that activity is required.
Clinical Placement
All APEX-5 learners must complete 750 hours of supervised clinical practice under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional.
K2 International currently has MOUs in place with two potential placement providers:
Elite EMS, Tamworth, England. Elite EMS is a private ambulance provider delivering frontline 999 ambulance services. Elite EMS has agreed to consider K2 International students for paid employment as Emergency Care Assistants, allowing eligible learners to complete relevant Year 1 placement hours as part of an operational crew. This route is subject to successful completion of Level 3 CERAD, an Elite EMS interview and their normal recruitment, onboarding and employment requirements.
Global Medical Projects, Guadalajara, Mexico. Global Medical Projects provides clinical placements for trainee EMTs and Paramedics with Green Cross services in Guadalajara. The ambulance station covered by this arrangement is based alongside an Emergency Department, allowing learners to gain additional clinical exposure within a high-volume ED when ambulance demand is low. This placement option does not require Level 3 CERAD. Any fees, travel, accommodation and other costs associated with the placement are the learner’s responsibility. Further information can be found by clicking here.
NB: Learners may arrange their own clinical placement, provided the proposed placement provider and clinical setting have been vetted and approved by K2 International in advance.
A minimum of 400 hours must be completed on an emergency ambulance responding to 999, 911 or 112 calls under the authority of, or through a contract with, a statutory ambulance or emergency medical service, such as an NHS Ambulance Service or appropriate international equivalent.
A maximum of 200 hours may be completed within unscheduled or urgent care settings, including:
A maximum of 96 hours may be completed within specialist care settings, including:
Obstetrics and Gynaecology;
Coronary Care Units;
Operating Theatres;
Geriatric or Older People’s Services;
Palliative and End-of-Life Care services.
A maximum of 48 hours may be completed within approved in-hospital clinical settings, including:
How is APEX-5 assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the programme and includes practical and theoretical components.
Learners complete eight OSCEs, one practical skills test, three invigilated examinations, a learner workbook, Professional Practice Portfolio, Academic Portfolio and Practice Assessment Document (PAD).
Accommodation
Accommodation may be available next door to the K2 International training centre in Randalstown, subject to availability. Rates are:
Accommodation is not included in the course fee and must be booked separately. Availability cannot be guaranteed, so learners who require accommodation during classroom teaching blocks are encouraged to enquire early.
Location
K2 International is based at:
33 Main Street
Randalstown
BT41 3AB
Northern Ireland
The training centre is easily accessible for learners travelling from across Northern Ireland, the wider UK and internationally. Approximate travel times are:
Belfast International Airport: 20 minutes
Belfast City Airport: 25 minutes
City of Derry Airport: 60 minutes
Antrim Train Station: 10 minutes
Belfast city centre: 20 minutes
NB: Applications for Cohort 4, commencing January 2027, are now open. Only 5 places remain as of 15th September 2026.
Application Instructions:
Click APPLY NOW.
Complete the initial assessment form.
Proceed to checkout. An automatic discount will be applied, reducing the application fee payable to ÂŁ100.
Pay the ÂŁ100 application fee to submit your application.
The application fee includes your Enhanced AccessNI background check, suitability interview and RPL assessment and mapping, where applicable.
Please note: The ÂŁ100 application fee is non-refundable.
Following completion of the application process, successful applicants will receive a formal offer of enrolment, together with confirmation of their applicable tuition fees based on the outcome of any RPL assessment.
What is the APEX-5 EMT Pathway?
APEX-5 is K2 International’s Level 5 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) pathway, designed for those looking to develop the clinical knowledge, practical skills and experience required to work as an EMT across pre-hospital, remote, austere and expedition environments.
The pathway incorporates the regulated and nationally recognised Qualsafe Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF), commonly known as FREUC 5.
Training is delivered by K2 International’s faculty of experienced and currently operational Paramedics, Specialist Paramedics and Doctors, with a strong emphasis on practical learning, clinical decision-making and realistic simulation.
The taught component is delivered over 20 classroom days, normally in five-day blocks, followed by 750 hours of supervised clinical practice. Learners have up to 24 months to complete the programme requirements.
As FREC 4 is an entry requirement, learners may be able to commence suitable clinical placement alongside the classroom component rather than waiting until all 20 teaching days have been completed.
For groups of six or more, the 20 classroom days can also be delivered as an intensive four-week programme.
Who is APEX-5 for?
APEX-5 is designed for learners who already hold FREC 4 or an accepted equivalent and want to progress to EMT-level practice.
It is particularly suited to those intending to work within private ambulance services, event medicine, close protection, offshore medicine, expedition and remote medicine, international medical support and other pre-hospital emergency and urgent care environments.
Successful completion leads to the Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF), providing the FREUC 5 qualification associated with EMT-level practice and Level 5 Austere, Prolonged & Expedition Medicine issued jointly by K2 International and the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine Foundation.
Those specifically seeking employment as an EMT within an NHS ambulance service should consider the Level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) route. APEX-5 graduates can subsequently undertake K2 International’s 30-day FREUC 5 to AAP conversion programme, subject to the applicable entry and awarding-organisation requirements.
Progression to APEX-6
APEX-5 also provides a direct progression route into the APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway.
Because the FREUC 5 component forms the first 20 classroom days of APEX-6, learners who have successfully completed APEX-5 with K2 International can progress to APEX-6 without repeating those first 20 days of training.
Eligible APEX-5 graduates therefore enter APEX-6 at the next stage of the programme, reducing the amount of duplicated training required and providing a structured progression from:
APEX-4 Team Medic → APEX-5 EMT → APEX-6 Paramedic
Recognition of prior learning, placement requirements and the remaining APEX-6 programme requirements are confirmed during the APEX-6 application and RPL process.
Entry and Compliance
Applicants must hold a valid FREC 4 certificate or an accepted equivalent before commencing APEX-5.
Due to the clinical nature of the programme and placement requirements, applicants must also complete K2 International’s compliance process, including an Enhanced AccessNI background check and occupational health review.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent an applicant from being accepted. Applications are considered individually in accordance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and K2 International policies. Individuals who are legally barred from undertaking the relevant regulated activity cannot be enrolled where that activity is required.
Clinical Placement
All APEX-5 learners must complete 750 hours of supervised clinical practice under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional.
K2 International currently has MOUs in place with two potential placement providers:
Elite EMS, Tamworth, England. Elite EMS is a private ambulance provider delivering frontline 999 ambulance services. Elite EMS has agreed to consider K2 International students for paid employment as Emergency Care Assistants, allowing eligible learners to complete relevant Year 1 placement hours as part of an operational crew. This route is subject to successful completion of Level 3 CERAD, an Elite EMS interview and their normal recruitment, onboarding and employment requirements.
Global Medical Projects, Guadalajara, Mexico. Global Medical Projects provides clinical placements for trainee EMTs and Paramedics with Green Cross services in Guadalajara. The ambulance station covered by this arrangement is based alongside an Emergency Department, allowing learners to gain additional clinical exposure within a high-volume ED when ambulance demand is low. This placement option does not require Level 3 CERAD. Any fees, travel, accommodation and other costs associated with the placement are the learner’s responsibility. Further information can be found by clicking here.
NB: Learners may arrange their own clinical placement, provided the proposed placement provider and clinical setting have been vetted and approved by K2 International in advance.
A minimum of 400 hours must be completed on an emergency ambulance responding to 999, 911 or 112 calls under the authority of, or through a contract with, a statutory ambulance or emergency medical service, such as an NHS Ambulance Service or appropriate international equivalent.
A maximum of 200 hours may be completed within unscheduled or urgent care settings, including:
A maximum of 96 hours may be completed within specialist care settings, including:
Obstetrics and Gynaecology;
Coronary Care Units;
Operating Theatres;
Geriatric or Older People’s Services;
Palliative and End-of-Life Care services.
A maximum of 48 hours may be completed within approved in-hospital clinical settings, including:
How is APEX-5 assessed?
Assessment takes place throughout the programme and includes practical and theoretical components.
Learners complete eight OSCEs, one practical skills test, three invigilated examinations, a learner workbook, Professional Practice Portfolio, Academic Portfolio and Practice Assessment Document (PAD).
Accommodation
Accommodation may be available next door to the K2 International training centre in Randalstown, subject to availability. Rates are:
Accommodation is not included in the course fee and must be booked separately. Availability cannot be guaranteed, so learners who require accommodation during classroom teaching blocks are encouraged to enquire early.
Location
K2 International is based at:
33 Main Street
Randalstown
BT41 3AB
Northern Ireland
The training centre is easily accessible for learners travelling from across Northern Ireland, the wider UK and internationally. Approximate travel times are:
Belfast International Airport: 20 minutes
Belfast City Airport: 25 minutes
City of Derry Airport: 60 minutes
Antrim Train Station: 10 minutes
Belfast city centre: 20 minutes
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