APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway | 3 Years

NB: Formal course dates have not yet been announced for our first APEX Paramedic Practice cohort. Please use the box above to register your expression of interest, and we will notify you when cohort details are confirmed.

We currently anticipate that the first cohort will run across January and February 2027, subject to final confirmation.

What is The APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway?

The APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway is a two-phase paramedic education pathway developed and delivered collaboratively by the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (CoROM) and K2 International. It combines advanced practical education, classroom-based learning, supervised clinical practice and structured academic study to provide a progressive route towards the BSc in Remote Paramedic Practice.

The pathway has been designed to allow learners to complete the practical and classroom-based elements of the programme in Northern Ireland, before progressing through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) into the remaining academic components of CoROM's BSc Remote Paramedic Practice.

1. Phase One: APEX-6

The first phase is the Austere, Prolonged and Expeditionary Care Level 6 Programme, otherwise known as APEX-6.

APEX-6 has been jointly developed by CoROM and K2 International and is co-delivered by experienced paramedics, advanced paramedics and doctors from both organisations at K2 International's training facility in Randalstown, Northern Ireland.

The programme brings together the practical, clinical and classroom-based education required to develop learners from emergency and urgent care practice through to advanced paramedic-level clinical decision making, with a particular emphasis on remote, austere, prolonged and expeditionary environments.

APEX-6 has been developed against the relevant learning outcomes and academic requirements of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice and constitutes just under 50% of the credits required for the degree. It represents approximately the first 18 months of the overall three-year pathway and incorporates the practical and classroom-based components that would otherwise form part of the BSc programme.

The programme includes practical skills development, simulation, classroom education, assessment and supervised clinical practice, with more than 1,500 hours of supervised clinical and practical learning incorporated across the pathway.

Successful completion of Phase One leads to the award of a jointly issued APEX-6 certificate by CoROM and K2 International.

1. Phase Two: BSc Remote Paramedic Practice

Following successful completion of APEX-6, eligible learners will progress to the second phase of the pathway through sponsored enrolment by K2 International onto CoROM's BSc Remote Paramedic Practice.

The learner's APEX-6 certificate and associated evidence of learning will be submitted to CoROM through its formal Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Subject to successful RPL, approximately 50% of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice credit requirement, equivalent to approximately 18 months of the programme, will be recognised as prior learning. CoROM and K2 International have jointly developed and agreed the RPL mapping for APEX-6 against the relevant components of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice. K2 International will sponsor the associated RPL process for learners progressing through the APEX-6 Paramedic Pathway, with the relevant APEX-6 learning and assessment evidence having been specifically designed and mapped for this purpose.

Progression and enrolment remain subject to CoROM's admissions, compliance, onboarding and professional suitability requirements. K2 International cannot accept responsibility for an application being refused on grounds specific to the individual learner, including criminal records, safeguarding concerns, professional conduct, occupational health requirements, fitness to practise, identity or eligibility checks, or any other matter that may prevent the learner from satisfying CoROM's enrolment or clinical placement requirements. Possession of an APEX-6 certificate does not override these requirements.

Learners will then complete the remaining components of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice directly through CoROM. These predominantly consist of the remaining theoretical and academic modules, including research, together with any outstanding supervised clinical practice and placement requirements.

This structure means that eligible learners can complete the required face-to-face practical and classroom education for the pathway in Northern Ireland while completing the remaining academic components of the BSc through CoROM.

Successful completion of both phases, including all required academic modules, assessments, clinical practice requirements and other programme requirements, leads to the award of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice by CoROM.

Admission, Compliance and Recognition of Prior Learning

Completion of APEX-6 does not, by itself, constitute enrolment on the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice or guarantee the award of academic credit or a degree.

Progression to Phase Two remains subject to successful completion of CoROM's admissions, compliance, onboarding, enrolment and Recognition of Prior Learning procedures.

Learners must satisfy all applicable academic and professional requirements before enrolment and progression. These may include identity and eligibility checks, enhanced background checks, occupational health screening, vaccination and immunisation requirements, evidence of fitness to undertake clinical practice, placement compliance requirements and any other checks required by CoROM, K2 International, placement providers or relevant regulatory bodies.

Recognition of APEX-6 towards the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice remains subject to CoROM's formal academic regulations and RPL processes. The precise credit awarded will be determined through those processes and remains subject to successful verification of the learner's completed education and assessment evidence.

The pathway and associated RPL arrangements remain subject to the continuing quality-assurance and regulatory requirements of CoROM, K2 International and the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority. Programme structure, credit recognition or progression requirements may therefore be reviewed or amended where necessary to maintain academic standards, regulatory compliance and appropriate equivalence.

Who are CoROM?

The College of Remote and Offshore Medicine, known as CoROM, is a non-profit higher education institution based in Malta, specialising in remote, offshore, austere, tropical and resource-limited healthcare education.

CoROM operates under licence from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), licence number 2018-022. CoROM’s degree programmes are designed to meet the standards of the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), meaning they sit within recognised European higher education level structures.

CoROM is also listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities in collaboration with UNESCO. WHED is used internationally by universities, employers, governments and credential evaluation agencies to verify recognised higher education institutions.

For UK learners, MQF and EQF alignment can support qualification comparison and academic recognition discussions. International qualifications are normally considered by UK universities, employers, professional bodies or regulators according to their own requirements, and may be compared against UK qualification levels through recognised qualification comparison routes such as UK ENIC.

CoROM’s academic provision includes undergraduate and postgraduate study in remote, austere and offshore medicine, including the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice. K2 International’s APEX Paramedic Practice pathway has been developed to provide practical, scenario-based training that complements this academic route.

What are the entry requirements for APEX Paramedic Practice?

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements before commencing the programme:

1. Be at least 18 years old on the first day of the course.

2. Hold a valid Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3), or recognised equivalent.

3. Hold a valid Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (FREC 4), or recognised equivalent.

4. Be willing and able to complete supervised clinical practice placement, including international placement where required or where this forms part of the agreed placement pathway.

5. Be able to meet the physical, professional and practical requirements of emergency, urgent, remote and austere care training, including scenario-based learning, clinical skills assessment and supervised placement activity.

6. Be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.

7. Be willing to complete any required enhanced criminal background checks, occupational health declarations, placement documentation, insurance declarations or safeguarding requirements before attending clinical placement.

How is APEX-6 assessed?

APEX-6 is assessed through a series of OSCEs, skills tests, invigilated written examinations, online assessments, academic and professional portfolios, essays, clinical reflections, supervised placement evidence and a final dissertation project.

Although the pathway is not delivered by K2 International as a traditional university programme, learners are still expected to work to a high academic and professional standard, with assessment designed to evidence clinical knowledge, applied competence, reflective practice and safe decision-making in remote, austere and expeditionary healthcare environments.

How much is the APEX Paramedic Practice course?

• APEX Paramedic Practice costs £22,585 plus VAT for the full three years of tuition.

  • £22, 500 plus VAT in tuition fess

  • £85 application fee to cover compliance procedures checks such as an Enhanced Background check

• 1,500 international placement hours with our placement partner, Global Medical Projects, are included in the course fee.

  • The placement arrangements include accommodation, evening meals, Spanish lessons, access to an in-country representative and a donation to the host service.

  • Flights to and from placement locations are not included in the course fee.

Accommodation

Accommodation may be available next door to our training centre in Randalstown, subject to availability.

• Peak rate: £60 per night

• Off-peak rate: £50 per night

Accommodation is not included in the course fee and must be booked separately. Availability cannot be guaranteed, so learners are encouraged to enquire early if they require accommodation during classroom teaching blocks.

Location

K2 International is based at 33 Main Street, Randalstown, BT41 3AB, where we operate from our custom-built training facility.

Our location is easily accessible for learners travelling from across Northern Ireland, the UK and internationally.

• Belfast International Airport: approximately 20 minutes

• Belfast City Airport: approximately 25 minutes

• City of Derry Airport: approximately 60 minutes

• Antrim Train Station: approximately 10 minutes

• Belfast city centre: approximately 20 minutes

Flexible exit points, progression and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The APEX-6 pathway is designed as a progressive three-year route, but learners may choose to exit after Year 1 if their professional goal is to work at EMT level.

Learners who successfully complete Year 1 may be awarded Leve 5 Diploma First Response Emergency and Urgent Care and Level 5 Award Remote Emergency Medical Technician, subject to meeting all relevant assessment, placement and awarding requirements.

Learners who wish to become a paramedic must complete all three years of the pathway, including the required academic, clinical placement, practicum and dissertation components.

Recognition of prior learning may be available for suitably qualified learners. All RPL applications are subject to an individual RPL assessment, approval by the relevant academic or awarding body, and payment of any applicable RPL fees.

Who is this pathway for?

This pathway is designed for clinicians who want to develop from ECA-level practice into paramedic level remote, austere, tropical, expeditionary and resource-limited healthcare practice. But this pathway is also suitable for those working, or intending to work, in settings such as:

• Pre-hospital emergency and urgent care

• Private ambulance services

• Event medical cover

• Close protection medical support

• Offshore medic roles

• Expedition medic roles

• Humanitarian or international healthcare support

• Remote site medical support

• Security and hostile environment medical support

• Progression into higher-level remote, paramedic or specialist medical education

• Progression towards NHS ambulance service roles, subject to completion of any required UK qualifications, professional registration, employer recruitment processes and local requirements.

Course structure

The APEX-6 pathway is structured across three progressive years of study. Year 1 focuses on emergency, urgent and remote care, including supervised clinical practice placement. Year 2 develops advanced tropical, austere, remote and expedition medicine capability. Year 3 allows learners to progress into specialist remote paramedic practice modules, clinical practicum and dissertation-level work.

The structure below is intended as a summary only. For a more detailed breakdown of each module, learning hours, and assessment requirements, please visit:

www.k2i-eoc.com/apex-paramedic-practice

Year 1:

• 8 compulsory modules (60 ECTS)

• Classroom guided learning: 255 hours

• Online guided learning: 361 hours

• Total guided learning before placement: 616 hours

• Clinical placement: 750 hours

• Overall Year 1 learning/placement total: 1,366 hours

Year 2

• 8 compulsory modules (60 ECTS)

• Classroom guided learning: 180 hours

• Online guided learning: 1,091 hours

• Total guided learning before placement: 1,271 hours

• Self-directed learning: Not separately listed

• Clinical placement: 375 hours

• Overall Year 2 learning/placement total: 1,646 hours

Year 3

• 4 compulsory modules (40 ECTS)

• 4 elective modules (5 ECTS each, 20 ECTS total required)

  • Total Year 3 modules completed: 8 modules (60 ECTS)

• Compulsory guided learning: 1,000 hours

• Elective guided learning: 500 hours

• Total guided learning: 1,500 hours

• Self-directed learning: Not separately listed

• Clinical placement/practicum: 375 hours included within the Year 3 module structure

• Overall Year 3 learning/placement total: ~1,875 hours, depending on elective module selection

Academic award and professional recognition

The APEX-6 pathway is designed to combine practical training with structured academic study. Learners progress through the route in the following stages:

Step 1: Apply and complete all required compliance checks

Learners must first apply for the programme and complete all required onboarding and compliance checks. This will include an: 

• Formal interview; 

• Identity verification;

• Enhanced background checks (Access NI);

• Occupational health screening;

• Exposure-prone procedure declarations;

• Vaccination record checks;

• Placement documentation;

• Insurance declarations and any other safeguarding or clinical governance requirements linked to the programme.

Step 2: Complete the APEX-6 practical modules

Learners complete the practical component of the pathway with in Northern Ireland. This includes practical teaching, scenario-based learning, clinical skills assessment, placement evidence and professional portfolio development. Upon successful completion of this component, the learner will be jointly issued a certificate in Austere, Prolonged and Expeditionary Care Medicine (Level 6) certificate.

Step 3: Recognition of Prior Learning into the CoROM BSc

APEX-6 has been developed and jointly assessed by the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine and K2 International for Recognition of Prior Learning against relevant practical modules within CoROM’s BSc Remote Paramedic Practice constituting around 50% of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice, all relevant practical/classroom based sessions and 90 academic credits.

Step 4: Complete the remainder of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice with CoROM

Learners then complete the structured e-learning packages, research modules and remaining supervised clinical practice placement hours provided by CoROM. This academic component develops the wider knowledge, theory, clinical reasoning and professional understanding required for the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice. Learners can do this in their own time within the timeframes provided on the course.

Step 5: Complete all required placement, portfolio and assessment components

Learners must successfully complete all required practical, academic, placement, portfolio and assessment components of the pathway. This includes the required clinical placement hours, supervised practice evidence, written work, online assessments, OSCEs, clinical reflections and dissertation project.

Step 6: Award of the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice

Once all required components have been successfully completed and assessed by CoROM, successful learners will be awarded the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice by CoROM.

Step 7: Professional registration applications

The BSc Remote Paramedic Practice is an academic degree. Graduates can use the degree, clinical placement evidence, academic credits and professional portfolio to support applications to relevant international regulators, including the HCPC in the UK through the international application route.

Neither K2 International nor CoROM can guarantee the success of any international registration or recognition application. Candidates are responsible for completing the relevant application process, submitting the required paperwork and evidence, and demonstrating that they meet the requirements of their chosen regulatory body, as would be the case with any paramedic qualification or programme.

APEX RPP FAQs

1. What is APEX?

   APEX, meaning Austere, Prolonged and Expedition, is a suite of courses being developed by K2 International to prepare responders and clinicians to work safely and effectively in resource-limited, remote and otherwise challenging environments at their own clinical grade. APEX Paramedic Practice (Level 6), or APEX-6, is the first programme in the APEX suite to be announced with more programmes in development, including APEX-4 for responders seeking remote and austere care training, and APEX-5 for EMTs, registered nurses and doctors wishing to develop remote medic capability.

   The APEX suite is open to both qualified and non-qualified responders, with structured pathways available from first response through to remote paramedic practice. Shorter conversion courses may also be available for suitably qualified individuals who already hold relevant clinical qualifications or experience.

   The focus of APEX is not to encourage learners to work beyond their scope of practice, but to help them apply their existing clinical grade safely in more complex environments where evacuation may be delayed, resources may be limited and decision-making may need to be adapted to the setting.

2. What is APEX-6?

   APEX-6 is K2 International’s remote paramedic practice pathway, designed to support progression from ECA-level practice into remote, austere, tropical, expeditionary and resource-limited healthcare. Year 1 includes FREUC 5/APEX-5, Remote EMT study and clinical placement. Years 2 and 3 develop advanced remote medicine, clinical practice, research, pharmacology and specialist practice areas.

3. Is APEX-6 a UK HCPC-approved paramedic programme?

   No. APEX-6 is not a UK HCPC-approved paramedic programme and does not directly lead to HCPC registration. However, to date 26 CoROM BSc Remote Paramedic Practice graduates have successfully been granted HCPC registration as of August 2026.

   The pathway is designed to support progression into CoROM’s BSc Remote Paramedic Practice through Recognition of Prior Learning and completion of CoROM’s academic requirements. Learners who are awarded the BSc and wish to seek UK paramedic registration would need to apply to the HCPC through the international application route.

   HCPC registration is not automatic and cannot be guaranteed by K2 International, CoROM or any training provider. HCPC makes its own independent decision based on the applicant’s qualification, clinical education, placement evidence, professional experience, standards mapping, health and character declarations, and any other requirements in place at the time of application. CoROM have however confirmed a number of recent graduates have been granted access to the HCPC register after successfully completing the HCPC international Application process and indeed one of our own instructors at K2i have completed this process and are now practising as a paramedic in the UK.

   Further details can be found at: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/registration/getting-on-the-register/international-applications/

4. Can APEX 6 graduates apply for registration in other countries?

   Yes. International recognition depends on the relevant country, regulator and individual applicant. For example, Ireland’s PHECC has a recognition process for qualifications obtained outside Ireland, Australia’s Paramedicine Board provides information on assessment of overseas qualifications, and New Zealand’s Paramedic Council has a pathway for overseas-qualified paramedics. Recognition is never automatic and learners should check the requirements of the regulator they intend to apply to.

   Examples of regulatory recognition and registration routes can be found through the links below:

   • Republic of Ireland, PHECC: https://phecc.ie/register/recognition-of-qualifications/

   • Australia, AHPRA: https://www.paramedicineboard.gov.au/Qualifications/Assessment-of-overseas-qualifications.aspx

   • New Zealand, Paramedic Council: https://paramediccouncil.org.nz/PCNZ/PCNZ/2.Paramedics/Overseas-qualified-paramedics-.aspx

5. What are the entry requirements for APEX 6?

   Applicants must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the course, hold valid FREC 3 and FREC 4 qualifications or recognised equivalents, and be willing to complete international placement. Learners must also be able to meet any background check, occupational health, safeguarding, placement, travel and clinical governance requirements linked to the programme.

6. What is included in the international placement?

   International placement in Guadalajara is included in the course price for each year. Year 1 includes 10 weeks of placement. Years 2 and 3 each include 5 weeks of placement. The placement package includes accommodation, evening meals, Spanish lessons and access to an in-country representative.

7. Are flights included in the course price?

   No. Flights are not included. Learners are responsible for arranging and funding their own flights, travel insurance, visas or entry requirements, vaccinations, personal spending money and any additional travel-related costs not specifically included in the placement package.

8. What clinical grade does successful completion of FREUC 5 entitle me to?

   Successful completion of FREUC 5 entitles the learner to operate as an Emergency Medical Technician, subject to appropriate employer governance, clinical supervision, insurance, scope of practice and local protocols. FREUC 5 forms the EMT-level foundation of Year 1 before learners progress into the wider remote paramedic practice pathway.

9. Does K2 International guarantee employment or registration after APEX 6?

   No. K2 International does not guarantee employment, HCPC registration or registration with any other regulator. The programme is designed to provide structured education, assessment, placement and portfolio evidence that may support employment, progression or professional recognition applications, but final decisions rest with employers, academic partners and the relevant professional regulators.