Ambulance Driver Career

The school is authorized by the President of the Normandy Regional Council to admit a class of 20 students, who can follow the program in full or partial courses. It is headed by a director, approved by the President of the Normandy Region . The director is responsible for granting accreditation and authorization to operate the school.

The ambulance technician training program at the paramedical campus is affiliated with the Caen Normandy University Hospital, which has missions of care, research, and teaching. It is subject to dual oversight:

• the Ministry of Health, through the DREETS  (Regional Directorate for the Economy, Employment, Labour and Solidarity) and the ARS   (Regional Health Agency) ,
• the Regional Council (since July 2005) .

AFNOR certifies that the University Hospital of CAEN has been deemed to comply with the requirements for carrying out training activities.

certificate 2022/98983.2

Order of 11 April 2022 relating to the training leading to the State diploma of ambulance driver and the training conditions of the ambulance assistant

Order of 10 June 2021 concerning provisions relating to the authorizations of paramedical training institutes and schools and the approval of their director pursuant to Articles R. 4383-2 and R. 4383-4 of the Public Health Code

Order of 21 April 2007 relating to the operating conditions of paramedical training institutes

Since the decree of April 11, 2022 relating to the training leading to the State diploma of ambulance driver and the training conditions of the ambulance assistant, a fundamental reflection has been initiated on the strategic issues of training and these developments have represented for our sector an opportunity in the same way as the various regulatory changes concerning the organization of health.

The educational project formalizes our commitment by specifying the aims and means of this training: it lays the foundations and directions of the training in care, outlines the values ​​and concepts, and specifies the tools that result from them.

Our actions are motivated by the acquisition of skills and the ability of students to adapt to changes while respecting an ethical framework.

The missions of the ambulance driver training program at the paramedical campus are oriented towards several areas:

• Initial and partial training;
  • welcoming, supporting, and monitoring each student;
  • development, implementation and evaluation of the educational project;
  • organization and management of theoretical teaching and clinical training;
  • responsibility for the assessment, validation and certification system;
  • adaptation to the regulatory framework for exemptions from schooling (organisation of personalized supplementary pathways).
• Responsibility for the selection tests;
• Implementation of continuing education in connection with regulatory changes.
• Support for research and document management;
• Promotion of training and professions;
• Seeking continuous improvement in the quality of training provided and participation in a quality assurance approach (QUALIOPI);
• Student participation in institute projects, active representation in governing bodies;
• Development of cooperation actions with healthcare facilities, networks and other training structures.

RNCP record

The State Diploma for Ambulance Technicians certifies the skills required to practice the profession of ambulance technician: decree of April 11, 2022 relating to the training leading to the State Diploma for Ambulance Technicians and the training conditions for ambulance attendants, Annex II

1. Establish appropriate communication to inform and support the patient and their family
2. Supporting the patient with settling in and moving around by mobilizing their resources and using appropriate equipment
3. Implement hygiene and comfort care adapted to the patient's needs and situation
4. Assess the patient's clinical condition within one's area of ​​expertise
5. Implement care adapted to the patient's condition, particularly emergency care
6. To prepare, inspect, and maintain the vehicle adapted for ground medical transport in order to guarantee transport safety
7. Drive the vehicle adapted for ground medical transport in compliance with traffic and road safety rules and in a manner adapted to the patient's state of health
8. Use appropriate equipment and facility maintenance techniques within your area of ​​expertise, taking into account the prevention of associated risks
9. Identify, report, and address anomalies and malfunctions related to the maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and facilities, and ensure their traceability
10. To search for, process, and transmit relevant information to ensure the continuity and traceability of care and activities, and to pass on professional expertise
11. Organizing and controlling one's activity, cooperating within a multi-professional team and improving one's practice within the framework of a quality/risk management approach

In accordance with the law of February 11, 2005 for equal rights and opportunities, participation and citizenship of disabled persons, the principles of non-discrimination and accessibility are applied to training.

A disability liaison officer is in contact with all paramedical training programs at the Caen University Hospital. Students with disabilities can contact her at: pfp-sec-dir@chu-caen.fr

Points to be aware of: 

There is no obligation for the student to disclose their disability status to their training institution, whether at the time of the competition or during their studies.

The disability situation of a candidate or student is confidential, even if it falls under a secret shared between professionals in the training structure.

Training can be financed by regional and local partners such as the Regional Council, Skills Operators ( OPCOs ) for employees, Transitions Pro for employees other than ambulance attendants…

Before entering a health or social training institute in Normandy, you must absolutely ensure the financing of your training and your resources during the duration of your training ( https://parcours-metier.normandie.fr/fss-se-former-aux-metiers-de-la-sante-et-du-social )

You can also benefit from scholarships. Scholarship applications are managed by the Crous of Normandy and scholarships are awarded according to your financial situation ( https://www.crous-normandie.fr/bourses/faire-demande-de-bourse/videos-tutoriels/ ).

The cost for 2025-2026 is 3500 euros.

The Normandy Region has decided to grant job seekers the remuneration of vocational training trainees from the start of the academic year in September 2022. This remuneration is calculated based on actual hours of attendance, at a rate of €685 per month for a 35-hour weekly training course.

The criteria for receiving this remuneration are (cumulative criteria):

• To be enrolled and diligently follow a training course for AS, AES or Ambulance driver provided in a Normandy institute;
• Being a job seeker not receiving compensation from France Travail (registered or not with France Travail);
• Having been out of the school system for more than 9 months;
• Benefit from funding of the educational cost of the training by the Region .

A freephone number: 0 800 05 00 00 is available for any further information.

• A theoretical training course of 15 weeks, 4 days and 3 hours (556 hours).
• A 7-week (245 hours) spread over 3 internships.
• Annual leave , amounting to 2 weeks, is planned, and the dates are determined by the school management.

Subject to being admitted to the training under the conditions set out in this decree, equivalencies of skills, skills blocks or partial or complete exemptions from certain training modules are granted to students holding the following qualifications or diplomas:

1. The State Diploma for Nursing Assistants (DEAS);
2. The State Diploma for Childcare Assistant (DEAP);
3. The Medical Regulation Assistant diploma (DARM);
4. The State Diploma for Educational and Social Support Workers (DEAES);
5. The professional title of Family Life Assistant (AVF);
6. The professional title of Medical-Social Service Agent (ASMS);
7. The professional title of Driver/Delivery Person on Light Medical Vehicle (CLV on VSL);
8. The professional qualification certificate for Medical Assistant (AM);
9. The professional baccalaureate in Support, Care and Services to Individuals (BAC ASSP);
10. The professional baccalaureate in Services to People and Territories (BAC SAPAT);
11. The vocational baccalaureate in road freight transport driving (BAC TRM)
12. Individuals holding one of the diplomas that allow them to practice the professions of nurse, physiotherapist, chiropodist/podiatrist, occupational therapist, psychomotor therapist, medical radiographer, and medical laboratory technician

Equivalencies

Educational Project

Apprenticeship training – Start date September 2025

For a start in September , ending in February of year N+1

For a start in January , ending in July of year N.

Developing skills through simulation

Within the framework of the training program, the use of active learning methods, such as simulation in healthcare, is recommended. The Nursing Training Institute (IFA) at the Caen University Hospital (CHU de Caen) sought to develop this method, which is based on reflection and the ethical principle of "never the first time on a patient " [1] . The aim is to acquire skills, procedures, and knowledge, or to develop cooperation between several professionals (multidisciplinary approach). Errors are not penalized but shared and analyzed, thus becoming a catalyst for professional reflection and learning.

Based on the simulation typology, we propose the following scenarios:

• Written simulations based on concrete cases or scenarios supporting discussions and reflections on the care of a patient in a given situation;
• Simulations on basic mannequins (low fidelity) allowing training in professional gestures (ergonomics, gestures and emergency care…);
• Standardized patients: these are simulated patients or role-playing games allowing for caregiver-patient interaction. The aim is to develop technical relational skills in scripted situations (initial interviews, crisis management, etc.);
• Simulation with medium-fidelity mannequins: the objective is to put learners in an evolving situation, to mobilize their knowledge and to acquire skills.

To carry out these sessions, we have 7 practical work rooms equipped with low and medium fidelity mannequins as well as a simulation room allowing recording and live transmission to the debriefing room.

[1] GRANRY JC, MOLL MC, 2012, Mission report of the High Authority for Health

The training is provided by State-Certified Nurses who possess varied professional experience and university qualifications: University Diplomas, Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees…

Supporting students in developing and achieving their career goals is the guiding principle behind all the actions of the institute's teaching team. A formalized and evolving support system for student success has been in place for several years. It is detailed below

This process begins well before students even start their training. Indeed, a well-considered career path is key to successful integration into the program. Therefore, the teaching staff is committed to all communication activities (open house days, career fairs, student days, and career fairs). Providing information about the target profession and the possible paths and changes in direction is essential for future success.

Next, support to help learners succeed is provided through two intervention methods :

• Support for professional development;
• Individualized educational support for learners.

Support for success:

The instructor will guide students on their path to success and professional development. They will ensure a success-oriented teaching approach that requires:

• To establish a climate conducive to learning by taking into account the physical, human and interpersonal environment;
• To give confidence to the student regardless of their initial level and background;
• To determine learning needs by taking into account personal motivations, student expectations, personality, abilities and difficulties;
• To prioritize methods that allow the student to use and optimize their experiences;
• To encourage the student to reflect and question;
• To encourage its reflexivity;
• To support the student in a learning process and in the development of their professional project

Individualized educational support for learners:

Educational monitoring is addressed individually and collectively (3 hours 30 minutes per student).

It is defined as support for the student, provided by a designated member of the teaching team.

The interviews, which aim to monitor progress, are conducted based on:

• Results of theoretical and clinical evaluations;
• Assessments of skills developed during internships;
• Internship reports;
• Of the various works carried out.

Validation of the training is based on a system of continuous assessment.

For each block, an initial assessment test is organized followed by a second session, called a make-up session, for candidates who did not pass the first one.

Assessment methods: Individual or group, online assignment submissions, in-class assignments, oral presentations (in groups or individually) of work, simulated situations, analysis of clinical situations.

The Ambulance Driver Training School is part of a training center that includes:

• Initial training programs : nurse, ambulance driver, nursing assistant, medical radiographer
• Specialty training programs : operating room nurse, pediatric nurse
• the training of healthcare managers
• Medical training : medicine, pharmacy, midwifery, speech therapy

Bringing these courses together on a single site allows for the development of shared and innovative educational activities: multi-professional teaching and internships.

The building is accessible to people with disabilities. A disability liaison officer is in contact with all training facilities. Students concerned can contact her through the school office.

3 internship periods allowing for the validation of skills in the following locations chosen by the institute:

• Emergency Medicine Pathway for Adults/Children (Emergency Department/ SAMU -SMUR): 2 weeks
• Medical transport company: 2 weeks
• Short- and long-term care facilities, post-acute and rehabilitation care, nursing homes , child and adult care, psychiatry and mental health, depending on the IFA's educational project: 3 weeks
• During their work placement, the student completes at least one night work experience and one weekend work experience.

These internships are organised by the teaching staff in collaboration with the managers of the host institutions, based on 5 criteria :

• the training program,
• the number of internships,
• the educational project,
• the student's career plan,
• the student's experience.

The internship program can be modified during partial programs with regard to equivalencies.

The State Diploma for Ambulance Technicians is obtained by validating all the skill blocks acquired in theoretical and practical training and in a professional setting, according to the evaluation criteria defined in the reference framework.

Students holding the Level 2 Emergency Gestures and Care Training Certificate ( AFGSU 2) who have validated all the skills required to obtain certification

The jury for the State Diploma for Ambulance Technicians is appointed by the regional prefect, upon the proposal of the regional director of the economy, employment, labor and solidarity ( DREETS ) or their representative. It is chaired by the latter or their representative and comprises:

• The Director General of the ARS or his representative
• A Director of an IFA
• A permanent trainer at an IFA
• A paramedical or medical scientific advisor, an emergency professional from an IFA
• A practicing manager of a medical transport company, holding a state-recognized ambulance driver's diploma, or their representative who also holds this diploma
• A state-certified ambulance driver employed by a medical transport company or working in a healthcare facility.

An ambulance driver can apply for training as a nurse, childcare assistant, nursing assistant, or medical dispatcher ( ARM ); his diploma will entitle him to equivalencies.

In accordance with the decree of April 11, 2022 relating to the training leading to the State diploma of ambulance driver and the training conditions of the ambulance assistant:

The selection process includes an eligibility review based on application and an admission interview.

Prerequisites for applying to the selection process :

• Hold a driving licence outside the probationary period, in accordance with the legislation in force and in a valid state (more than 3 years or 2 years if supervised driving);
• Provide a prefectural certificate of fitness to drive an ambulance or the cerfa form duly completed and signed by a doctor approved by the prefecture after a medical examination carried out under the conditions defined in article R.221-10 of the highway code;
• Provide the medical certificate of no contraindication to the profession of ambulance driver (to be completed by a doctor approved by the ARS ) and the medical certificate of vaccinations in accordance with the regulations in force setting the conditions of immunization of health professionals in France;
• Complete a 70-hour observation internship (except for exempt candidates: see Information Notice);

Candidates who have been employed for at least one month, continuously or intermittently, as an ambulance attendant or ambulance driver in the last three years, must provide the employer's certificate, and are exempt from the 70-hour training course.

To find out the conditions for total or partial exemption from selection and the diplomas or qualifications that entitle you to a reduction in training, please consult the information notice.

Details on the selection process:

• All candidates have a 70-hour internship to complete, except those who have worked as an ambulance attendant for at least 1 month in the last 3 years.
• All candidates holding a qualification or diploma entitling them to a partial course will have to undergo an interview, except for ambulance attendants who have performed this function for a continuous period of at least 1 year during the last 3 years.
• Candidates exempt from eligibility , holding one of the titles or diplomas mentioned in the information notice, do not have to write the handwritten document of a maximum of 2 pages.

First selection 2026

The ambulance driver program at the paramedical campus of the University Hospital of Caen Normandy organizes 2 selections per year (interviews in June for entry in September and interviews in November for entry in January).

Online pre-registration is mandatory for candidates who must undergo selection: from February 23 to May 26, 2026. No online pre-registration is required for candidates exempt from selection.

Please use one of the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome

https://concours.chu-caen.fr/MySelect/

REGISTRATION: Sending or submitting the application: currently being scheduled (postmark as proof) and subject to the availability of places for candidates exempt from selection (i.e., 5 places)

Publication of eligibility results for the candidates concerned: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Admission interviews: Thursday, June 11, 2026   ( invitations sent by email no later than 1 week prior )

Publication of admission results: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM

70-hour internship to be completed before June 11, 2026

Training: from Monday, August 31, 2026 to Monday, February 22, 2027 (to be confirmed)

The 70-hour internship can be arranged with the institute's administrative assistant for a fee of €10. The internship application form, included in the selection file, must be duly completed and submitted with proof of liability insurance. A tripartite agreement will be signed by all three parties: the company, the institute, and the candidate.

Online pre-registration is not registration. Registration for the selection process will be considered after receipt and verification of the application documents. All candidates will receive a letter confirming their registration for the selection process.

The application can be submitted to the reception of the PFRS or to the secretariat of the institute (4th floor) at the Health Training and Research Center ( PFRS ), 2 rue des Rochambelles in Caen.

Or sent by mail: Campus Paramédical du CHU de Caen Normandie – Filière ambulancier-ère- CS 30001 – 14033 CAEN Cedex 9

The results will be posted in the PFRS and all candidates will receive a letter.

The results will also be published online, but only the receipt of written confirmation of the results has legal value.

If, within ten days of the results being posted, the candidate has not sent their reply slip, they are presumed to have declined admission. Their place will be offered to another candidate on the waiting list.

The results of the selection process are valid only for the academic year for which this selection was organized.

However, the director of the institute may grant, for a period she determines and up to a cumulative limit of two years, a deferral for entry into the training institute :

• Either as a right in the event of maternity leave, rejection of the benefit of professional or social promotion, rejection of a request for training leave, rejection of a request for leave of absence, postponement of an apprenticeship contract or for the care of a child under 4 years old.
• Either exceptionally, based on evidence provided by the candidate justifying the occurrence of a significant event preventing them from starting their training.