The Bachelor of Paramedic Science is an online bachelor’s degree of paramedicine designed for those aiming to become registered paramedics in Australia. This degree equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective clinical practice in emergency medical settings.
This online bachelor of paramedicine can be financed by your own money, or by opting into the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), which is a loan from the government that you pay back through the Australian Tax Office when you earn over the minimum earnings threshold, which is updated by the Australian government every year.
Numerous universities offer a Bachelor of Paramedic Science, and the choice of university will depend on several factors.
If your goal is to become an Ambulance Paramedic, obtaining a degree is essential. However, if you’re considering a role as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Ambulance Technician within the private sector, a university degree is not required.
If university education is part of your career plan, it’s important to recognise that course content varies significantly between institutions. Some universities emphasise Indigenous health, while others prioritise leadership, mentoring, and management skills. Additionally, certain institutions specialise in areas such as obstetrics and paediatrics.
The specific curriculum offered by each university is typically guided by its perspective on industry requirements and which subjects will best support career advancement and align with future industry demands.
Being mindful of societal trends is crucial, especially as we face increasing mental health and public health challenges. The Coronavirus pandemic, for example, has highlighted critical questions regarding the future of the healthcare workforce. Additionally, the pandemic has spurred renewed interest in healthcare careers due to the respect these roles command and the diverse career pathways available.
Before the introduction of Paramedic registration in late 2018, it was possible to become a Paramedic, and use that title, through internships and traineeships, such as those offered by NSW Ambulance.
How to get the degree
Go to university full-time for 3 years, apply to your state ambulance service, then complete 1 year as a probationary Paramedic
This is the perfect option if you have just left school, got the appropriate ATAR/OP score and can commit 100% to full-time study.
After graduation, you can apply to your State Ambulance Service and work in a post-graduate role.
What if you don’t meet the university entry standard?
If you are one of the many people who didn’t end up with good school results, or you are a mature-aged student whose life got in the way of study…not all is lost, there’s some good news.
At Paramedicine Online we’ve done a lot of research on the paramedical industry and partnered with the largest pre-hospital emergency health care college to give you the best opportunity to reach your goal of becoming a respected emergency health care practitioner.
The first step is to study the HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science; then using RPL/credits (dependending on the university you choose), apply to uni to study the Bachelor of Paramedic Science.
The HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science can be completed via a mix of online, face-to-face workshops and clinical placement (work experience). Learning online is now easier and more convenient than ever. With a specially designed app and online learning platform you can work through each unit/topic in succession, in your own time; and not being anxious about committing to a complete lifestyle change and signing up to three years of full-time university study.
Depending on how much spare time you have for study, it’s possible to complete a Certificate IV in Health Care in around 12 – 18 months and find work in the private sector. Just be aware, the Certificate IV is not enough to get you into uni – whereas the diploma could get you in.
The diploma can be completed in 18-24 months – even sooner if you put your mind to it. Some graduates have completed their training in as little as 6 months. Through Recognition of Prior Learning/Credit Transfer you could be credited towards your university degree, because you already completed some of the learning. This is one of the big benefits of studying the diploma. You’ll gain essential paramedical knowledge, get the opportunity to work in the field, grow your network and connections in the industry and above all, you’ll be full of confidence and ready to take on university study.
By studying and graduating with a diploma, in all reality, your university tuition fees cold also be reduced, saving you $1000’s.
*The Australian Paramedical College is the Registered Training Organisation RTO: 32513 with whom we partner to deliver Nationally Recognised and accredited qualifications.
We asked some graduates about how they did when it came to getting credits into the degree after studying the diploma. This information is subject to change and Paramedicine Online suggests you do your own research to validate our findings.
“Edith Cowan University can credit 7 subjects with the Diploma of Paramedical Science.”
“Charles Sturt University gave 6 units of credit for the diploma.”
“Central Queensland Uni will give you 7 subjects credit, but it’s still 3 years of study.”
“University of Tasmania Conversion program. 53C Bachelor of Paramedic Practice, 10 units after Diploma”.
“It’s 192 points for the degree at Charles Sturt University doing distance study and they said it would take off roughly a semester.
“Graduate comments.”
“I received quite a bit of credit. I have 6 subjects off and pending 3 more. Emily”.
Rowan – “Just got accepted into Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie for a Bachelors of Paramedicine. You get 48 credits of RPL for the diploma. It works out to be roughly a semester.”
Bec – “It depends entirely on the Uni and how they recognise the diploma and fit the units into their own course structure. Last time it was discussed I think general consensus was that CQU recognised the Diploma significantly more than anywhere else.”
Alexandre – “I’m in NSW as well and I know UTAS and CSU both give RPL for the diploma. I think they take about a year off.”
“ECU credit 7 subjects with the diploma, Alan”
“On my first University placement with QUT and evidently my Diploma served me well, with the comments that I am doing better than a lot of third year students. Getting heaps if experience and LOVING IT!”
“I know UTAS and CSU both give RPL for the diploma. I think they take about a year off.”
“Bathurst campus at Charles Sturt recognises the diploma and I get heaps of units off.”
“Edith Cowan Uni in Western Australia students have been getting through the graduate entry program rather than SAO (student ambulance officer), and you can get RPL with ECU.”
“the diploma helped me get into uni.”
“People always ask em about what university credits they will get from graduating with the diploma. So I just want to share my experience. I received 6 Subjects at Charles Sturt Uni. In perspective, that’s almost a full year of university but it was done at my leisure, and a good intro back to study.”
“I also have the option now of working as a qualified diploma medic while I complete my study, So all in all I’m glad I chose this pathway, I also hadn’t finished school so the diploma helped me into uni.”