Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine

School of Medicine

The Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine is a unique and contemporary avenue to study postgraduate paramedicine in just one year. Our program is delivered through the University of Notre Dame Australia School of Medicine and provides registered nurses (registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) an option to diversify their career in the health sector. The Diploma is specifically aligned with the professional capabilities of registered paramedics, as governed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

• Why study this degree?

  This program adopts a National Curriculum, preparing students for working as a paramedic in a range of traditional and non-traditional settings. Students will develop the required knowledge, skills, and professional attributes for safe, competent and contemporary professional paramedic practice.

  This postgraduate paramedicine program allows students to target specific practice jurisdiction of their interest, producing the highest calibre of work-ready health professionals, and integrate their existing clinical skills and knowledge with the expected standard of an Australian registered paramedic. The Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine draws on National and International evidence-based perspectives of paramedic practice and provides relevant and contemporary opportunities for practice-based and work integrated learning placements.

• Program summary

  Students will complete eight compulsory courses worth a total of 200 units of credit. These are listed below:

  • MEDI5021 Professional Practice 1
  • MEDI5025 Clinical Science 3
  • MEDI5027 Health Science 1
  • MEDI5031 Work Integrated Learning 3
  • PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life
  • MEDI5026 Clinical Science 4
  • MEDI5028 Health Science 2
  • MEDI5032 Work Integrated Learning 4

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine, graduates will be able to:

  1. Integrate existing foundations of nursing clinical skills and aptitude, execute and rationalise safe paramedic procedures and practice as determined by industry protocols and procedures
  2. Articulate professional and ethical virtues of practice in relation to the social and cultural determinants of health in clinical and professional practice
  3. Implement reflective and professional practice with a focus on professional development, and advancement of the profession of paramedicine
  4. Critically analyse a defined scope of paramedic practice within an ambulance jurisdiction with an emphasis on whole-systems thinking and the synthesis of complex theories
  5. Exemplify teamwork, communication, and inter-professional collaborative skills using existing and developing clinical competency and meta-cognition; and
  6. Develop a strategic approach to initiate change and foster growth within the profession of paramedicine reviewing evidence-based practice principles, and research methodologies.

• Mode of study and assessment

  Students engage in a combination of courses providing online synchronous and asynchronous lectures and small group online tutorials, supported by on campus residential schools to learn the core practical components of paramedicine.  Assessment includes individual and group tasks, online quizzes, evidence based practice reviews, reflections, and workplace based assessments of practice.

  Students will complete two work integrated learning (WIL) courses of clinical experience. Students will be supported in the clinical placement by a workplace supervisor. Prior to placement, students complete an on campus five (5) day residential school to learn and practice paramedic skills and professional practice. Students complete residential school and WIL in each semester of full-time study.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine, applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

  • Completion of a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent and general registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

  Students seeking registration with the Paramedicine Board of Australia will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency as specified in their English language skills registration standard.

• Practical component

  In the Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine, you are required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of clinical practicum.

  Clinical Placements: To attend clinical placements, you need to complete health and legal checks, including immunisations. The costs of these are the responsibility of the student and may vary. Please note that travel will be involved; students are responsible for travel, accommodation and living expenses.

  Health and Legal Requirements: Before undertaking placements, students must provide the following:

  • National Police Records Check
  • Valid Working with Children Check
  • Department of Health Criminal Clearance
  • Provide First Aid qualification (HLTAID011 or equivalent)
  • Follow safe work practices for direct client care (HLTWHS002) OR acurrentmanual handling in healthcare certificate (must be completedinthe year the program is commenced).
  • Principles of Infection Prevention and Control module and 5 moments of hand hygiene certificate
  • Undertake Mask Fit testing as per WA Health guidelines
  • Comply with the required immunisations.

  We encourage you to begin your immunisation schedule with your doctor once you receive your course offer to avoid delays in your studies. Please contact postgrad.medicine@nd.edu.au for more information.

  Prospective students should also note that graduates need to have a full (unrestricted) driving licence to be employed by some ambulance services and for some volunteering opportunities during the program. Failure to hold satisfactory checks or meet the health/immunisation or uniform requirements may result in students being unable to complete their program of study.

• Career opportunities

  It’s an exciting time for paramedicine, as a fast evolving health profession. The University of Notre Dame Graduate Diploma of Paramedicine program aims to develop paramedics for the future. Future career opportunities may include working in out of hospital emergency health care, emergency ambulance services in Australia, international organisations, patient transport, mine sites or in a range of other non-emergency roles.

  To practice as a paramedic in Australia, you must register with the Paramedicine Board of Australia.
  Find out more registration information.

  There are requirements for dual registration as a registered nurse and paramedic.
  More information.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  
  

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Additional costs
  Students enrolled in postgraduate paramedicine programs must purchase specified uniforms to be worn on placements and whilst participating in practical classes. This consists of a University of Notre Dame polo, cargo pants, boots, jacket, and high visibility vest. Branded items are available from the UNDA shop. Other equipment may also be required. All prices are subject to change from year to year and may vary depending on the location of purchase.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Inherent requirements

  Students who are intending to enrol into the program at the University of Notre Dame Australia should carefully read the Inherent Requirement statements, and consider the commitment and challenges in meeting these requirements. The University of Notre Dame has adopted the Western Sydney University statement for inherent requirements. Western Sydney University. (2021). Inherent requirements for Paramedicine.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

  Fremantle and Broome Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Email: future@nd.edu.au

  Sydney and Melbourne Phone: +61 2 8204 4404 Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

  
  

  For more information, please email studyonline@nd.edu.au.