Master of Paramedicine

School of Medicine

Are you calm under pressure? Have you always wanted to help people while working in fast-paced and ever-changing environments? The Master of Paramedicine is an exciting, new postgraduate qualification delivered through The University of Notre Dame's School of Medicine. This program will prepare you for a career in emergency services and healthcare. The blended delivery mode allows flexibility with online study and practical skills blocks on campus. This program will undergo assessment for accreditation by the Paramedicine Board of Australia in 2025.

• Why study this degree?

  It’s an exciting time for paramedicine, as a fast-evolving health profession with demand from primary care, rural health and industrial health services.  The Master of Paramedicine will develop Paramedics for the future with the required knowledge, skills and professional attributes of Paramedicine with broad industry-based experience in hospital, primary healthcare and Ambulance jurisdictional services.

  Drawing on national and international evidence-based perspectives of paramedic practice, the program provides relevant and contemporary opportunities for practice-based and work integrated learning. Students will engage in studies integrating critical analysis and inquiry across the breadth of Paramedicine practice and graduate with the highest calibre health and professional capabilities of a registered paramedic.

  This program is specifically aligned to the professional capabilities for registered paramedics, as governed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The program also adheres to the legislation governing paramedic practice, the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.

• Program summary

  Students must complete seventeen (17) compulsory courses for a total of 425 credits. These are listed below:

  • MEDI5021 Professional Practice 1
  • MEDI5023 Clinical Science 1
  • MEDI5027 Health Science 1
  • MEDI5029 Work Integrated Learning 1
  • MEDI5008 Research Methods in Health
  • MEDI5024 Clinical Science 2
  • MEDI5028 Health Science 2
  • MEDI5030 Work Integrated Learning 2
  • PHIL6020 Ethical Issues in Professional Life
  • MEDI5022 Professional Practice 2
  • MEDI5025 Clinical Science 3
  • MEDI5033 Health Science 3
  • MEDI5031 Work Integrated Learning 3
  • MEDI6011 Professional Practice 3
  • MEDI6012 Clinical Science 4
  • MEDI6013 Health Science 4
  • MEDI5032 Work Integrated Learning 4

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

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

  Registered nurses registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia are eligible for course exemptions, please refer to the Program Requirements.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Paramedicine graduates will be able to:

  1. Implement safe clinical and cultural paramedic practice as determined by the paramedicine board’s standard of safe practice integrating advanced theoretical knowledge, practical proficiency, and cognitive skills.
  2. Implement safe paramedic procedures and practice as determined by industry protocols and procedures.
  3. Apply professional and ethical virtues of practice in understanding the social and cultural determinants of health through clinical and professional application.
  4. Exhibit reflective and professional practice with a focus on futureproofing, sustainability, and advancement of the profession.
  5. Critically analyse and interpret the broad scope of paramedic practice with an emphasis on whole-systems thinking and the synthesis of complex theories of practice.
  6. Incorporate teamwork, communication, and inter-professional collaborative skills into practice, through clinical competency and meta-cognition.
  7. Apply advancements in practice and foster growth within the profession of paramedicine with the application of evidence-based practice principles, and research methodologies.

• Mode of study and assessment

  Students engage in a combination of courses providing online lectures and small group online tutorials, supported by on campus clinical skills intensive sessions to learn the core evidence-based components of paramedicine. There are a range of assessment practices, such as individual and group tasks, online etests, evidence-based practice reviews, reflections, and workplace-based assessments of practice.

  Students will complete four work integrated learning (WIL) courses which include a range of clinical experience. Students will be supported in the clinical placement by a workplace supervisor. Prior to each placement period, students complete five (5) days of on campus clinical skills intensive sessions to learn and practice paramedic skills and professional practice.

• 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 Master of Paramedicine applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

  • A Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent) and registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia; OR
  • A Bachelor of Biomedical Science; OR
  • A Bachelor degree with Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Human Pathophysiology (equivalent to at least 25 units of credit in each subject area); OR
  • A Graduate Degree with Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Human Pathophysiology (equivalent to at least 25 units of credit in each subject area) *

  *Pathway opportunities exist for students who do not meet these requirements. Refer to the Graduate Certificate in Medical Science.

• 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. These statements outline the commitment and challenges involved in meeting the program's requirements and can be found on pages 7–8 of the Program Requirements document.

• Practical component

  In this entry to practice Master of Paramedicine, you are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of work integrated learning.

  Clinical Placements
  To attend clinical placements, you need to complete and submit all of the required 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 certificates which must remain current for the duration of the program, students are responsible for the associated costs of these requirements:

  • 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 a current manual handling in healthcare certificate (must be completed in the year the program is commenced and maintained current throughout the program of study).
  • Principles of Infection Prevention and Control module and 5 moments of hand hygiene certificate
  • Undertake mask fit testing as per health guidelines
  • Comply with all of the required immunisations.
  • Medical and physical capacity testing with a third party provider (for Victorian based emergency ambulance placements)

  Prospective students should also note that graduates may need to have a full (unrestricted) driving licence to be employed by some ambulance services and for some volunteering opportunities during the program, and that some services have organisational specific health checks to participate in placements. 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.

  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 paramedicine@nd.edu.au for more information.

• Professional accreditation

  Please note that this program will be going through accreditation with the Paramedicine Board of Australia in 2025.

  To practice as a paramedic in Australia, graduates must register with the Paramedicine Board of Australia.

  Find out more registration information.

• Career opportunities

  It’s an exciting time for paramedicine, as a fast-evolving health profession. The University of Notre Dame Master of Paramedicine program is an entry to practice program aiming 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

• Real-world experience

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

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Postgraduate students.

• Fees and costs

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

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  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 The University of Notre Dame polo, cargo pants, boots, jacket, and high visibility vest. Branded items are available from the Uni Store. 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.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007