Program summary
Program overview
Career opportunities
Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
Program structure
Program requirements and notes
Enquiries
Recommended enrolment pattern
Program summary
QTAC code: 013431
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Award abbreviation: BParamedicSc
Duration: 3 years full-time
Mode: on campus
Total units: 288
Fee type: Commonwealth supported places, domestic fee-paying places
Required prior study: English, Biology or one of the sciences
Commence: Semester 1 only
CRICOS code: not available to international students on student visas
Program overview
The Bachelor of Paramedic Science undergraduate program prepares students for employment with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), along with other Australian state and territory ambulance services as qualified ‘Advanced Care Paramedics’.
The program has a strong foundation year in the clinical and paramedic sciences, which promotes a philosophical foundation for Paramedics in the development of a grounded set of skills for professional practice which include communication, evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, problem-solving and the development of sound clinical judgement. Students also focus on developing a solid understanding of the contemporary role of Paramedics as professionals within the community and a part of the greater medical and allied health team.
Building on from the foundation year, student learning is directed towards using both thematic and patient focussed, problem-based learning strategies. Paramedic practice is integrated through the application of acquired clinical knowledge, with progressive development of practical and interpersonal skills across the Paramedic and allied health disciplines of prehospital emergency care and primary health care. To enable this learning, students undertake clinical practicums, including on-road clinical placements with QAS Ambulance Paramedics and in-hospital training early within the program. By the end of the program, students will have developed the high level of knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment required by Paramedics to be capable and ready to enter the professional industry.
Professional memberships
Students enrolled in this program will be able to apply for membership with the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals Student Association. Upon completion graduates will be eligible for full membership.
Career opportunities
Graduates of Bachelor of Paramedic Science will be eligible for employment as an Advanced Care Paramedic within the QAS, or other state or territory ambulance services within Australia. There are also an abundance of employment opportunities for qualified Paramedics within the Australasian and international education, mining, resources and security sectors.
The Bachelor of Paramedic Science program provides a solid base for further postgraduate study within the paramedic clinical, intensive care or primary health care arenas, as well as entry into postgraduate clinical education, health management or higher degrees by research programs.
Program structure
Introductory courses
10 required courses:
BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
LFS112 Human Physiology
NUR101 Introductory Bioscience
NUR121 Health, Culture and Society
NUR131 Research Foundations for Health Practice
NUR221 Human Pathophysiology
PAR101 Professional Studies 1
PAR102 Paramedic Clinical Foundations
SCI111 Public Health Foundations
Advanced courses
14 required courses:
NUR222 Professional Studies 2
NUR231 Drug Therapy and Disease Transmission
NUR301 Challenges in Mental Health
PAR103 Paramedic Foundation Practicum 1
PAR201 Paramedic Clinical Systems ##
PAR211 Paramedic - Medical Emergencies 1 ##
PAR202 Paramedic - Medical Emergencies 2 ##
PAR212 Paramedic - Trauma and Environmental Emergencies ##
PAR301 Paramedic - Obstetric and Paediatric Emergencies ###
PAR302 Paramedic Primary Care Practice ###
PAR311 Professional Studies 3 ###
PAR203 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 2 ##
PAR321 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 3 ###
PAR312 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 4 ###
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of their USC program, students may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
Program requirements and notes
The QAS specifies the following requirements before students can undertake on-road ambulance clinical practicums:
- Medical and health assessment
- Health-related fitness assessment
- Immunisation against Hepatitis B before undertaking the first clinical practicum. In addition, students will be advised to be immunised against the following: Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Poliomyelitis
- Psychometric assessment
- Manual driver's licence (provisional is acceptable) – required before commencing emergency driver training
- Criminal history check
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
Further information outlining the current QAS requirements will be made available to all prospective applicants and students will be provided further detailed information on starting the program.
Other requirements
- Students will be required to cover all additional costs associated with this program, including the requirements above (total cost approximately A$500)
- International students need to refer to the English language requirements
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students
How to apply
Apply for an undergraduate program.
Enquiries
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au
## Not offered till 2009
### Not offered till 2010