- Program summary
- Program overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 013431
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Award abbreviation: BParamedicSc
Duration: 3 years full-time
Mode: on campus
Total units: 288
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Required prior study: Nil
Recommended prior study: English, Maths and at least one of the sciences.
Commence: Semester 1 only
USC program code: SC395
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Paramedic Science prepares you for employment as a qualified Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), other Australian state and territory ambulance services, or within the private domestic or international ambulance and health sector.
The result of a unique relationship between the QAS and USC, this program offers a strong foundation in the clinical and paramedic sciences. You will develop a grounded set of professional skills for paramedic practice by gaining knowledge and skills in communication, evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, problem-solving and the development of sound clinical judgment. Plus an understanding of the contemporary role of paramedics as both professionals in the community and an essential part of the greater medical and allied health team.
On completion of the foundation courses, the program focuses on using patient-focused, case and 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 pre-hospital emergency care and primary healthcare practice.
Each year, you will undertake clinical practicums to enhance your learning. These include on-road clinical placements with QAS Ambulance Paramedics, as well as general practice, allied health and in-hospital training. By the end of your degree, you will have developed the high level of knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment required to enter the professional industry.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the program are eligible for full membership of the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals. Bachelor of Paramedic Science Students can apply for membership of the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals Student Paramedic Association.
Career opportunities
Paramedics work in the following areas:
- out-of-hospital emergency care and non-emergency patient transport
- public and private ambulance services
- aeromedical, rescue and retrieval
- mining, energy, resource, construction and tourism
- remote and rural health care
- major incident / disaster response providers
- clinical education and academia
Special features
- unique partnership with the QAS ensures graduates are ready to work in the industry
- good employment opportunities—paramedics are in demand
- the academic paramedic team leading and teaching the program is made-up of paramedic clinicians all with an extensive industry experience base
- all sessional clinical tutors are qualified and practicing Intensive Care or Advanced Care Paramedics, or registered Medical Doctors
- clinical placements with the QAS are integrated into each year of the program
Program structure
Core course
1 required course:
COR109 Coastal and Marine Ecology
Introductory courses
8 required courses:
LFS103 Coastal Conservation Planning
LFS112 Coastal Geomorphology
LFS122 Introduction to Criminology
PAR101 Introductory Counselling Skills
PAR102 Introduction to Psychology A
PUB104 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
PUB112 Theories of Counselling: From Freud to Integrative Practice
SCI110 Introduction to Psychology B
Advanced courses
15 required courses:
BIM263 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications
HLT221 Introduction to Human Development
HLT301 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
PAR103 Group Processes and Practice
PAR201 Strengths Based Counselling: Collaborative Approaches
PAR202 Social Research
PAR203 Understanding Cultural Diversity
PAR211 Counselling Development and Supervision 1
PAR212 Counselling Placement 1
PAR222 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss
PAR301 Positive Psychology for Counselling
PAR302 Counselling Development and Supervision 2
PAR311 Counselling Placement 2
PAR312 Developmental and Family Counselling
PAR321 Communication and Thought
Program requirements and notes
To undertake either on-road ambulance or allied health clinical placements, students will be required to show evidence of:
- A current National Criminal History Check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority).
- Immunisation against Hepatitis B.
- A current Working with Children Blue Card is required from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian before commencing clinical practice. This application process can take up to 10 weeks for processing.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
Students will be required to cover all additional costs associated with this program, including the requirements above (total cost approximately A$250). Information outlining the current requirements will be made available to all prospective applicants, and students will be provided more detailed information on starting the program.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au