Bachelor of Paramedic Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Paramedic Science

Paramedics are often the first contacts for a patient and provide emergency health care and transport.

Gain a strong foundation in clinical and paramedic sciences. You’ll explore all areas of paramedic practice including human pathophysiology, behavioural health, pharmacology, clinical leadership, and legal and ethical practice.

Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013431
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 13 Rank - 71
UniSC program code
SC395
Commence
Semester 1 only
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English; Biology; at least one other science subject
Other requirements
Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of at least 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each subtest. Refer to English language requirements
Fee type 2017
  • What will I pay?
Total units
288

Gain a strong foundation in clinical and paramedic sciences. You’ll explore all areas of paramedic practice including human pathophysiology, behavioural health, pharmacology, clinical leadership, and legal and ethical practice.

Our program is delivered by experienced paramedics to provide you with clinical knowledge, skills and practice. Gain hands-on experience through real-life simulations in our specialised paramedic labs. From your first year, you’ll complete 12 weeks of clinical placements with the Queensland Ambulance Service and with an additional 2 weeks of clinical placement in other health care facilities  to give you the extra knowledge and experience to confidently start working on road. You may be required to undertake some of your clinical placements outside the region or in a rural area within Queensland.

Graduate ready to work as an Advanced Care Paramedic or go after opportunities to clinically advance to an Intensive Care or Critical Care Paramedic. Choose to work within aero medical, rescue and retrieval, remote and rural health care and clinical education. You’ll also be eligible to apply for membership of Paramedics Australasia and the Australian and New Zealand College of Paramedics.

Inherent academic requirements

The Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) of a program are the fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

You should look carefully at the inherent academic requirements for the Bachelor of Paramedic Science when considering applying, and think about whether you might experience challenges in meeting them. If you think you might experience challenges related to your disability, health condition or for any other reason, you should discuss your concerns with a University Disability Adviser or Faculty staff.

Post-admission requirements

To be eligible to commence clinical placement you must provide evidence of having met all mandatory requirements by the Friday of Week 13 of Semester 1. Failure to do so will prevent you from commencing Clinical Placement and will delay the completion of your studies.

Go to the Paramedic Science - Clinical Practicums page to find out more about Clinical Placements and mandatory requirements.

You will be required to purchase the student paramedic uniform which includes shirt, trousers, boots, belt, personal protective equipment and soft shell jacket before going on placement. The approximate cost of the full uniform set is $550. You will also be required to purchase other items of personal medical equipment such as a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer.

Career opportunities

Ambulance paramedic, pre-hospital emergency care, aeromedical, rescue and retrieval, remote and rural healthcare, clinical education.

Membership

Paramedics Australasia; Student Paramedics Australasia (SPA); Australian and New Zealand College of Paramedics

Program structure

Introductory courses (10)

COR109 Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Health Sector Business Management
LFS103 Managing People
LFS112 Global Business Management
LFS122 Entrepreneurship and Venture Planning
PAR101 Corporate Governance, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
PAR102 Retail Supply Chain Management and Procurement
PAR103 Supply Chain Sustainability and Risk Management
PSY103 Food Marketing
PUB112 Project Planning
SCI110 Project Integration

Advanced courses (14)

BIM263 Master of Social Work Field Education 1
HLT221 Master of Social Work Field Education 2
HLT301 Introduction to Social Work
PAR201 Advanced Direct Practice 1
PAR202 Advanced Direct Practice 2
PAR203 International and Global Social Work
PAR211 Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
PAR212 Advocacy and Leadership in Social Policy and Legal Contexts
PAR222 Children, Youth and Families: Challenges, Critique and Change
PAR301 Social Work in Health and Mental Health
PAR302 Advanced Social Research
PAR311 Advanced Social Work Theories for Practice
PAR312 Communication and Thought
PAR321 Business Analytics

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 288

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure

To undertake Clinical practicum in Queensland with QAS and other health care facilities, you must meet the Mandatory Requirements by Week 13 of Semester 1.

For more information about Clinical practicum and the Mandatory Requirements checklist refer to Paramedic Science – Clinical Practicum.

Program notes
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods, including case studies, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, clinical scenarios (OSCA’s) and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • The Study Overseas Program is not currently available to paramedic students.
  • Students will be required to cover all additional costs associated with this program. 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.
  • Some courses within this program must be completed over the Summer and Winter Semesters and require students to commit to full-time unpaid employment.
  • Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
  • Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression