Bachelor of Paramedicine

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic

Offered at 2 locations
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200212261
ATAR
88.00 for Melbourne
Fees (first year)*

$9686 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

It’s an exciting time for paramedicine. As one of the fastest evolving health professions, ACU aims to be at the forefront of change and creating paramedics for the future. By developing professional paramedics who are emotionally intelligent and motivated to improve communities we provide the foundations for you to deliver compassionate primary, urgent and or emergency health care in challenging and dynamic environments. Through authentic learning and diverse clinical experiences, you will develop key attributes for paramedicine.

The knowledge and skills developed are applicable for the national and international workforce. For those meeting a high-standard within the Bachelor of Paramedicine, you will be eligible to apply for Honours program upon completion.

  • Largest paramedicine degree program in Australia

  • The only continuing nursing/paramedicine double degree in Australia

  • 95% graduates employed

Professional experience

Students will undertake five clinical practice units in acute health care settings, throughout the course.

As part of your course, you will be placed in a range of organisations to integrate the theory you learn with practical workplace experiences (placements). As part of your enrolment, you must complete the Faculty of Health Sciences pre-placement requirements. To ensure you meet these requirements you need to start as soon as possible. Visit ACU’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) website to view your Pre-Placement Requirements checklist.

Medical and Physical Capacity Test

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Paramedicine will be required to undertake a medical and physical capacity test prior to commencing clinical placement with an Australian Ambulance Service. This is an ambulance service mandatory requirement.

Professional recognition

As of 1 December 2018, paramedicine has become a regulated profession under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).

Eligible graduates can apply for registration as a paramedic with Ahpra. Please refer to the Registration Standards for Paramedics on the Ahpra website.


Accreditation

The Bachelor of Paramedicine is currently accredited (with conditions) by the Paramedicine Accreditation Committee and approved by the Paramedicine Board of Australia (ParaBA). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the ParaBA.

Careers

Graduates will be eligible for employment as a paramedic with an emergency ambulance service in Australia and in some international ambulance or health organisations.

With further study qualified paramedics can go on to become:

  • intensive-care paramedics (ICPs)
  • team leaders
  • clinical instructors
  • ambulance service managers
  • specialist educators
  • flight paramedics
  • special operations team (SOT) rescue paramedics

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Interdisciplinary UnitsHLSC122Evidence for Practice

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE.

    10 cp
  • Interdisciplinary UnitsBIOL121Human Biological Science 1

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE.

    10 cp
  • Paramedicine Theory UnitsPARA115Fundamentals of Paramedicine Care

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE.

    10 cp
  • Paramedicine Theory UnitsPARA114Personal and Interpersonal Skills for Paramedicine

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE.

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • Interdisciplinary UnitsBIOL122Human Biological Science 2

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE. (Pre: BIOL121)


    10 cp
  • Paramedicine Theory UnitsPARA126Paramedicine Theory: Primary Care

    CAMPUS ATTENDANCE. (Pre: PARA115)

    10 cp
  • Paramedicine Practice UnitsPARA127Paramedicine in Practice: Primary Care

    (Pre: PARA115)

    10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Additional course information

Classes

Class size: Your class size will depend on the unit you are studying and whether or not that unit is taught across different degrees. However, in North Sydney you can expect approximately 30 students in lectures, in Melbourne, approximately 100, in Canberra, approximately 100 in lectures, 15 – 20 in simulation wards and labs, and 30 in tutorials, in Ballarat approximately 100 in lectures, with a maximum of 15 in simulation wards and labs, and 30 in tutorials, in Brisbane between 90 and 140 students in lectures, with a maximum of 30 in tutorials; practical labs have a ratio of 15 students to every one academic.

In 2021 we welcomed in North Sydney approximately 25 new students; in Melbourne, 103; in Canberra, 39 new students to the double degree, B. Nursing/B. Paramedicine; in Ballarat approximately 93 new students to the double degree, and in Brisbane, 110 new students to the B. Paramedicine, and 114 to the double degree, B. Nursing/B. Paramedicine.

Contact hours: You will be on campus for approximately 15 hours per week with additional studies required in your own time, plus any clinical practice (from the end of first year).

We understand the need for flexibility when it comes to your studies. For many of our undergraduate programmes lectures and tutorials are delivered face to face. Lectures provide an opportunity to engage with the lecturer and at times guest lecturers who provide specialist insights into the course content. Tutorials are where critical exploration of key concepts and development of attributes takes place. This is achieved through activities including group work, debate and role play.

Lectures and some tutorials are recorded and are made available online for students who cannot attend in person. Due to the lack of interactivity, recordings clearly do not provide the learning experience that face-to-face provides, however, post-COVID face-to-face lectures/tutorials may not always be possible.

Sample assessment

Each unit has three assessments per semester. Assessment tasks include video presentations, group work, hands-on practical tasks, online quizzes, and online or in-class written assignments. Assessments have different weighting percentages towards your overall mark. A single assessment cannot be worth more than 50 per cent of your assessment total. The format of assessments is different for every unit and will be explained by your lecturer prior to the due date.

PARA216 Paramedicine Theory: Medical 1

Concept Map - 20%

Enables you to visually organise and create a knowledge network that will assist in your comprehension of broad complex topics.

Written Assessment - 40%

Provides you with the opportunity to identify real-world problems and articulate solutions while supporting your development of academic communication and critical thinking skills.

Examination - 40%

Enables you to demonstrate broad understanding of the principles, management and care required for medical aetiologies within the paramedicine context.

Additional:

Before you can begin placements for this course, you must meet mandatory State or Territory legal and industry policy requirements. Comprehensive information about these requirements and the submission process of relevant documentation can be found here www.wil.acu.edu.au

Uniforms

Students are required to purchase the required paramedicine uniform including shirt and trousers, epaulettes, hard hat, baseball cap, belt (optional), black boots, wet weather jacket, fleece jacket and other personal protective equipment as required. Students are also required to wear a wrist watch with a second hand whilst on clinical placement.

Details regarding uniform purchase is available via ACU's Work Integrated Learning site www.wil.acu.edu.au.

Overseas study available

Each year ACU’s Faculty of Health Sciences offers a number of destinations around the world where you can undertake a community engagement unit or clinical placement/professional practice abroad as part of your studies. These activities are facilitated through our ACU overseas partners. Most of these experiences are offered to students enrolled in their third or final year of study at ACU.

You can also choose to study health sciences units at ACU’s Rome Campus over the June – July or December – January breaks.

Note: overseas study opportunities are subject to program availability and to public health restrictions in place at the planned time of travel.

To find out more, visit: www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/study-overseas/study-tours-and-short-programs/study-health-sciences-overseas/

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

All students must demonstrate English language proficiency either by providing a written declaration that English is their primary language or evidence that they have achieved the minimum English language test results as specified in the Paramedicine Board of Australia registration standards.

Applicants for Paramedicine should carefully review the details outlined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy to check how they must demonstrate their English Language Proficiency.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent.

StatePrerequisites

Queensland

Assumed Knowledge  English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.

Learn more about access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

For current year 12 students

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.

For non-school leavers

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

The Paramedicine Board of Australia requires all applicants for initial registration to demonstrate English language skills to be suitable for registration.

Learn more about Paramedicine Board English language skills requirements

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.

Understand your pathway options

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.

If you’re over 21, you can sit the  Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.

Explore the pathways to your future

Further study

An honours year is available to meritorious students, with a grade point average of 5.5, who meet the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Paramedicine (Honours).

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$9686 CSP

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200212261

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Testimonial

Rhys

I enjoy listening to experiences offered in the learning environment by lecturers who have practised in our intended field of study which further provides me with an understanding of the theory and practical learning being delivered. The staff that I have interactions with are always kind, helpful and understanding within the learning environment. They further put their previous experiences in field into a scenario where the class is able to adapt the key learning criteria to better understand that particular practice. My first year placement with Queensland Ambulance Service was a different hands-on experience to the simulated learning environment. Placement offers a live environment where we are able to undertake and practice our previously obtained skills and knowledge. 

Rhys
Paramedicine student

The Australasian Council of Paramedic Deans, 2023

The Australasian Council of Paramedic Deans, 2023

 

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