Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Paramedicine

At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Paramedicine can:

1. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in critical care paramedical contexts
2. Communicate complex medical and paramedical knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate an advanced level of critical care Paramedicine
3. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, appraise and operate in complex and dynamic professional environments.

Designed to provide the paramedic with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in critical care. The course focuses on the clinical issues directly related to practice and develops a greater depth of understanding to enhance clinical decision making and critical thinking. Students will learn advanced-level clinical knowledge to apply to their daily paramedical practice, while at the same time learning advanced skills in evidence-based practice and research. The combination of advanced clinical knowledge and applied research knowledge and skills provides students with the ability to continuously improve their own clinical practice, as well as impact on the organisation they are employed by and the broader Paramedicine community.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Advanced Cardiac Studies
• Advanced Medical Studies
• Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics
• Paediatrics for Critical Care Paramedics
• Critical Care Practicum (Intensive Care Phase)
• Retrieval Medicine

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

Students are required to complete 120 credit points.

Exit points

Students who are unable to complete the course may be able to exit with a Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine with Course Coordinator approval.

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Indicative total fee $27,250

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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24

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants.

All applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Paramedicine, or have completed a Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine, with equivalents considered.

Alternatively applicants can apply if they have at least five years appropriate professional experience.

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
• Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page for Band 4.

If you have completed units of study in another Postgraduate course or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal.

A clinical practicum is required.

Students will be required to attend the practicum during the hours established by the clinical placement agency. These may occur at times outside the identified semester weeks or normal business hours. Clinical practice periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the School.