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 as a team leader or sole responder in critical care Paramedicine.

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.

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.

Award requirements

Students are required to complete six units

• PST5110 Advanced Cardiac Studies
• PST5111 Advanced Medical Studies
• PST5107 Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics
• PST6113 Paediatrics for Critical Care Paramedics
• PST6101 Critical Care Practicum (Intensive Care Phase)
• PST6105 Retrieval Medicine

Exit points

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

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The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

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. 

Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

•  Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or

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;
• 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.

If you're applying for a course and have previous study or professional experience, you may be eligible for what we call 'advanced standing'.

For more information and to apply please go to https://www.ecu.edu.au/future-students/course-entry/advanced-standing

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.

Clearance and Risk Management/Duty of Care

To be eligible to undertake clinical practice and fulfil their duty of care, students are required to complete risk management protocols on enrolment and carry out amendments in subsequent semesters, as appropriate. Risk management protocols include, but are not restricted to:

• Certificate of National Police Clearance
• Evidence of immunisation status as per the Department of Health schedule, more information at www.health.wa.gov.au/circularsnew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID=12275
• MRSA clearance if worked in, or been admitted to, a health facility outside of Western Australia in the 12 months prior to enrolment.
• Working with Children Check, more information at www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au