Bachelor of Paramedic Science

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Paramedic Science
Award abbreviation: BParamedicSc
QTAC code: 013431
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-11 / Rank-78
Duration: 3 years full-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Biology; and at least one of the other sciences
Recommended prior preparation: Criminal History check; hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card); Hepatitis B immunisation; First Aid and CPR training; and refer to QAS clinical placement information.
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: SC395
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Prepare for employment as a qualified Paramedic within Australia.

In this program you gain a strong foundation in clinical and paramedic sciences, and examine the contemporary role of paramedics as both professionals within the community and as an integral part of the greater medical, allied health and emergency services team. You develop clinical knowledge, skills and practice through both simulation and industry on-road ambulance placements. Paramedic practice is included across the paramedic and allied health disciplines of pre-hospital emergency care and primary healthcare practice.

Additional admission requirements

This program has higher English language proficiency requirements than most other programs at this level offered by the University.

Refer to the English language requirements for more information.

Clinical placement information

Students can access important information about clinical placement on the Queensland Ambulance Services (QAS) website—refer to the University Undergraduate Clinical Placement Information Kit. 

Students are required to have undertaken, completed and presented proof of all QAS mandatory requirements, prior to being approved by QAS for clinical placement.  Some pre-clinical requirements, can take many months to be finalised and should be started as soon as students are accepted into the Bachelor of Paramedic Science in order to be meet mandatory QAS requirements.

Post-admission requirements

It is recommended you obtain a current (Senior) First Aid Certificate before undertaking on-road ambulance placements with the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Career opportunities

Ambulance paramedic, pre-hospital emergency care, aeromedical, rescue and retrieval, remote and rural health care, clinical education throughout Australia and Internationally.

Professional recognition

Students may apply for membership with Paramedics Australasia, and their special interest group Student Paramedics Australasia (SPA).

Graduates are eligible for full membership of Paramedics Australasia. 

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete all required courses as listed below
• Complete all clinical practicum courses
  • To undertake clinical practicum in Queensland with QAS, you must meet the minimum requirements, by the start of semester.  Please refer to the QAS website www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/recruitment Undergraduate Clinical Placement Information Kit

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.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• 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.
• When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Introductory courses (10)

COR109 Communication and Thought
LFS103 Introductory Bioscience
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PAR101 Paramedic Professional Studies
PAR102 Paramedic Clinical Foundations
PAR103 Paramedic Foundation Practicum 1
PUB104 Introduction to Behavioural Health
PUB112 Public Health Foundations
SCI110 Science Research Methods

Advanced courses (14)

BIM263 Introduction to Pharmacology
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
HLT301 Challenges to Mental Health
PAR201 Paramedic Clinical Systems
PAR202 Paramedic - Medical Emergencies 2
PAR203 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 2
PAR211 Paramedic - Medical Emergencies 1
PAR212 Paramedic -Trauma and Environmental Emergencies
PAR222 Legal and Ethical Practice in EMS (Emergency Medical Services)
PAR301 Paramedic - Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Geriatrics
PAR302 Paramedic - Primary Care Practice
PAR311 Clinical Leadership, Supervision and Education
PAR312 Paramedic Practicum 4
PAR321 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 3

Study Plan

This Bachelor of Paramedic Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.

Year 1

• Nine (9) required courses:
  COR109 and SCI110 should be studied in Semester 1
  PAR103 should be studied in Session 11 or Session 2 during the Summer break

Required courses (9)

Year 2

• Nine (9) required courses:
  PAR203 should be studied in Session 6 during the Winter mid-year break.

Required coures (9)

Year 3

• Six (6) required courses

Required courses (6)

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering