Program Overview

Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic)

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) is a three-year full-time programme, run in conjunction with Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA), designed to prepare ākonga for practice as paramedics.

Programme Details

• Level: 7
• Campus: Porirua
• Start Date: 16/02/2026
• International Start Dates: 16/02/2026
• Duration: 3 years, full-time
• Domestic Fees: TBA
• International Fees: TBA

Programme Outline

The programme is delivered with a combination of theory classes, self-directed learning, simulation on campus, and clinical placements. The programme involves considerable study and serious thought should be given before a ākonga undertakes paid employment that will make it difficult to maintain sufficient study time, or to attend clinical experience. It is suggested that no more than ten hours per week are worked.

A distance version of this programme is offered for working or volunteering paramedics. The Flexible Learning Stream (FLS) of the Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) is designed for students with an existing National Certificate or National Diploma in Ambulance Practice (Level 5) or with a practicing level of EMT or paramedic.

Teaching and Learning

• Theory and practice are integrated across the three years including timetabled campus-based sessions (in classrooms and the simulation suite), and clinical block weeks.
• In year one ākonga attend campus-based sessions with regular clinical blocks.
• In year two and three, as ākonga increasingly become independent learners, clinical blocks increase, and campus-based learning is supported by online learning.

Courses

Year One

• Year one introduces ākonga to relevant science and pharmacology, and beginning Paramedic practice.
• Utilising context-based learning ākonga explore the structure and function of the New Zealand Health System, roles and responsibilities of the paramedic; legal and ethical issues, te Tiriti o Waitangi in paramedic practice; and the assessment and treatment of medical and trauma patients to a beginning practitioner level.

Year Two

• Year two consolidates and builds on year one, with pathophysiology and pharmacology integrated into the clinical context, and more increased focus on paramedic skills.
• Ākonga will transition from task focused technical skills to critical thinking in relation to patient care, as well as continuing to develop skills in academic scholarship and research.

Year Three

• The structure of year three increases the online content and delivery as ākonga are increasingly independent, with block weeks on campus.
• There is a greater focus on clinical reasoning, teamwork and leadership, along with in-depth exploration of legal, ethical and sociological issues.
• Ākonga will further develop their research skills in relation to paramedic practice.
• The amount of time spent in clinical placements is increased in the third year and is almost exclusively based in an emergency ambulance environment.

Clinical

• Over the course of the programme, ākonga will complete 1000 hours of clinical learning in a variety of settings, where ākonga apply knowledge and skills under the direct supervision of health care personnel.

Course Related Costs

• Prior to starting the programme, you will be required to complete health screening to provide evidence of your current immunisation status, as required by our placement providers.
• All ākonga must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (two vaccinations and one booster), as this is currently mandated by both Wellington Free Ambulance and Hato Hone St John.
• The following costs are approximate:
  • Health screening: $270
  • Uniform: $320
  • Stethoscope: $100
  • Vaccinations: costs will vary depending on vaccination required

Entry Requirements

• University entrance or equivalent academic/work experience and evidence of suitability based on an interview, health screening, safety check and referee reports.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age by the start date of the programme.

International Students

• Proven equivalence of entry requirements plus IELTS 6.5 in each band, or equivalent.

Interview/Evidence of Suitability

• We may interview applicants to determine their preparedness for study and their ability to meet the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (if applicable).
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following qualities:
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills
  • Understanding of, and capability to, work in the professional health and social services sector
  • Commitment and motivation to succeed

Safety Check

• The Children’s Act (2014 requires all ākonga, who may work with children during the course of their study, to be safety checked.
• Safety checking includes reference checking, work history, identity check, police vet and an overall assessment of the applicant’s safety to work with children.

Driver Licensing

• It is recommended that ākonga hold a full driver’s licence before starting the BHSc (Paramedic) programme.
• A full clean New Zealand Class 1 driver’s licence, held for a minimum of three years (without convictions and free of demerit points within the last two years), is a requirement of both WFA and Hato Hone St John employment.

Employment Concerns

• If an applicant has any medical or physical concerns, or any criminal convictions it is recommended the applicant contacts the Human Resource Department of WFA and/or Hato Hone St John to discuss any impact this may have on future employment prior to enrolment.

Credit Recognition

• If you have relevant skills and knowledge through study or experiences in work or other activities, you may be able to receive credit for them when enrolling in a programme of study.
• This is done through a process called credit recognition.