Program Overview

Master of Paramedic Practitioner

The Master of Paramedic Practitioner course is designed to provide paramedics with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake a career in community paramedicine, working in urgent care, non-urgent care, and primary healthcare settings.

Course Description

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 reasoning, assessment, and knowledge to apply to their daily paramedical practice, while also learning advanced skills in evidence-based practice and research.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Coursework) Award.

Course Code

The course code for the Master of Paramedic Practitioner is J78.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Admission requirements (Band 8): All applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree or Graduate Diploma in Paramedicine, with equivalents considered. Alternatively, applicants can apply with a minimum of 5 years full-time equivalent experience as a registered Paramedic in a direct patient-facing role. Additionally, applicants must have Paramedic Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or similar international regulatory agency, with equivalents considered.
• English Language requirements (Band 4): 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
  • Other tests, courses, or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page

Fees

• Domestic fee-paying students: The estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $27,250.
• International students: The estimated 1st year indicative fee is AUD $39,400.

Duration

The course is 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent.

Availability and Campus

The course is available online, with optional on-campus study at City Campus, Joondalup, South West, or Sri Lanka.

Course Structure

Students must complete eight core units and one core unit option. The units are:

• Year 1 - Semester 1:
  • PST6110: Advanced Clinical Examination and Leadership for Paramedics (20 credit points)
  • MMP6100: Evidence-Based Practice (20 credit points)
  • PST5300: Paramedic Advanced Practice 1 (20 credit points)
• Year 1 - Semester 2:
  • PST5301: Paramedic Advanced Practice 2 (20 credit points)
  • PST5302: Paramedic Advanced Practice 3 (20 credit points)
  • PSP6450: Paramedic Advanced Care Practicum (20 credit points)
• Year 2 - Semester 1:
  • HST6355: Ageing, Health and Wellbeing (20 credit points)
  • NRB5112: Translational Science (20 credit points)
  • One of the following core unit options:
    • PST5107: Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics (20 credit points)
    • CMH5216: Community Mental Health (20 credit points)
    • PST5110: Advanced Cardiac Studies (20 credit points)
    • HST6337: Communicable Disease (20 credit points)
    • HST6350: Drug Use and Addictive Behaviours (20 credit points)
    • OHS6138: Occupational Health Management (20 credit points)
    • DER6101: Introduction to Emergency Management (20 credit points)

Course Notes

• Non-standard timetable requirements: In the event that practical components of this course are not able to be completed in the student's home location, they may be required to attend practical workshops and/or clinical placements in Western Australia.
• Clinical or professional work placement requirement: As part of this course, students will be required to undertake practical work experience in a community paramedicine or primary health care setting. Students will be required to complete a clinical practice logbook and specific clinical learning outcomes for their placement location and learning goals. A minimum of 100 hours is required across the unit.
• Attendance requirements: Students will undertake professional practice experience during the hours laid down by their host clinical agency. Clinical placement periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the university.
• Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required: To be eligible to undertake professional practice experience and fulfill the duty of care, students are required to complete clinical practice orientation, risk management training, and obtain various screening and clearances as required by the university and placement provider.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of paramedicine and medical knowledge, research principles, and methods to demonstrate mastery of advanced-level professional paramedic practice.
2. Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize complex ideas, concepts, and theories in authentic paramedic advanced care practitioner contexts.
3. Apply communication, collaboration, and clinical reasoning skills in professional paramedic practice contexts.
4. Use high-level self-management skills to initiate, appraise, and operate in complex and dynamic paramedic advanced practitioner professional environments.

Career Opportunities

Possible future job titles for graduates of the Master of Paramedic Practitioner course include:

• Primary Health Care Paramedic
• Paramedic Practitioner
• Extended Care Paramedic
• Specialist Paramedic
• Advanced Paramedic
• Advanced Care Paramedic
• Community Paramedic
• Paramedic
• Site Paramedic
• GP Paramedic

Similar Courses to Consider

• Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science)
• Graduate Certificate of Community Paramedicine
• Graduate Diploma of Community Paramedicine

Courses to Consider for Further Study

Students interested in completing a PhD in Paramedicine in Paramedic Practitioner should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated).