Program Overview

Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Paramedicine

The Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Paramedicine is designed to provide paramedics with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as a team leader or sole responder in critical care Paramedicine. This course focuses on clinical issues directly related to practice and develops a greater depth of understanding to enhance clinical decision-making and critical thinking.

Course Overview

• The course code for this program is J75.
• It is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.
• The program is available for both domestic and international students.

Admission Requirements

• Academic admission requirements include a Bachelors degree in Paramedicine or a completed Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine, with equivalents considered. Alternatively, applicants can apply if they have at least five years of appropriate professional experience.
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or an equivalent accredited professional registration body is required, with equivalents considered.
• English language requirements include an IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.0, or other equivalents as specified.

Fees

• For domestic students, the estimated first-year indicative fee is AUD $27,250.
• For international students, the estimated first-year indicative fee is AUD $39,000.

Duration and Availability

• The course can be completed in 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
• It is available online, with the possibility of on-campus intensive workshops if suitable supervisors and placement host facilities are not available.

Course Structure

• The course includes units such as Advanced Cardiac Studies, Advanced Medical Studies, Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics, Paediatrics for Critical Care Paramedics, Critical Care Practicum (Intensive Care Phase), and Retrieval Medicine.
• 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.

Clinical Placement Requirements

• As part of this course, students are required to undertake a clinical placement in anaesthetics and in an intensive care setting.
• A minimum of 80 hours of clinical placement is required across the unit.
• All clinical placement hours must be completed in a supernumerary capacity and not in the existing registered paramedic role.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be well-placed to take on the clinical leadership challenges of Paramedicine, with possible future job titles including Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, and Intensive Care Paramedic.