Bachelor of Paramedic Science | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Paramedic Science

  • On-road clinical placements with QAS Ambulance Paramedics
  • Academics are clinical experts in the industry
  • Excellent employment opportunities—paramedics are in demand

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Paramedic Science
Award abbreviation: BParamedicSc
QTAC code: 013431
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-13 / Rank-72
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-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; Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG); Hepatitis B immunisation; First Aid and CPR training.
Fee type 2013: 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 to 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 Leadership and Supervision in EMS (Emergency Medical Services)
LFS103 Paramedic - Primary Care Practice
LFS112 Paramedic Practicum 4
LFS122 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 3
PAR101 Communication and Thought
PAR102 Introductory Bioscience
PAR103 Human Physiology
PUB104 Human Anatomy
PUB112 Paramedic Professional Studies
SCI110 Paramedic Clinical Foundations

Advanced courses (14)

BIM263 Paramedic Foundation Practicum 1
HLT221 Introduction to Behavioural Health
HLT301 Public Health Foundations
PAR201 Science Research Methods
PAR202 Paramedic Primary Healthcare: Medical
PAR203 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 2
PAR211 Cardiac and Respiratory Emergencies
PAR212 Paramedic Primary Healthcare - Trauma
PAR222 Legal and Ethical Practice in EMS (Emergency Medical Services)
PAR301 Paramedic Primary Healthcare: Maternal and Neonatal Health
PAR302 Paramedic Primary Healthcare: Substance Use and Toxicology
PAR311 Leadership in Clinical Practice
PAR312 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 3
PAR321 Paramedic Primary Healthcare: Transition to Practice

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
    LFS103 should be studied in Semester 1
    PAR103 should be studied in Session 11 or Session 2 during the Summer break
Required courses (9)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Enabling Mathematics for Physics
LFS103 Enabling Statistics
PAR101 Enabling Biology
SCI110 Enabling Physiology
LFS112 Communication and Thought
LFS122 Introductory Bioscience
PAR102 Paramedic Professional Studies
PUB112 Science Research Methods
PAR103 Human Physiology
Year 2
  • Nine (9) required courses:
    PAR203 should be studied in Session 6 during the Winter mid-year break.
Required coures (9)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
HLT221 Human Anatomy
PAR201 Paramedic Clinical Foundations
PAR211 Public Health Foundations
PUB104 Paramedic Foundation Practicum 1
BIM263 Human Pathophysiology
PAR202 Paramedic Clinical Systems
PAR301 Paramedic - Medical Emergencies 1
PAR222 Introduction to Behavioural Health
PAR203 Introduction to Pharmacology
Year 3
  • Six (6) required courses
Required courses (6)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
HLT301 Paramedic - Medical Emergencies 2
PAR212 Obstetric and Paediatric Emergencies
PAR311 Legal and Ethical Practice in EMS (Emergency Medical Services)
PAR302 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 2
PAR312 Challenges to Mental Health
PAR321 Paramedic -Trauma and Environmental Emergencies

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