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The information below is relevant from 07/03/2022 to 03/03/2024
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CC70 - Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice)

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

This course provides you with the skills, knowledge and clinical reasoning to meet the role of a critical care paramedic. The Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice) is an innovative and practical course, engaging contemporary evidence to ensure that you can provide astute critical care in a range of operational environments.

Career Information


Course Details
Duration 1 years full-time or 2 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 48
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in postgraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Postgraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) GradDipParamedSci(CriticCarePrac)
AQF Level Level 8: Graduate Diploma
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $28,992
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,944
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $27,756
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $15,720
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $31,440
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,296
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $26,184
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,016
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $26,064

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Online

Term 1 - 2025

Online

Term 1 - 2024

Online

Term 1 - 2023

Online

Term 1 - 2022

Online

Term 1 - 2021

Online

Term 1 - 2020

Online

Term 1 - 2019

Online

Term 1 - 2018

Entry into this course will only be granted following approval from the discipline lead.
Distance

Term 1 - 2017

Entry into this course will only be granted following approval from the discipline lead.
Distance

Term 1 - 2016

Entry into this program will only be granted following approval from the discipline lead.
Distance

Term 1 - 2015

Distance
Show All

International Availability

Term 1 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Online

Term 1 - 2018

Entry into this course will only be granted following approval from the discipline lead.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

Entry into this course will only be granted following approval from the discipline lead.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2016

Entry into this program will only be granted following approval from the discipline lead.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Paramedics with current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a minimum of 2 years unsupervised clinical operational experience.

Experience must be provided in the form of either a letter of employment, or an official statement of service. Letters of employment must be presented on a company letterhead as well as signed and dated by a delegated authority. Please ensure the letter contains your position title, a brief position description and your length of service.

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • a secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below.

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) ‐ Requires 550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) ‐ Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub‐score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

Prior studies in the paramedic discipline area.

Security Requirements

There are no specific security requirements for entry into this course.

Health Requirements

There are no specific health requirements for entry into this course.

Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards Not applicable
Accreditation
  • Core


Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Some units in this course will require compulsory attendance at residential schools.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

Not applicable

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 24
2023 12
2022 15
2021 20
2020 17
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Treating personal information obtained in classroom and clinical settings as private and confidential.
  • Respecting an individual's/group's diversity by demonstrating sensitivity to religious cultural and individual differences.
  • Demonstrating an ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and taking responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Interacting positively and effectively with other students while attending activities related to the course.
  • Being receptive and responding appropriately to different viewpoints, to constructive feedback and to direction from academics and clinical staff.
  • Coping effectively with your own emotions, responses and behaviour when dealing with challenging situations in the clinical setting and in particular during emergencies.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation including mandatory reporting requirements by presenting a National Police Check (not older than 3 years)(if required).
  • Obtaining a Working With Children Check before attending clinical placements (if required).
  • Understanding and adhering to professional policy around the use of social media.
  • Knowing, understanding and complying with legislative and regulatory requirements which are necessary pre-requisites to clinical placements (if required) in order to reduce the risk of harm, to self and others.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Verbally communicating your knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Providing the health care team with verbal handover reports related to patient care.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of peers, patients and others and responding appropriately during placement.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions, eye contact and a range of body movements and gestures while being mindful of interpersonal space.
  • Constructing your assessment work to academic standards with attention to correct grammar and punctuation.
  • Constructing fluent summarised written text from complex and detailed information.
  • Constructing legible reports in a timely manner to meet professional standards and clearly communicating the intended message.
  • Accurately documenting patients' charts and records, meeting legal and professional requirements.
  • Having access to a computer for your studies.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in clinical settings.
  • Performing clinical skills within set time-frames.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge to understand a patient's history when undertaking patient assessment during emergency situations.
  • Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
  • Actively listening to information within a variety of academic and clinical and emergency situations.
  • Reading and accurately interpreting information related to patients.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Accurately reading and interpreting various measurements as well as calculating drug dosages in a timely manner during emergency and routine situations.
  • Demonstrating accurate recording on a fluid balance chart.
  • Recognising when a calculator may have given an incorrect answer.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Focussing on and recognising objects that are either near or far.
  • Observing non-verbal behaviour and other situations in a variety of professional settings.
  • Accurately drawing up and administering medication.
  • Observing and detecting subtle changes in a patient's response to emergency procedures in a timely manner.
  • Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
  • Having sufficient auditory ability to consistently and accurately monitor, assess and manage a patient's needs.
  • Accurately interpreting the verbal communication and direction of clinical staff during emergency situations.
  • Accurately detecting heart and breath sounds by auscultation.
  • Accurately undertaking a blood pressure measurement by auscultation.
  • Using touch in an appropriate manner when conveying positive messages for emotional support during difficult circumstances.
  • Detecting any changes in circulation observations e.g. temperature and pulse palpation.
  • Conducting physical assessments and detecting any anatomical abnormalities.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Rapidly building rapport with other students, peers and patients in order to engage them professionally.
  • Displaying empathy and respecting multiple points of view.
Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Reflecting critically on topics taught during the course of study, including on situations that may be difficult or sensitive, yet still require reflective processing, judgement or action.
  • Identifying when a clinical practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise, and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
  • Identifying when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions, and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
  • Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating in activities related to the course with adequate, sustained levels of physical energy and concentration. This may involve standing for extended periods of time.
  • Participating in learning clinical skills and engaging in simulation activities during on-campus learning situations.
  • Performing consistent care during critical emergency situations with sustained concentration and physical energy for an 8 to 12 hour period of time including night shifts.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to the course.
  • Maintaining balance while safely mobilising and transferring individuals or resources.
  • Moving with ease around patients and equipment items while performing delivery of care activities and responding to emergency situations.
  • Safely retrieving and utilising stock and equipment.
  • Inserting medical devices and performing invasive procedures.
  • Manipulating intricate surgical instruments and equipment while dressing a wound.
  • Manipulating syringes and needles during preparation and administration of medications addressing safety to self and others.
  • Priming, accurately inserting and setting prescribed rates on an infusion device.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Collaborating with other students and peers, modifying and reflecting on work or practice in response to supervisor feedback.
  • Building rapport with other students, peers and stakeholders in order to engage them in effective clinical practice, for example, during scenarios, difficult situations and critical events.
  • Reflecting critically on successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
  • Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner in a wide variety of clinical practice contexts.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Competently using a computer desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant activities and assessments for the course.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with other students, peers and lecturers.

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Apply evidence-based knowledge of advanced anatomy and physiology to a broad range of acute and chronic conditions
  • 2. Integrate comprehensive knowledge of current evidence-based practice to undertake clinical assessment, skills and interventions in the management of critical care patients in various age groups and diverse populations
  • 3. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in critical care practice
  • 4. Communicate and apply knowledge of advanced pharmacology in critical care practice
  • 5. Analyse and interpret research findings to enhance critical care practice
  • 6. Exhibit interpersonal, leadership, communication and teamwork skills in a variety of critical care environments
  • 7. Employ self-reflection and integrate performance feedback to identify and action self-improvement opportunities
  • 8. Promote ethical principles within critical care practice
  • 9. Incorporate strategies for optimising personal and team physical and psychological resilience in complex clinical environments.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. KNOWLEDGE Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge that may include the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in a new or existing discipline or professional area
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems
3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas
4. SKILLS Have specialised technical and creative skills in a field of highly skilled and/or professional practice
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concept
6. SKILLS Have communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions in varied specialised contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts
9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters
More Details

RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

Students studying this course will be required to attend compulsory residential schools for some units.