Previous Version Version Effective: 11th of February, 2021
Version Effective: 11th of February, 2021

HLT51015 - Diploma of Paramedical Science

Course Details

Course Summary

This program is delivered online with practical workshops scheduled throughout to enhance learning and put theory into practice with workshops held at multiple campuses. The Diploma of Paramedical Science reflects the role of pre-hospital and out-of-hospital workers similar to that employed by State/Territory ambulance authorities, the Australian Defence Force and the private sector to provide patient assessment, healthcare and transport services. You will gain clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to provide clinical assessment and pre-hospital interventions to patients, including providing advanced skills in life support. To achieve this qualification, candidates must have completed at least 160 hours of Vocational Placement relevant to the qualification outcomes as detailed in the Assessment Requirements.


Entry Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of commencing the course intake (March and July).

Students are required to have sound reading and writing skills, as well as basic numeracy skills to complete workbooks, assignments, learning activities and assessment tasks.

Students will require access to a computer / tablet / smartphone with internet access, camera, microphone and speakers.

Students will be required to undertake vocational placements, which will involve third party reporting. Students are expected to hold a reasonable level of physical fitness in order to complete practical components of the course. A moderate amount of lifting patients, on placement or in simulation and physical skills practice is required for example; CPR.

This course is delivered via mixed mode, meaning students complete theory online but must attend compulsory residential workshops which will require travelling and accommodation to be arranged by the student at their cost if they reside outside of an area where residential schools are being held.


Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

A total of 160 hours are required to be completed for Vocational Placement in a pre-hospital / out of hospital context. These are usually identified by the student at a convenient location. The Vocational Placement activities will be negotiated between the Diploma of Paramedical Science Qualification Coordinator and the individual student to ensure suitability of placements. Vocational Placement opportunities may also be identified by the University. All costs in attending Vocational Placements are borne by the student.

Before commencing Vocational Placement, students must submit all CQU requirements to the Schools Work Integrated Learning Officers nine weeks prior to commencement of placement.

Immunisations:

- Hepatitis B

- Influenza vaccine (Optional)

- Tuberculosis (TB) – Mantoux test or QuantiFERON Gold test (QLD Ambulance Service Placements Only)

- Varicella (chickenpox)

- Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis

- Measles, Mumps Rubella

- Working With Children Check (WWCC) in the state where placement is taking place.

- National Police Check.

- Current approved First Aid Certificate and updated CPR: HLTAID003 First Aid is valid for 3 years, but CPR requires updating every 12 months.



VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units.

For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us .


Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire
Study Area
  • Health
Skill Area
  • Health
AQF Level Level 5: Diploma

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
  • ROK - 895310
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

A range of vocational roles exist including Ambulance Transport Attendant (VIC), Ambulance Community Officer (VIC), Patient Transport Officer and First Responder. Employers include state/territory based ambulance services and first aid providers. At course completion students can gain credits toward the Bachelor of Paramedic Science at CQUniversity to attain minimum requirements to be registered as a Paramedic. This course does not allow students to become AHPRA registered as a Paramedic.

Note: Victorian graduates looking to obtain employment as a Patient Transport Officer prior to completion of their Diploma may require 'HLTAMB014 Transport Non-Emergency Patients Under Operational Conditions' which is not currently offered in this course.

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 9 core units
  2. Complete 8 elective units

Study Mode Definitions

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Mixed Mode Course Structure

18 Months Full Time: This program is delivered via mixed mode. Theory is delivered online, but attendance at residential schools is compulsory.

  • RPL/RCC/Credit
  • Mixed Mode
Infection Control, Safety and Stress Management
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment More Information Training.gov Details
HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care More Information Training.gov Details
Clinical Care 1
HLTAMB008 Assess and deliver standard clinical care More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice More Information Training.gov Details
Patient Movement
HLTAMB001 Follow procedures for routine safe removal of patient More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAMB002 Implement safe access and egress in an emergency More Information Training.gov Details
Legal, Ethical and Cultural Care
BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services More Information Training.gov Details
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people More Information Training.gov Details
Clinical Care 2
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAMB012 Communicate in complex situations to support health care More Information Training.gov Details
Clinical Assessment and Multi-Agency Incidents
HLTAMB013 Contribute to managing the scene of an emergency More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment
1 HLTINF001 - Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
1 HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care
2 HLTAMB008 - Assess and deliver standard clinical care
2 CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
2 HLTAMB001 - Follow procedures for routine safe removal of patient
2 HLTAMB002 - Implement safe access and egress in an emergency
3 BSBMED301 - Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
3 CHCCOM005 - Communicate and work in health or community services
3 CHCLEG001 - Work legally and ethically
3 CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
3 CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
4 HLTAAP002 - Confirm physical health status
4 CHCCCS020 - Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
4 HLTAMB012 - Communicate in complex situations to support health care
4 HLTAMB013 - Contribute to managing the scene of an emergency
4 HLTAAP003 - Analyse and respond to client health information


Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Written/Electronic Assessment
Practical Task
Third Party Verification
RPL
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

2021 Residential Schools/Workshops

SA Ambulance Service

There are residential schools and/or workshops available for this course at the following locations. Select your preferred location for further details
Adelaide
South Australian Ambulance Service - Res School 1
Location Adelaide, TBA
Start Date 11/05/2021
End Date 13/05/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No

Mixed Mode Course Structure

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Adelaide
South Australian Ambulance Service - Res School 2
Location Adelaide, TBA
Start Date 26/06/2021
End Date 30/06/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No
Adelaide - Residential School
Location Adelaide, TBA
Start Date 28/06/2021
End Date 02/07/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No
Melbourne
Melbourne - Residential School 2
Location Melbourne, TBA
Start Date 11/10/2021
End Date 15/10/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory Yes
Rockhampton North
Rockhampton - Residential school 2
Location Rockhampton North, TBA
Start Date 19/04/2021
End Date 23/04/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory Yes
Rockhampton - Residential School - Group A
Location Rockhampton North, TBA
Start Date 23/08/2021
End Date 27/08/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No
Rockhampton - Residential School - Group B
Location Rockhampton North, TBA
Start Date 30/08/2021
End Date 03/09/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No
Rockhampton - Residential School
Location Rockhampton North, TBA
Start Date 25/10/2021
End Date 29/10/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No

Qld Ambulance Service (QAS)

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Brisbane
Queensland ambulance service / RPL - Res School 2
Location Brisbane
Start Date 19/07/2021
End Date 23/07/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory Yes
Rockhampton North
Queensland ambulance service / RPL - Res School 1
Location Rockhampton North
Start Date 06/05/2021
End Date 07/05/2021
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory No

Domestic 2020 Availabilities

Mixed Mode Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time

Domestic 2021 Availabilities

Mixed Mode Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
For individual class days and times for each intake please check the TAFE Timetable located here
The availabilities shown above are for the current and future years. To view any historic availabilities please press "Show Historic Availabilities" below:

Show Historic Availabilities
More Details

More Details

Compulsory Attendance Requirements

Residential School

There are three (3) compulsory Residential Schools for completion of this course. Details of Residential School times and locations will be made available on the unit Moodle page at the start of each teaching term.


Residential Schools allow students to undertake hands on learning in a simulated clinical environment to put theory learned throughout the course into practice. Students are expected to engage with their peers at the Residential Schools and actively participate in activities and assessments. 


NOTE:  The third residential school for all cohorts is held ONLY at Rockhampton Campus. Residential Schools one and two are available on Rockhampton, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide Campuses. 


Vocational Placement

There is a compulsory Vocational Placement component of this course of 160 hours. Students will attend a pre-hospital organisation for at least 160 hours of placement where a portfolio of evidence will be gathered for successful completion. All costs regarding placement and attendance at Residential Schools are borne by the student. 


Pre-placement Mandatory Requirements

Before commencing Vocational Placement, students must submit all CQU requirements to the Schools Work Integrated Learning Officers nine weeks prior to commencement of placement:

  • Immunisations:
    • Hepatitis B
    • Influenza vaccine (Optional)
    • Tuberculosis (TB) – Mantoux test or QuantiFERON Gold test (QLD Ambulance Service Placements Only)
    • Varicella (chickenpox)
    • Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
    • Measles, Mumps Rubella
  • Working with Children Check (WWCC) in the state where the placement is taking place
  • National Police Check
  • Current approved First Aid Certificate and updated CPR:
    • HLTAID003 First Aid is valid for three years, but CPR requires updating every 12 months.  
      CQUniversity requires students to attain a first-aid certificate from a registered training provider within the first year of enrolment and maintain competency in HLTAID001-Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.  

Uniform Requirements

For placement activities and residential schools the following uniform standards are required:

  • Navy blue or black trousers
  • Paramedic Razor Polo (from CQUni Bookshop)
  • Navy blue or black socks with trousers
  • Closed in shoes according to organisational requirements. 

Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will also need to be purchased as a Workplace Health and Safety requirement when on practical placement as per the organisations requirements. This may include specific footwear.


Textbook Requirements

It is recommended that students purchase the following textbooks:

  • Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine, 5th Edition: Cameron, Little, Mitra & Deasy
  • Oxford Australian Mini Dictionary, Fourth Edition: Oxford

Resource and Computing Requirements

It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that include but are not limited to, email, Internet, video streaming and electronic assessment submission.  Students must also be familiar with using USB devices, retrieving electronic material, and uploading documents to and downloading documents from the online course. 


Students are also required to create and complete tasks using Microsoft Office software products such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It is expected that students have a basic level of proficiency in these products prior to course commencement


VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units. 


For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us.