Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice)

Duration1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start termTerm 1, 2024
Study modeOnline
Course codeCC70
a student paramedic holding an emergency kit bag in front of an ambulance

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice) is an innovative and practical course that aims to ensure that you can provide essential services in critical care paramedic practice, including assessment and decision-making, pharmacology, diagnostics and skills involved in critical care practice. You will also develop advanced critical care trauma management and human performance optimisation in complex environments.

As a graduate from this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, clinical reasoning and clinical judgment to successfully perform within the role of a Critical Care Paramedic or clinical level equivalent both within Australia and internationally. The Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice) is an innovative and authentic program that aims to ensure that you will hold the attributes associated with a work-ready skills-based employee upon graduation.

You will learn advanced skills including assessment and decision-making, pharmacology, diagnostics and skills involved in critical care practice. Your learning is enhanced through laboratory and simulation scenarios and residential schools, exposing you to future-thinking skillsets such as ultrasound. 

You will study critical care trauma management and human performance optimisation in complex environments. In addition, you will complete two evidence-based practice units to develop your ability to make connections between research and practice, and contribute to improved evidence-based practice in paramedicine. 

Upon completion, you will have the option to pathway into the Master of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice) with credit available for four units.

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice) allows you to operate in the increasingly complex environment faced by paramedics on a daily basis. If you are currently an Intensive Care Paramedic holding a previous Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification and wish to deepen your knowledge or are an Advanced Care Paramedic who wishes to practice as a Critical Care Paramedic (or state equivalent), this qualification provides a pathway for you to do so.

Structure & Availability

COURSE STRUCTURE
You are required to complete eight (8) units.

UNIT INFORMATION
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2024Available Online

Majors and minors are not applicable to this course.

Some units in this course will require compulsory attendance at residential schools.

Requirements

Recommended study

Prior studies in the paramedic discipline area.

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.

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

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

You will have to meet this course's inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes.

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative Fees

Fee TypeFees
Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee$8,296
Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee$26,184

Indicative first-year fee

The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is eight units over two terms). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

Commonwealth support and government assistance loans

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.

Other study costs

Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

At CQUniversity, we believe higher education should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more. 

How to apply

If you have decided what you would like to study and are ready to apply, we’re here to help you along the way.  Before you apply, you will need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).  If you do not have a USI, creating one is quick and easy.  Simply visit usi.gov.au to create one.

Want to know more about application dates and other admission information?
View our important dates information and read about other admission considerations such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support.

APPLY DIRECTLY TO CQUNIVERSITY
To apply for this course, submit your application directly to CQUniversity using the Apply button below.