Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice)

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Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2027
Study mode
Online
Course code
CC70
First-year fee
$9,536 (2026 Indicative) (CSP)
$30,200 (2026 Indicative) (FFP)
Commonwealth Supported Places available, offering significant fee savings.
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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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 advance your skills and knowledge further and pathway into the Master of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice).

Study Experience

Discover more about your online Graduate Diploma of Paramedic Science (Critical Care Practice), including flexible study options and significant fee savings for eligible students. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Commonwealth Supported
  • Flexible Online Study
  • Study Full-time or Part-time
  • Seamless Pathways
  • Kirsty Berger laughing and looking away
    “
    I think the best thing about studying my course was the flexible delivery, but also the staff were very available to ask questions and to assist with any issues that I was having.

    Kirsty Berger

    Graduate Diploma in Paramedic Science (Critical Care)

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

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete eight units (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

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

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. 

Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. The indicative fee provided should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.

Commonwealth Supported Places

With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2026, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.

HECS-HELP

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. 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.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.

Apply

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