HLT51020 - Diploma of Emergency Health Care
Overview
This program adopts a blended learning approach, combining online theoretical instruction with practical residential workshops distributed throughout the course duration. Residential schools are conducted on the Rockhampton Campus.
The Diploma of Emergency Health Care is designed to equip individuals for roles in pre-hospital and out-of-hospital settings, focusing on patient assessment, healthcare provision, and transport services.
Participants will develop the clinical competencies and theoretical understanding necessary to perform clinical assessments and execute pre-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency interventions. This includes the acquisition of advanced life support skills.
To successfully complete this qualification, students must undertake a minimum of 160 hours in Vocational Placement. This practical experience is crucial and must directly relate to the learning outcomes specified in the Assessment Requirements.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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Study Experience
- Study Now, Pay Later
- Pay as You Go
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion, graduates are poised for a range of career opportunities within the health care and patient transport system. The core and elective units cover essential skills such as working with diverse populations, legal and ethical work practices, infection prevention and control, safe work practices, and managing personal stressors in the work environment. This robust curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared to handle the demands of their roles effectively.
Career paths for graduates of this diploma include positions as ambulance officers, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and paramedic assistants. These roles are crucial in the health and community services industry sector, providing critical care and support to patients in emergencies.
Note: The Diploma in Emergency Health Care does not support AHPRA registration as a Paramedic.
Structure & Availability
Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement
Duration:18 months full time.
This course is delivered via mixed mode: the theory is delivered online; there is a vocational placement requirement; and attendance at three Rockhampton Residential Schools is compulsory.
Cluster 1a - Placement Unit
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTOUT005 | Assess and deliver standard clinical care |
Cluster 1b - Introduction to Emergency Health Care
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
| HLTAAP002 | Confirm physical health status |
Cluster 1c - Introduction to Emergency Health Care
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTOUT001 | Implement safe access and egress |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
Cluster 2 - Professional Practice
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| CHCPOL003 | Research and apply evidence to practice |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| BSBMED301 | Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
Cluster 3 - Communication and Clinical Care
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTOUT010 | Communicate in complex situations to support health |
| HLTOUT008 | Manage a scene |
| CHCPRP005 | Engage with health professionals and the health system |
| CHCCCS020 | Respond effectively to behaviours of concern |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.
Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement
| Residential School 3 - Cohort 1 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Building 17 |
| Start Date | 31/03/2025 |
| End Date | 04/04/2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 4:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Essential items students are to bring to residential school: Student ID card or any form of photo ID Non-essential items: The CQU Paramedic Laboratories are fully equipped and carry a large range of equipment from pen lights, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to kit bags, defibrillators, and mannequins. That being said, you are welcome to purchase your own personal equipment to practice with and use during the residential schools. Examples of common equipment purchases include: Stethoscope | |
| Residential School 2 - Cohort 2 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Building 17 |
| Start Date | 28/04/2025 |
| End Date | 02/05/2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 4:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Essential items students are to bring to residential school: Student ID card or any form of photo ID Non-essential items: The CQU Paramedic Laboratories are fully equipped and carry a large range of equipment from pen lights, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to kit bags, defibrillators, and mannequins. That being said, you are welcome to purchase your own personal equipment to practice with and use during the residential schools. Examples of common equipment purchases include: Stethoscope | |
| Residential School 1 - Cohort 1 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Building 17 |
| Start Date | 07/07/2025 |
| End Date | 11/07/2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 4:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Essential items students are to bring to residential school: Student ID card or any form of photo ID Non-essential items: The CQU Paramedic Laboratories are fully equipped and carry a large range of equipment from pen lights, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to kit bags, defibrillators, and mannequins. That being said, you are welcome to purchase your own personal equipment to practice with and use during the residential schools. Examples of common equipment purchases include: Stethoscope | |
| Residential School 1 - Cohort 2 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Building 17 |
| Start Date | 20/10/2025 |
| End Date | 24/10/2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 4:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Essential items students are to bring to residential school: Student ID card or any form of photo ID Non-essential items: The CQU Paramedic Laboratories are fully equipped and carry a large range of equipment from pen lights, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to kit bags, defibrillators, and mannequins. That being said, you are welcome to purchase your own personal equipment to practice with and use during the residential schools. Examples of common equipment purchases include: Stethoscope | |
| Residential School 3 - Cohort 2 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Building 17 |
| Start Date | 27/10/2025 |
| End Date | 31/10/2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 4:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Essential items students are to bring to residential school: Student ID card or any form of photo ID Non-essential items: The CQU Paramedic Laboratories are fully equipped and carry a large range of equipment from pen lights, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to kit bags, defibrillators, and mannequins. That being said, you are welcome to purchase your own personal equipment to practice with and use during the residential schools. Examples of common equipment purchases include: Stethoscope | |
| Residential School 2 - Cohort 1 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rockhampton North |
| Room | Building 17 |
| Start Date | 24/11/2025 |
| End Date | 28/11/2025 |
| Start Time | 8:30 AM |
| End Time | 4:30 PM |
| Compulsory | Yes |
Essential items students are to bring to residential school: Student ID card or any form of photo ID Non-essential items: The CQU Paramedic Laboratories are fully equipped and carry a large range of equipment from pen lights, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to kit bags, defibrillators, and mannequins. That being said, you are welcome to purchase your own personal equipment to practice with and use during the residential schools. Examples of common equipment purchases include: Stethoscope | |
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 Head of Course (VET) 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. Note: Placements with State Ambulance services are not available to Diploma students.
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:
- COVID-19 approved vaccination (If the provider or state requires this) Applicants should be aware that this may become a mandatory requirement, it is recommended applicants commence a COVID-19 vaccination for their future employment as health professionals. Note: Queensland no longer requires this item to be completed.
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza vaccine
- Tuberculosis (TB) – TB Screening Form
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
- Measles, Mumps Rubella
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) in the state where placement is taking place
- National Police Check with Australian Federal Police (AFP) Note: Must be Purpose 37
- Current approved First Aid Certificate and updated CPR: HLTAID011 First Aid is valid for 3 years, but CPR requires updating every 12 months.
Requirements
Prospective students must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the course, which has intakes in March and July. Prior to enrollment, applicants are required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment through bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder), unless they have previously completed a course at the same or a higher level.
Eligibility for the diploma program is broad, welcoming candidates from various educational backgrounds who demonstrate the capability to engage in vocational education and training at this level. Students must possess adequate reading, writing, and basic arithmetic skills to complete coursework, including workbooks, assignments, and assessments.
Enrollment necessitates access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity, a camera, a microphone, and speakers. The program includes mandatory vocational placements: physical fitness is important, as students must be able to perform tasks such as patient lifting and CPR during placements or simulation exercises.
This diploma is delivered through a blended learning model. While theoretical components are conducted online, attending the three compulsory residential workshops is mandatory. These workshops may necessitate travel and accommodation arrangements at the student's expense for those outside the Rockhampton location.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
This course is included in the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan (VSL) program, assisting eligible students pay tuition fees. Refer to the VET Student Loan webpage for more information, eligibility and census date calendar. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying 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 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
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