Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The degree provides a mix of foundational health science, clinical skills and professional practice modules designed for pre-hospital care. Early units typically cover anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment, pharmacology and communication skills. Core clinical units focus on emergency care and management of medical, trauma, paediatric, obstetric and mental health presentations, together with advanced life support, ECG interpretation and wound and fracture management.

Practical learning is embedded throughout with simulated clinical environments, skills laboratories and progressive on-road clinical placements with ambulance services and allied providers. Topics in research methods, evidence-based practice, ethics, cultural safety and health systems prepare graduates for reflective practice and continuous professional development.

Final-year study often includes advanced clinical decision making, extended scope of practice topics and consolidated placement experiences to support transition into professional practice.

Entry requirements

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent tertiary preparation; selection is commonly based on a combination of academic results (such as an ATAR or equivalent) and other selection criteria where applicable.
• Relevant pathways such as recognised vocational qualifications, bridging courses or previous tertiary study may also be considered for entry.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if your prior study was not in English, according to university English language requirements.
• Occupational requirements prior to clinical placements, which typically include a current first aid/CPR certificate, up-to-date immunisations, and a clear police history/background check.
• Applicants should be physically fit for practice and able to meet documented health and safety requirements for clinical placement environments.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers as paramedics in metropolitan, regional and rural ambulance services and can work in a wide range of pre-hospital and urgent care roles. Common employment settings include state and private ambulance services, aeromedical retrieval, event and industrial medical teams, and community paramedicine programmes that focus on primary care, chronic disease management and outreach services.

With experience, paramedics may progress to advanced life support, specialist retrieval, clinical education, operational management or roles in health policy and program development. The degree also provides a pathway into postgraduate study in emergency care, critical care, research or allied health leadership fields.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

• Integrated clinical learning with strong partnerships with ambulance services and health providers, ensuring diverse placement opportunities across urban, regional and rural settings.
• Practical emphasis through high-fidelity simulation suites and skills laboratories that develop hands-on competence before on-road placements.
• Curriculum that balances biomedical science with cultural safety, ethical practice and person-centred care, preparing graduates for the varied demands of contemporary pre-hospital practice.
• Support services for students, including academic skills development, placement preparation and wellbeing programs to assist transition into professional practice.