Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This honours-level bachelor combines foundational biomedical and behavioural sciences with specialist paramedic practice, advanced clinical decision-making and a supervised research project. Core study areas include anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology for paramedics, clinical assessment and diagnostics, emergency care and trauma management, cardiology and respiratory care, mental health and substance use in the pre-hospital setting, patient communication and ethical/legal aspects of paramedicine.

Skills development is supported through simulation-based learning, clinical skills laboratories and progressive, assessed clinical placements in ambulance services, hospital emergency departments and other allied settings. The honours component incorporates research methods, evidence appraisal and a substantial research thesis or capstone project, enabling graduates to contribute to practice improvement and to pursue further research or postgraduate study.

• Biomedical subjects: anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
• Clinical practice: assessment, lifesaving interventions, pharmacology
• Advanced practice: critical care, paediatrics, obstetrics and complex case management
• Population and community care: rural and remote practice, community paramedicine
• Professional practice: ethics, communication, cultural safety and interprofessional teamwork
• Research and evidence: research methods, statistics and an honours thesis or capstone
• Extensive clinical placements and simulation experiences

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed secondary schooling or an equivalent qualification. Selection typically considers academic achievement and may involve additional criteria such as an interview, personal statement or evidence of relevant volunteer or work experience.

Mature-age applicants and those with tertiary study or significant healthcare experience are encouraged to apply through alternative entry pathways. International applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements. Prior to clinical placements, students must satisfy health and safety clearances which commonly include immunisation records, a working with children check (where applicable), a police check and current basic life support/CPR certification.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for registration and clinical practice as paramedics in ambulance services, hospitals and community health settings. Typical career paths include road ambulance paramedic, critical care and intensive transport roles, aeromedical retrieval, community and remote paramedicine, and extended-scope practice roles in collaboration with primary care services.

The honours and research component also positions graduates for roles in clinical education, service leadership, policy, quality and safety, and for postgraduate study including clinical masters degrees and research higher degrees.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises practical, clinically-focused paramedicine education supported by modern simulation facilities and structured placement partnerships with ambulance and health services. The program integrates ethical and person-centred care consistent with ACU's values, with attention to cultural safety and care for diverse and rural communities.

Students benefit from small-group learning, clinical skills labs, interprofessional teaching with other health disciplines and supervision on placement that assists transition to practice. The honours research component gives graduates a competitive advantage for advanced practice roles or further study.