Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This professionally oriented bachelor degree develops core clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional judgement needed for paramedic practice. Typical study areas include anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical assessment and decision making, trauma and medical emergency management, mental health, paediatrics, obstetrics, and community paramedicine. Students practise clinical skills in simulation laboratories and progress to supervised workplace learning through multiple ambulance and hospital placements.

Curriculum themes commonly include:

• Foundations of health science: human structure and function, pathophysiology and evidence‑based practice.
• Clinical practice and procedural skills: airway management, resuscitation, wound care, analgesia and medication administration.
• Emergency and critical care: trauma, cardiac care, advanced life support and retrieval principles.
• Community and public health: primary care approaches, population health, mental health and social determinants of health.
• Professional practice: communication and teamwork, ethics, legal issues, cultural safety and reflective practice.
• Research and quality improvement: introductory research methods and application to clinical improvement.

The program is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials, hands‑on practical workshops, high‑fidelity simulation and assessed clinical placements, progressively increasing in complexity and autonomy.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and typically requires completion of senior secondary school or recognised equivalent, with recommended study in English and sciences (biology or chemistry preferred). Selection may be based on academic results (such as an ATAR or equivalent), and some applicants may be assessed through an interview or selection tool that evaluates communication and suitability for clinical work.

Applicants must meet mandatory non‑academic requirements prior to clinical placements, which commonly include a clear criminal history check, current immunisation status, a working with children/Vulnerable People check where relevant, current CPR certification and completion of occupational health screening. Domestic and international applicants must also meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in emergency ambulance services as paramedics, working in road, aeromedical or retrieval teams. Other career pathways include community paramedicine, industrial and occupational health roles, emergency management and disaster response, clinical education, research and policy roles within health services, and progression to postgraduate specialised practice or clinical leadership positions.

Many graduates work within public or private ambulance services, hospitals, mining and remote health services, or in allied health teams where advanced pre‑hospital skills are valued.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers paramedicine training with an emphasis on professional practice, clinical simulation and supported workplace learning. The university collaborates with ambulance services and health providers to deliver authentic clinical placements and industry‑relevant learning experiences. Students benefit from practical skills labs, experienced academic staff with clinical backgrounds, and support services aimed at student wellbeing and professional preparation.

ACU’s programs focus on patient‑centred care, cultural safety and reflective practice, equipping graduates to enter the workforce with both the technical skills and professional attributes expected of contemporary paramedics.