Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The programme builds advanced clinical knowledge, decision-making and evidence-based practice through a mix of coursework, clinical simulation and a capstone project or research thesis. Core study areas typically include:

• Advanced clinical assessment and management – advanced life support, trauma care, complex medical presentations and pre-hospital critical care.
• Pharmacology and therapeutics – expanded medication administration, dose calculation and medication safety in the field.
• Clinical decision-making and diagnostic reasoning – use of clinical reasoning frameworks, diagnostic tools and point-of-care testing in pre-hospital settings.
• Specialist practice streams – options such as critical care paramedicine, aeromedical retrieval, paediatric emergency care, rural and remote practice, or community paramedicine.
• Leadership, education and professional practice – service leadership, clinical governance, teaching and mentoring, and quality improvement.
• Research methods and evidence-based practice – biostatistics, research design and a capstone research project or thesis that applies research to clinical service improvement.
• Clinical placements and simulation – supervised practical placements with ambulance services or allied providers, and immersive simulation to consolidate higher-order clinical skills.

Study is commonly offered through flexible delivery with a combination of online learning, intensive on-campus workshops and coordinated workplace-based clinical learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to have a recognised undergraduate qualification in paramedicine or a closely related health discipline, plus relevant clinical experience. Specific requirements commonly include:

• Completion of a bachelor-level degree in paramedicine or equivalent professional qualification.
• Current professional registration or eligibility for registration/recognition to practise as a paramedic in the applicant’s jurisdiction, where applicable.
• Practical clinical experience in ambulance or emergency care settings; the exact amount required may vary by intake.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose prior studies were not delivered in English (standardised test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent are usually acceptable).
• Relevant professional references and a personal statement outlining clinical experience, motivation and career goals.

Applicants with substantial clinical experience but without a paramedicine undergraduate degree may be considered on a case-by-case basis through recognition of prior learning or alternative entry pathways. Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions office for exact documentation and pathway advice.

Career prospects

Graduates move into advanced clinical and leadership roles across ambulance services, retrieval agencies and broader health systems. Typical career outcomes include:

• Advanced care paramedic or specialist clinical paramedic roles in metropolitan or rural settings.
• Critical care transport and aeromedical retrieval clinician roles.
• Community and primary care paramedicine, including extended-scope roles working alongside primary health teams.
• Clinical educator, supervisor or workforce development positions within ambulance services or training organisations.
• Clinical governance, quality improvement and management roles within emergency care services.
• Research and academic careers, including positions in universities, health services research units and policy roles.

The degree supports progression to roles that blend clinical practice with education, research and leadership responsibilities.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt has a strong reputation for practice-focused health education, particularly for regional and rural practice. Key advantages include:

• A focus on applied learning with integrated clinical placements and high-fidelity simulation to prepare graduates for real-world pre-hospital challenges.
• Flexible delivery that combines online coursework with intensive on-campus workshops, helping practising clinicians balance study and work commitments.
• Established partnerships with state and regional ambulance services and health providers that support placement opportunities and industry-relevant curricula.
• Experienced teaching staff who are clinicians and researchers in paramedicine and emergency care, offering practical insights and research supervision.
• An orientation to rural, remote and regional health that is beneficial for clinicians planning to work outside major metropolitan centres.

Prospective students should check Charles Sturt University’s programme pages or contact the faculty for specific information on structure, available specialisations and enrolment pathways.