Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Paramedicine
Course code J75
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About this Course
Designed to provide the paramedic with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as a team leader or sole responder in critical care Paramedicine.
The course focuses on the clinical issues directly related to practice, and develops a greater depth of understanding to enhance clinical decision-making and critical thinking.
Students will learn advanced-level clinical knowledge to apply to their daily paramedical practice, while at the same time learning advanced skills in evidence-based practice.
The combination of advanced clinical knowledge and applied research knowledge and skills provides students with the ability to continuously improve their own clinical practice, as well as impact on the organisation they are employed by and the broader Paramedicine community.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.
Course code J75
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
Domestic fee paying - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $27,250
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online | FT PT | PT |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Designed to provide the paramedic with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as a team leader or sole responder in critical care Paramedicine.
The course focuses on the clinical issues directly related to practice, and develops a greater depth of understanding to enhance clinical decision-making and critical thinking.
Students will learn advanced-level clinical knowledge to apply to their daily paramedical practice, while at the same time learning advanced skills in evidence-based practice.
The combination of advanced clinical knowledge and applied research knowledge and skills provides students with the ability to continuously improve their own clinical practice, as well as impact on the organisation they are employed by and the broader Paramedicine community.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.
Course code J75
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $42,550
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | ||
| South West | ||
| Online | FT PT | PT |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Paramedicine, or have completed a Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine, with equivalents considered. Alternatively applicants can apply if they have at least five years appropriate professional experience. Additionally applicants must Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or equivalent accredited professional registration body.
, with equivalents considered.
Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Paramedicine, or have completed a Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine, with equivalents considered. Alternatively applicants can apply if they have at least five years appropriate professional experience. Additionally applicants must Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or equivalent accredited professional registration body.
, with equivalents considered.
Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PST5110 | Advanced Cardiac Studies | 20 |
| PST5111 | Advanced Medical Studies | 20 |
| PST5107 | Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PST6113 | Paediatrics for Critical Care Paramedics | 20 |
| PSP6101 | Critical Care Practicum (Intensive Care Phase) | 20 |
| PST6105 | Retrieval Medicine | 20 |
Students who are unable to complete the degree may be able to exit with a Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine with Course Coordinator approval.
J75|2
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
This course can be studied entirely online when suitable agreements have been established to provide supervision of the practical components of the course. If suitable supervisors and/or placement host facilities are not available at the time, attendance at Joondalup Campus will be required. In the absence of clinical placement settings, an on-campus intensive workshop will be provided to meet the learning outcomes of individual units.
-
As a part of this course, students will be required to undertake a clinical placement in anaesthetics and in an intensive care setting. Students will be required to complete a clinical practice logbook and specific clinical learning outcomes for their placement location. A minimum of 80 hours of clinical placement is required across the unit.
All clinical placement hours must be completed in a supernumerary capacity and not in their existing registered paramedic role.
Attendance requirements
Students will be required to attend the practicum during the hours established by the clinical placement agency. These may occur at times outside the identified semester weeks or normal business hours. Clinical practice periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the School.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
To be eligible to undertake professional practice experience and fulfil the duty of care, students are required to complete clinical practice orientation, risk management training and obtain various screening and clearances as required by the university and placement provider. The requirements for this course can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/placements/disciplines/master-critical-care-paramedicine-coursework-j84
There may be vaccination or similar requirements including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts that apply to clinical placements which form part of this course. Please consider this requirement before enrolling in this course and speak to the Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements, which may impact your ability to complete this course.
Due to the practical nature of the Paramedic professions and protection of the public, there are inherent requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students. Applicants and students with a disability or other issue likely to impact on their ability to perform in practice are encouraged to contact the Access and Inclusion Service to discuss their situation.
More information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/placements/inherent-requirements
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained and provided to the university prior to commencing clinical placement.
Professional practice rules
You must maintain Ahpra registration as a Paramedic throughout the course. Parental leave and other types of leave are possible while maintaining registration.
Students are responsible for ensuring their behavior aligns with Ahpra's Code of conduct (the code).
Students will be expected to comply with the conduct requirements of their clinical placement provider.
Course learning outcomes
- Communicate complex medical and paramedical knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate an advanced level of critical care Paramedicine.
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in critical care paramedical contexts.
- Use high level self-management skills to initiate, appraise and operate in complex and dynamic professional environments.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
This course is not offered for study on-campus to international students with a student visa.
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PST5110 | Advanced Cardiac Studies | 20 |
| PST5111 | Advanced Medical Studies | 20 |
| PST5107 | Advanced Obstetrics for Paramedics | 20 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| PST6113 | Paediatrics for Critical Care Paramedics | 20 |
| PSP6101 | Critical Care Practicum (Intensive Care Phase) | 20 |
| PST6105 | Retrieval Medicine | 20 |
Students who are unable to complete the degree may be able to exit with a Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Paramedicine with Course Coordinator approval.
J75|2
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookCourse notes
Important course notes
-
This course can be studied entirely online when suitable agreements have been established to provide supervision of the practical components of the course. If suitable supervisors and/or placement host facilities are not available at the time, attendance at Joondalup Campus will be required. In the absence of clinical placement settings, an on-campus intensive workshop will be provided to meet the learning outcomes of individual units.
-
As a part of this course, students will be required to undertake a clinical placement in anaesthetics and in an intensive care setting. Students will be required to complete a clinical practice logbook and specific clinical learning outcomes for their placement location. A minimum of 80 hours of clinical placement is required across the unit.
All clinical placement hours must be completed in a supernumerary capacity and not in their existing registered paramedic role.
Attendance requirements
Students will be required to attend the practicum during the hours established by the clinical placement agency. These may occur at times outside the identified semester weeks or normal business hours. Clinical practice periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the School.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
To be eligible to undertake professional practice experience and fulfil the duty of care, students are required to complete clinical practice orientation, risk management training and obtain various screening and clearances as required by the university and placement provider. The requirements for this course can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/placements/disciplines/master-critical-care-paramedicine-coursework-j84
There may be vaccination or similar requirements including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts that apply to clinical placements which form part of this course. Please consider this requirement before enrolling in this course and speak to the Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements, which may impact your ability to complete this course.
Due to the practical nature of the Paramedic professions and protection of the public, there are inherent requirements applicable to this course that may impact upon the success of some potential students. Applicants and students with a disability or other issue likely to impact on their ability to perform in practice are encouraged to contact the Access and Inclusion Service to discuss their situation.
More information can be found at https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/medical-and-health-sciences/placements/inherent-requirements
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained and provided to the university prior to commencing clinical placement.
Professional practice rules
You must maintain Ahpra registration as a Paramedic throughout the course. Parental leave and other types of leave are possible while maintaining registration.
Students are responsible for ensuring their behavior aligns with Ahpra's Code of conduct (the code).
Students will be expected to comply with the conduct requirements of their clinical placement provider.
Course learning outcomes
- Communicate complex medical and paramedical knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate an advanced level of critical care Paramedicine.
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas, concepts and theories in critical care paramedical contexts.
- Use high level self-management skills to initiate, appraise and operate in complex and dynamic professional environments.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $27,250 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be well-placed to take on the clinical leadership challenges of Paramedicine.
Possible future job titles
Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedic
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $42,550 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be well-placed to take on the clinical leadership challenges of Paramedicine.
Possible future job titles
Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedic
Similar courses to consider
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Paramedical Science Lab
View a 360 Degree virtual tour of the Paramedical Science LabQuick guide to uni-speak
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The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Paramedicine?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.