Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Science (Paramedical Science)

Effective from 01-JAN-2019 : Code K89

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to deliver pre-hospital care within a range of clinical, policy and organisational contexts. Students will also develop the understanding needed for the public health, social, cultural and clinical aspects of paramedical science.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Practicum Requirement

Students are required to undertake clinical practice placements as part of this course with partner healthcare providers.

Duty of care

To complete this course, students will be required to undertake one or more clinical placements outside of ECU with a third party host. A person may not be able to participate in clinical placement (or complete the course) if they do not meet the risk management requirements of the University and/or hosts. Students are required to complete risk management protocols on commencement of the course and in subsequent semesters, as appropriate. Students are required to submit certain reports to ECU including (but not limited to) a first aid certificate, a National Police Clearance, Working with Children Card, immunisation records and other certifications. The costs of clearances are borne by the student, and fees are set by the relevant agencies. By enrolling in this course and any units with a placement requirement, students authorise ECU to disclose information contained in these reports to potential hosts and regulatory authorities. These records must be satisfactory to the University, relevant host or regulatory authority. The required learning outcomes in some of the compulsory practical units in this course may not be readily achievable or appropriate for persons with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Whilst ECU will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments, all students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the course, which are linked to professional and industry competencies. Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns these matters may create with the relevant course coordinator prior to enrolment.

Attendance requirements

Students will be required to attend during the hours established by the host health agency providing the clinical experience opportunity. These hours may occur at times outside the identified semester weeks, and clinical practice periods may change with minimal notice to students due to circumstances outside the control of the School.

Professional practice rules

From the first year of study, students will be expected to initiate and develop a professional portfolio that maps their progression towards professional practice and the national paramedic competencies, as articulated by the professional accrediting body.

Implications of failing

As prerequisites for subsequent units students will be unable to continue in the course until WIL components are passed.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply appropriate communication skills in written and oral forms to transfer clinical knowledge, support clinical decision-making and work collaboratively with others in team setting.
2. Apply technology and information transliteracy as part of clinical decision-making.
3. Critically evaluate the impact of, or response to the Paramedics actions, and identify goals for continued professional development.
4. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and skills in paramedical practice and science across diverse clinical and social contexts, in accordance with legislation and accepted industry and agency standards of conduct and performance.
5. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the clinical and medical sciences which underpin paramedical practice and their application to clinical and social settings.
6. Exercise critical thinking and judgement to identify, plan and manage complex clinical problems, integrating cultural awareness and global and international perspectives, which are ethically appropriate.
7. Generate innovative, sustainable and informed responses, which are culturally appropriate.
8. Review, analyse and synthesise knowledge across diverse contexts to assess health and social care needs.

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA).

Membership

Students can apply for membership with Paramedics Australasia. Students can apply for student membership.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test; or
• Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
• University Preparation Course;
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test;
• AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Reporting Obligations

ECU has an obligation to report details of all students enrolled in this course to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years
• Part Time: 6 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time
• Online: Full Time, Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Students who elect to study online will be required to attend mandatory clinical workshops which require attendance at the Joondalup Campus.

Cross Campus Attendance

The theoretical elements of the course can be studied entirely online. However, students should note that a number of units have mandatory clinical workshops which require attendance at the Joondalup campus, unless exemption is granted under Advanced Standing pathways. Clinical Placements are also a requirement of the course, and require attendance at partner healthcare providers. Where placements can not be provided an alternative will be provided at Joondalup Campus.

Secondary Location

Eligible students may complete this course in an employment model linked to a specific employer with a mixture of on-campus and off-campus modes of delivery. Students studying in the employment linked model may be required to attend their employer's nominated training facility, or the Joondalup Campus.

Course Coordinator

Mr David REID

Course Structure

* Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.