One of the current challenges within the paramedic training industry is the confusion that exists when it comes to working across state boundaries. Take the case of someone who has studied and attained a paramedical qualification in Queensland and they wish to move to NSW to practice their profession. What’s involved and is it going to be a challenge?
As it stands, each state ambulance service has its own accreditation and paramedic training requirements in order to be a fully licenced and qualified paramedic.
When you first look at this, this can become disheartening to those that have invested a lot of time and money into paramedic training only to find out that their highly skilled experience and paramedic qualifications may not be enough to get them a job. However, is this actually the case? Is it possible that your paramedic training can allow you to work in any State in Australia?
Below you will find the answers to this and other unique paramedic training dilemmas and the keys to successfully navigating yourself around these “seeming” restrictions.
Let’s take Joe Smith (fictional person), as an example. He completed his paramedic pathway training through the Australian Paramedical College, then was admitted into Central Queensland University (CQU). After successfully completing his paramedic degree and registering with AHPRA, Joe landed a job with the Queensland Ambulance Service.
With three years paramedic experience under his belt, Joe decided for family reasons to move to Coolangatta. Instead of working as a permanent full-time advanced care paramedic with the QAS, he was offered a casual position at the local Coolangatta ambulance station. Knowing that he will need more work Joe decided to look into becoming a paramedic in NSW at the local Tweed Heads ambulance station.
Since he lives in Coolangatta, QLD, but plans to work as a casual paramedic in both NSW and QLD, Joe did a little research to see if this was even possible.
At first glance he discovered that each state ambulance service requires the applicant to have a full-unrestricted licence in that particular state. However, further research seemed to indicate that an Australian citizen could have a licence in only one Australian state/territory.
Where does that leave Joe, an experienced advanced care paramedic with a bachelor degree in paramedic training to his name? It would seem that he is unfairly limited in his paramedic employment based on his location. Is it possible for Joe to work part-time for two state ambulance services?
Find out how someone in Joe’s situation can overcome the difficulties of working in different States as a paramedic in Australia