Many people ask the College “how do I become a paramedic?”
The first thing we want to make clear is, that not everyone wants to become a paramedic.
Many of our students want to start off working in the industry as a patient support worker, an ambulance driver, or as a medic in a private company. For most, this is a great way to see if a career in paramedicine is right for them. It could be the same for you!
So let’s talk about you!
You’re reading this, so let’s go back to basics and explain how to become a paramedic.
There’s a lot of information on the internet about how to get a start as a paramedic, although even the term paramedic is being used widely across the industry and there are plans to limit the use of the word ‘paramedic’ when describing your occupation. In Australia, it is widely accepted that to become a paramedic means getting a Bachelor degree in paramedic science. Just that thought alone is enough to put people off.
The thought of going to university and paying whopping fees is just not that appealing is it?
So let’s imagine you just want to see what it’s like to work in the industry and see whether the task of becoming a paramedic is something you really can handle.
The entry-level qualification to work as a Basic Life Support Medic is called the Certificate IV in Health Care (ambulance). The course code is HLT41012. This is a nationally recognised qualification. The course itself can be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation or any other organisation that has aligned itself with an RTO.
Registered Training Organisations are responsible for creating a course using guidelines set out by the Australian government training authorities. There are many departments that regulate, oversee and manage the delivery of training courses like the HLT41012 – Certificate IV in Health. When you enrol in a course you can feel confident your training will be overseen by the Australian government training departments.
The entry-level qualification HLT41012 – Certificate IV in Health Care (Ambulance) can be completed via correspondence (distance learning) or online. You will be learning about many aspects of the job of a medic; the majority of your time is spent learning communication skills, compliance, scene management, health and safety, workplace culture and of course medical theory and the practical application of it.
It’s not as difficult to work through each of the course units as you may think. In this course, there are 19 units to complete; with the expected time frame for completion being 6-12 months. That gives you plenty of time to schedule your study time around your current obligations.
Many of the Australian Paramedical Students are enjoying the freedom of being able to study where and when the choose by accessing the learning materials through the internet. The College is currently integrating new technology that will allow all of its students to dramatically speeds up the course completion time on smart phones and tablets.
Completing the Cert IV in Health Care (Ambulance) will give you the necessary qualification to work in many different roles across many industries. Once you have secured employment, take the time to get as much experience as you can and develop your skills even further.
When you have experience, your future can become a lot more exciting and new opportunities will present themselves along the way.
To find out more about how enrolling in the Cert IV in Health Care (Ambulance) can help you begin a career in paramedicine, call the College on (07) 5520 2522.
Take a look at the Certificate IV in Health Care info-graphic.