NOTE: The HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science has been superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care.
The APC diploma offers graduates a unique pathway into university to study the Bachelor of Paramedic Science (required to become an Ambulance Paramedic).
The Australian Quality Framework (AQF) is the body responsible for creating educational progression pathways within the Australian education and training sector. It clearly defines the different levels of qualifications and how they provide progression and access to higher education.
The HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care) is a Level-5 AQF qualification; whereas a degree is classified as Level 7. Note: Level-6 was previously reserved for the Advanced Diploma of Paramedical Science, which has been discontinued.
The objectives of the AQF are;
An example of this would be progressing from a Diploma of Emergency Health Care to a Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree. Credits are awarded because of the similarities between subjects in the diploma and degree.
The AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy builds into the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) the capacity to genuinely support students’ lifelong learning by;
APC diploma graduates have been credited for multiple degree subjects/courses.
The degree subjects credited do differ depending on which university you choose. We recommend confirming with your chosen university about how many diploma credits would be awarded.
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), recommends 33% credit be awarded after completing the diploma when enrolling into a 3-year Bachelor Degree.
The following is a summary of the AQF recommendations (this is a link to download the AQF guidelines) on awarding credit points towards the degree.
2.1.9 Credit agreements negotiated between issuing organisations for credit for students towards AQF
qualifications at any level, vertical or horizontal, will take into account the comparability and
equivalence of the:
2.1.10 Credit agreements negotiated between issuing organisations for credit for students towards higher
level AQF qualifications in the same or a related discipline, having taken into account 2.1.9, should
use the following as the basis of negotiations:
Additional information
Based on the recommendations of the AQF, let’s review which universities are complying with the AQF recommendations.
Universities giving degree credits for completing the APC diploma.
As you can see, there are some credible Australian universities in this list. These are forward-thinking universities who see great merit in APC graduates becoming part of their degree program. The above information may be subject to change.
Shared subjects across the diploma and Bachelor of Paramedic Science
A recent report showcasing 11 universities offering the bachelor’s degree, shows clear commonalities across the core paramedical subjects.
The following Bachelor of Paramedic Science credits have been awarded to APC graduates after completing the Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care). The naming of the course units do differ from university to university, although we can clearly see the commonality. The following list details the credit subject that have been awarded to APC diploma graduates.
The facts;
APC recommends further independent enquiry, because universities can change their policy on credits at any time.