HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science

Diploma information

Pathways to university

If you missed out on university, this diploma could get you an offer to study paramedical science at uni and eventually become an Ambulance Paramedic.

Pathways into pre-hospital emergency health care careers

The HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science qualification (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care),  reflects the role of pre-hospital and out-of-hospital workers employed by State/Territory ambulance authorities, the Australian Defence Force and the private sector to provide patient assessment, health care and transport services.

Holders of the Diploma of Paramedical Science possess clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to provide clinical assessment and pre-hospital and out-of-hospital interventions to patients in an emergency; including providing advanced life support skills.

Know your facts

Before we show you what to expect from this course, we’d like to reveal a few facts to help you make a decision about which pathway is right for you. The HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care, is a nationally recognised qualification and is often accepted in the UK.

Which pathway is right for you?

(1). Complete this qualification in around 18-24 months and begin working in the private sector as a medic, EMT or First Responder.
As a diploma-qualified graduate, you’re equipped with high-level clinical knowledge in an authorised scope of practice within the private sector. Your training will prepare you to save lives; our graduates can testify to this.

(2). Use the diploma to get into university, study the Bachelor of Paramedic Science and begin your career as a registered Ambulance Paramedic.

> The diploma prepares graduates for entry into university to study the Bachelor of Paramedic Science. Graduates of the college enjoy a less-stressful transition into university because of the knowledge they already possess. Degree credits have been awarded to APC graduates. We recommend contacting your preferred university because not all universities are the same. when it comes to credits.

> With this diploma you can develop a career as a medic, EMT or First Responder in mining, offshore on rigs and ships, events, concerts, sporting events (motor racing, footy, rugby, tennis, cycling, equine etc), public and community events (Basic Life Support Medic) and a host of local and international volunteering roles.

Develop High-level Clinical Skills

Graduate with the confidence and apply your skills when they are most needed.

About this diploma

The HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care), is a nationally recognised and highly-respected qualification. It is fully endorsed by the Australian government and recognised in every state in Australia.

Private sector jobs for diploma graduates

Private company medics enjoy the freedom to work across many industries. This is why the private sector is so inviting for new graduates; and you don’t need a degree.

Australian Qualifications Framework Level 5

Graduates at the HLT51015 – Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care), level will possess specialised knowledge and skills for skilled/paraprofessional work and/or further learning.

Knowledge: Graduates possess technical and theoretical knowledge in a specific area (prehospital emergency health care) or a broad field of work and learning.

Skills: Graduates will possess a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply methods and technologies to:

• Analyse information to complete a range of activities.
• Provide and transmit solutions to sometimes complex problems, and
• Transmit information and skills to others.

Application of knowledge and skills: Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement and defined responsibility in known or changing contexts and within broad but established parameters.

Clinical skills learned at this level

The clinical skills learned at Diploma-level are to the standard and competencies of basic life support.
The scope of training is thorough and prepares graduates to be ready for anything – including;
12 lead ECG acquisition and interpretation, P-wave, QRS, STEMI, Tachycardias etc – plus in-depth education on clinical practice processes and procedure such as pediatric assessment, respiratory assessment, managing trauma, hospital handover, intramuscular injection, nebulisation, gunshot wounds, arterial tourniquets, history taking, Laryngoscopy, Hypovolaemia, SADs, Korotkoff sounds, Capillary refil Time – CRT, acute pain management with Methoxyflurane – Penthrox, Glyceryl Trinitrate – GTN, types of shock, central nervous system, Cushings Triad, Nexus criteria (Intermediate) C Spine, spinal cord injury, venous and arterial circulation to name but a few.

Additional information

• Age: Be at least 16 years of age (parental consent required for those under 18 years of age).
• Education: Complete at least year 10 of school or equivalent.
• Residency: Be an Australian/NZ citizen, Australian PR, or hold an approved temporary visa.
• Driver’s license: Hold a current and valid driver’s license (at least Ls in QLD, but otherwise at least Ps).
• Language Literacy Numeracy (LLN): Complete LLN test (unless holding equivalent or higher qualification in English).
• Health: Complete Medical Declaration form and be deemed physically and mentally fit to study.
• Technology: Have regular access to a computer and internet and be comfortable with online study and assessments.
• Clinical Placements will require:
  • Evidence of National Police clearance
  • Current Working with Children’s check (blue card)

Course overview

This qualification contains 17 units of competency, comprised of 7 core and 8 mandatory electives. 

The course curriculum has been designed to allow you the flexibility to learn by accessing a library of learning materials through a purpose-built online platform. Study on a smartphone/tablet/laptop/desktop and the APC app, available on the App store or Google Play. The learning materials are easy to follow with plenty of help and support from trainers, student success team, fellow students and alumni – if you need it.

Payment options

Low deposit payment plan options are available.

Getting started

Work through the first 11 subjects; which could take approximately 8-12 months. Each subject has its own learner guides and learning materials; complete with assessments, which can be completed on or off-line. Even though this is an online course, every unit can be downloaded and printed.

For some students, paper-based materials are the preferred way to learn, whilst for others, the appeal of learning online suits them the best. At APC, we give you plenty of options to learn in a way you find comfortable and engaging.

After completion of the first 11 units (8 – 12 months), it’s time to attend the clinical workshop 1, where you get to put into practice, the clinical theory you have learned. Clinical Workshop 1 is held over 7 days at locations in QLD, NSW, VIC and WA.

Once Clinical Workshop 1 is completed, it’s time to work with emergency medical response companies and complete 80 hours of clinical placement.

Clinical placement

*** (IMPORTANT: this qualification has been superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care. *** Clinical placement details have changed.
Clinical placement is classed as supervised activities in a pre-hospital medical support role. Placements may be conducted within the State Emergency Service, GP surgeries, event medical services, private first response or security companies, sporting associations and even as a medic with a mining company.
The college maintains regular contact with medical services providers in most states. Our dedicated team are continually adding new providers which in turn allows our students to complete their clinical placement requirements. We have students who are working as an Emergency Services Officer (ESO) on mine sites and can arrange placements from time to time.

Clinical skills development

One of the most comprehensive and hands-on subjects you will study is Assess and Deliver Standard Clinical Care. This unit covers the advanced clinical skill sets where your confidence and abilities are amplified; because this is where you get to experience the adrenaline of working on the front line of emergency patient care. Allow up to 3 months of study prepare for clinical workshop 2.
After completing Workshop 2, it’s back out into the community to complete your final 80 hours of clinical placement.
The remaining 5 subjects can be completed in your own time online.
**Note: There is a 2 year time frame to complete the diploma.

Course duration Maximum allowed completion time, max 24 months.

Study guideline for all above courses (guideline only):

• 28 hours per week -> completion in 6-12 months
• 14 hours per week -> completion in 18 months
• 7 hours per week -> completion in 24 months

Study hours and completion time frames (guideline only) Campus locations in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. Self-paced online study is perfect if you wish to continue working in your current job or paid activities. This is for the most part an online course with so many benefits. We offer a dedicated online learning platform and Australian Paramedical College App, as well as the ability to download the entire course, print it out and study ‘the old fashioned way’. It is now easier than ever to fit study around your lifestyle; and as a student of the college you’ll be given a personalised study/training plan by your student success team. Once graduated as a diploma-qualified medic, you are authorised to deliver life-saving treatment, as well as administer advanced drug therapy protocols (DTP’s).  You will also learn a wide range of Clinical Protocols including:

• Advanced airway management.
• 12 lead ECG monitoring and manual defibrillation.
• Normal Sinus Rhythm.
• Sinus Bradycardia.
• Sinus Tachycardia.
• Ventricular Tachycardia.
• Ventricular Fibrillation.
• Pulseless Electrical.
• Activity (PEA).
• STEMI.
• Non STEMI.
• 1st Degree block.
• 2nd Degree block type 1.
• 2nd Degree block type 2.
• 3rd degree block.
• Left Bundle branch block.
• IV cannulation and fluid resuscitation.
• Chest decompression…and much, much more.

Personalised training

Although the Australian Paramedical College is the largest pre-hospital emergency health care training provider in Australia, we offer personalised training for small groups of students. The learning curriculum is a self-paced, blended learning style training program.

Our state-of-the-art campus facilities include:

• A wide range of clinical practice environments
• Dedicated rooms for self-directed medical learning
• Fully-equipped lecture rooms
• Clinical practice rooms
• Scenario and medical emergency simulation facilities
• A fully-equipped Mercedes Sprinter ambulance (as used by State Ambulance Services)
• An in-house, life-sized ambulance simulator for practice and group scenarios
• The latest paramedical equipment as used by Ambulance Paramedics
• Life-like mannequin technology for immersive experiences

Support and mentoring

Our students enjoy unlimited support and help from our dedicated in-house student success team; and instructors and trainers make sure you get the most out of the training.

Additionally there is a private Facebook group for students where a strong community of like-minded people gather to help, inspire and motivate one another. This is an integral part of the learning environment because surrounding yourself with people who you share common goals with is a perfect recipe for successful study outcomes.