How much does a Bachelor’s Degree in Paramedic Science cost?

University pathways to the Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree.

A bachelor’s degree is required to work in the pre-hospital emergency health care sector as a registered Ambulance Paramedic.

The degree can take a minimum of 2-3 years full-time at university, then one year as a probationary Paramedic. APC can assist you to meet university entry criteria by first completing the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care.

Getting an offer to study at university can be challenging for some; however, if you’re looking for a pathway into a degree, the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care is a popular choice. APC diploma graduates have previously been credited for multiple subjects in their degree. This often shortens the length of the degree while allowing them to work in the emergency health care industry part-time whilst studying.

The university subject credited may differ depending on the which university you choose. This can be subject to change, as some universities have different entry criteria. We recommend you check with your chosen university to gain more information.

 

Pathways to university

APC diploma graduates have been credited for multiple Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree subjects. This often shortens the completion time of the degree, whilst allowing them to work as a medic and study at the same time.

The Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree can also be referred to as the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) or Bachelor of Paramedicine.

The following universities offer the Bachelor of Paramedic Science and have awarded credits to APC graduates who completed the diploma:

Bachelor of Paramedic Science

The Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree is offered by many universities across Australia via an on-campus program or by distance (online) learning. On average you can expect to pay up to or around $30,000 complete the degree, however this cost may differ across universities so make sure you check in with your preferred provider so you’re aware of the full cost before applying. 

No matter where you live in Australia, studying the Bachelor of Paramedic Science is relatively straight forward; you have to apply and be accepted into university first; and that can be the tricky part, especially if your ATAR or OP does not meet university entry criteria.

Degree curriculum

A typical Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree, may consist of 24 courses, divided into 6 terms (dependent on the university)

For most universities, the expected time frame to complete a bachelor is 3 years, although some universities offer conversion pathway degrees which can be completed in 2 years. This conversion pathway option exists for individuals who are already working in the pre-hospital/emergency health care field.

Why you will benefit from completing the diploma, then going to university

  • You will be qualified to start working in the industry faster as you can apply for medic work whilst you study at University.
  • Imagine graduating from university with real industry experience

If you were an employer, who would you choose at an interview for a Paramedic position?

  • John Smith with a Bachelor Degree?
  • or YOU who holds a Bachelor degree and 2 years’ industry experience as a medic in the pre-hospital emergency health care sector?

It just makes sense – best of both worlds (not to mention the networking you can do in the industry to get that Paramedic career at the end of university).

  • APC diploma graduates have previously been credited for multiple subjects within their degree. This can often shorten the amount of study time, whilst creating a unique opportunity work in the health care industry while studying.
  • We recommend you check with your chosen university as credited subjects can differ.

Information on this page is subject to change and is to be used as a guide only.

Read more about how you can save time on your degree and get the credit you deserve.

Are all paramedical degrees the same?

Absolutely not!

Essentially, the name of the degree is the same, however, the subjects you could be studying can vary from one university to the next.

APC surveyed 11 universities in Australia offering the Bachelor of Paramedic Science. For the most part, the degree is structured into 6 categories.

  1. Paramedic Practice
  2. Paramedic Functions
  3. Sciences
  4. Community
  5. Personal/Career Development
  6. Personal Well-being

Some universities do not focus on critical industry needs such as mental health (ECU & Curtin uni) or ageing, whereas some focus more on obstetrics and paediatrics (ECU & UTAS).

If you wish to move into health care management and see yourself being an area controller, you may choose a university which focuses on professional development and leadership (Vic Uni, ECU, USC, CQU, UTAS), or perhaps infection control, epidemiology and biochemistry (CQU, ECU, QUT, VIC UNI) is more suited to your interests.

In a world where universities compete heavily with one other, our advice is to take a good look at a few different universities, and be comfortable with what they offer. Paramedicine is a challenging subject, especially at university level. Once you’re clear on which subjects are offered, your life at uni could be more enjoyable and interesting. If you get this bit right, you’ll be motivated to complete your studies, become the best version of yourself and show the world (and yourself) you can achieve something truly remarkable.

 

What if university isn’t an option?

If university is not an option for you at the moment and you’re passionate about studying paramedical science, the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care is a good place to start.

This qualification is developed by the Industry Skills Council in conjunction with industry bodies to develop a training package that meets the requirements and aligns to the Australian Qualifications standards for a diploma-level qualification in the VET sector.

This qualification is delivered by the Australian Paramedical College and can be completed via a mix of online learning, face-to-face clinical workshops (QLD, NSW, VIC and WA) and clinical placement.

Paramedic registration required to work as an Ambulance Paramedic.

  • You are required to complete a Paramedic Science degree (or equivalent on-road experience) to apply to become an Ambulance Paramedic with a state ambulance service.
  • Paramedics are required to register their details with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and Paramedicine Board of Australia.
  • Paramedic registration is managed through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • Only registered Paramedics can legally use the term ‘paramedic’ to describe their job role.