From Diploma to Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree

• Ensure that this is the right career for you without enrolling in a 3-year, full-time, 30k+ university degree.
• Develop confidence in your foundational knowledge and hands-on skills to give yourself a head-start at university.
• Become nationally qualified to immediately start working in the private emergency healthcare sector. You can do this while studying at university, meaning you’ll have more practical experience and be way more employable when you graduate.
• Give yourself the chance to obtain university credits to shorten the length of your degree.
• Start building a network of future uni peers and industry colleagues.
• Work your way up towards the degree if you didn’t get into university this time.

Didn’t get the ATAR score you were hoping for, or didn’t receive one at all?

That’s ok!

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has developed a step-by-step way to progress from vocational qualifications, all the way to degree and beyond. 

By developing your healthcare career through continuous training and education programs, you can be awarded credits for what you have learned previously and step up to the next level. This means you’ll be well prepared for university by the time you finish the diploma and have a significant advantage over new students who are only just beginning the degree!

Learn more about our School Leavers Direct Entry Scheme here.

At APC, we are passionate about giving people a chance to follow their dreams by helping them to start studying with ease.

Whether you’re looking to change careers, gain a formal qualification for the first time, or simply returning to studying after a break – we’re here to help!

Our Mature Age Entry Scheme supports this initiative where eligible students over 25 years can apply for direct entry with no ATAR requirement.

Click here to learn more about applying for Direct Entry at APC.

APC is proudly partnered with 15+ established organisations across Australia to create real employment outcomes for our students and graduates.

What does this mean for you?

By choosing to study at APC you can gain hands-on experience while you study through Clinical Placement with one of these amazing partners and even get the chance explore employment opportunities once you graduate!

If your dream is to become a paramedic, why not get real experience while you’re in training and furthering your studies at university by working in the industry in the meantime? Learn more about our Industry Partners and the exciting opportunities available to APC students.

You can receive credits for completing the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care. The amount of credit awarded will vary depending on the university you choose.

Credits are awarded by universities through a Recognition for prior learning (RPL) application process. This varies by each university but it’s usually straightforward and there is lots of information available. 

APC graduates have received up to 10 credits towards their degree, however we recommend contacting your preferred university to directly enquire what you may be eligible for. 

Feel free to check out our FAQs page to learn more about APC’s offering too!

Yes. To be able to work as a registered State Ambulance Paramedic, you are required to hold a relevant Paramedic Science/ Paramedicine Bachelor’s degree from university and be Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered.

Here’s some more information you might find useful about registering to become a paramedic once qualified:

• Paramedics are required to register their details with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and Paramedicine Board of Australia.
• Paramedic registration is managed through AHPRA.
• Only registered Paramedics can legally use the term ‘paramedic’ to describe their job role.

You may be able to apply directly to the university of your choice, or you can apply via UAC – Universities Admissions Centre.

During the application process, you will be required to provide the details and evidence of your previous qualifications. This is also when you will apply for credits if this option is available.

The cost of your degree will depend on the university you choose to study with, the degree itself and the subjects you elect to study. Typically, full-fee Bachelor of Paramedical Science or Paramedicine degrees cost ~$30,000.

Government funding may be available to help with some or all of the cost of your degree, be sure to do your research before you apply.

Depending on which career path you wish to take, the benefits of studying a diploma versus gaining a bachelor degree may vary.

Here’s just one example to help explain what’s required to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) compared to a paramedic, and the differences in required training.

EMTs and paramedics complete the same training however paramedics go on to complete further education at university (completing a Bachelor of Paramedic Science) to enable them to treat more advanced injuries and illnesses in patients. This is why APC students with the HLT41120 Certificate IV in Health Care or HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care can apply for positions as a “medic” upon graduation but cannot call themselves paramedics without further completion of studies at university. You can learn more in our blog here.