Paramedic Training and Education
Paramedic Education
Since 2006 the base qualification for a paramedic in Victoria is a Bachelor Degree or Post Graduate Diploma or Masters conversion program for health professionals who are extending their education from their discipline to paramedicine.
In Victoria all undergraduate and post graduate paramedical courses are offered by universities.
Rural Ambulance Victoria and Metropolitan Ambulance Service do not provide or offer post employment undergraduate paramedic education.
Becoming A Paramedic
To become a paramedic applicants must complete an undergraduate degree or post graduate equivalent.
On completion of their University qualification graduates can apply to Rural Ambulance Victoria for Graduate Ambulance Paramedic positions.
Further information about paramedic education can be obtained by linking to the following Universities:
Rural Ambulance Victoria offers university graduates of paramedic degrees the opportunity to apply for employment as a Graduate Ambulance Paramedic (GAP) and enrol in the GAP program. The GAP program is a two-year (with potential early exit points after the first year) program that is designed to allow the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic to transition from the university environment into professional paramedical clinical practice.
The program is wholly clinically orientated. During the program the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic works with qualified paramedic clinical instructors. At the successful completion of the program the GAP receives an authority of practice as a Qualified Ambulance Paramedic.
Mandatory Requirements for Entry into the GAP Program
Applicants for employment as a Graduate Ambulance Paramedic must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Have completed their University degree in paramedic or equivalent;
- Ability to speak and write English fluently and clearly;
- Be willing to undergo a Police Criminal Record Check;
- Hold a current Victoria drivers licence;
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or possess a Permanent Resident Visa;
- Have satisfactory level of medical and physical fitness matched to the various demands of paramedic work;
- Be prepared to work at any location throughout rural Victoria during the period of training and for a period of two years after qualification;
For further information about the roles of a Paramedic and the role of Clinical and Education Services click here.