Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Paramedicine qualifies you to work as a paramedic in Australia. Delivered in partnership with St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc., the course offers guaranteed clinical student placements in the Northern Territory and hands-on learning from paramedic experts.
You'll graduate ready to work in emergency ambulance and pre-hospital environments in regional, remote and urban settings.
During the three-year paramedicine degree you'll gain vital clinical decision-making, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You'll learn about anatomy and physiology, human development and Australia's health-care systems and policies. You will develop knowledge in clinical science areas including trauma and emergency-based response.
This course also has a strong focus on First Nations Health, mental health and specific care of maternal, neonatal and paediatric patients.
Practical industry experience is important, which is why the Bachelor of Paramedicine includes three units of placements with the St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc., the Northern Territory's exclusive paramedic service provider. In completing your degree, you may be required to undertake clinical placements in the Northern Territory.
This program is designed to transition university graduates into becoming qualified ambulance paramedics. Graduates can then work as Intern Paramedics for 18 months during such time they are required to be credentialed to obtain an Authority to Practice.
This course is undergoing accreditation by the Paramedicine Board of Australia (under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
Compulsory intensives on campus are a requirement of this course.
Course transfer into the Bachelor of Paramedicine is not permitted. Students who wish to transfer into this course must follow the application process.
Professional recognition
This program is designed to transition university graduates into becoming qualified ambulance paramedics. Graduates can then work as Intern Paramedics for 18 months during such time they are required to be credentialed to obtain an Authority to Practice.
This course is currently undergoing accreditation by the Paramedicine Accreditation Committee.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $30,240.00. This equates to $3,780.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #4 Australian uni for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time as it suits you
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous health, tropical medicine and other issues of regional and national importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #4 Australian university for undergraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
The three-year degree is made up of 22 core units. The first year comprises studies from the Health Science degree, including anatomy and physiology, human development and Australia's health-care systems and policies.
Course structure
You will develop knowledge in clinical science special areas including trauma and emergency-based response. You will also learn about Indigenous Health perspectives, geriatric and specific care of maternal, neonatal and paediatric patients.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (22 units) | 240cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2023
PSY248 has been replaced by SBI209. Students who have completed PSY248 or PSY247 prior to 2023 should not complete SBI209.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
PSY247 has been replaced by PSY248. Students that have completed PSY247 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY248.
SBI182/SBI173 has been replaced by SBI190. Students that have completed SBI182 or SBI173 should not complete SBI190.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full-time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 ie SBI270.
FULL-TIME Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SBI111 Perspectives in Paramedicine Practice | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals (replaces SBI182 and SBI173) | CO |
| HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO | SBI270 Clinical skills for Paramedicine | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO | SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies (replaces PSY248 which replaced PSY247) | CO |
| SBI273 Trauma studies in Paramedicine | CO | SBI274 Cardiopulmonary and Emergency Assessment | CO |
| SBI276 Paramedics Clinical Placement 1 (WIL) | CO | HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| SBI300 Obstetrics and Women's Health in Paramedicine (title changed 2023) | CO | SBI313 Emergency Mental Health Response | CO |
| SBI301 Paediatrics in Paramedicine | CO | SBI333 Reflective Practice and Leadership in Community Paramedicine (title changed 2023) | CO |
| SBI402 Paramedics Clinical Placement 2 (20cp) (WIL) | CO | SBI403 Paramedics Clinical Placement 3 (20cp) (WIL) | CO |
PART-TIME Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO |
| SBI111 Perspectives in Paramedicine Practice | CO | SWK102 Communication Skills | CO |
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals (replaces SBI182 and SBI173) | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO |
| Calendar Year 3 | |||
| HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO | SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO |
| SBI273 Trauma studies in Paramedicine | CO | SBI270 Clinical skills for Paramedicine | CO |
| Calendar Year 4 | |||
| SBI301 Paediatrics in Paramedicine | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies (replaces PSY248 which replaced PSY247) | CO |
| SBI276 Paramedics Clinical Placement 1 (WIL) | CO | SBI274 Cardiopulmonary and Emergency Assessment | CO |
| Calendar Year 5 | |||
| SBI402 Paramedics Clinical Placement 2 (20cp) (WIL) | CO | SBI313 Emergency Mental Health Response | CO |
| SBI333 Reflective Practice and Leadership in Community Paramedicine (title changed 2023) | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 6 | |||
| SBI300 Obstetrics and Women's Health in Paramedicine (title changed 2023) | CO | SBI403 Paramedics Clinical Placement 3 (20cp) (WIL) | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230) | CO | ||
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 2022 and enrolling in a standard full-time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 ie SBI270.
Semester 2 2022(Alice Springs Campus only)
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| SBI111 Perspectives in Paramedicine Practice | CO | ||
| SBI171 Anatomy and Physiology 1 | CO | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||
| HSC121 Australia's Healthcare System and Policies | CO | SBI190 Microbiology for Healthcare Professionals (replaces SBI182 and SBI173) | CO |
| SBI150 Cellular Biology | CO | SBI241 Pathophysiology for Healthcare | CO |
| SBI172 Anatomy and Physiology 2 | CO | SBI209 Design and Analysis of Biological Studies (replaces PSY248 which replaced PSY247) | CO |
| SBI270 Clinical skills for Paramedicine | CO | SBI274 Cardiopulmonary and Emergency Assessment | CO |
| (INT-4 June-July from 2023) SBI276 Paramedics Clinical Placement 1 (WIL) | |||
| Calendar Year 3 | |||
| SBI273 Trauma studies in Paramedicine (from 2023) | CO | SBI301 Paediatrics in Paramedicine | CO |
| HSC203 Perspectives of Indigenous Health | CO | SBI313 Emergency Mental Health Response | CO |
| HSC220 Society, culture and health: A sociological introduction (replaces HSC230) | CO | SBI402 Paramedics Clinical Placement 2 (20cp) (WIL) | CO |
| SBI242 Pharmacology for Clinical Practice | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 4 | |||
| SBI300 Obstetrics and Women's Health in Paramedicine (title changed 2023) | CO | ||
| SBI333 Reflective Practice and Leadership in Community Paramedicine (title changed 2023) | CO | ||
| SBI403 Paramedics Clinical Placement 3 (20cp) (WIL) | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
The Bachelor of Paramedicine is a highly competitive course which has a quota of approximately 55 places each year (40 in Darwin and 15 in Alice Springs). This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Quota courses are included in the main December offer round.
For the 40 positions in Darwin there will be a sub-quota of 20 students who are NT residents and 5 First Nations students.
For Alice Springs there will be a sub-quota of 5 for First Nations students
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 70*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate IV level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 147.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses or a recognised tertiary preparation course of at least 12 months duration.
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
If you are undertaking a course with clinical or fieldwork placements you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing clinical/fieldwork placements. A national and/or international police check and a current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no score below a 6.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 65 with no score less than 58 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 94 with no score less than 22 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
I've had the unique opportunity to explore tropical and rural health, which I may not have had the exposure to had I studied elsewhere.
Katie
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC or UAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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