Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Aeromedical Retrieval is an innovative course that will extend knowledge gained through your health studies and develop a complex understanding of aeromedical retrieval. Relevant to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics and other health professionals who wish to undertake postgraduate education in the area of aeromedical retrieval. This flexible course addresses delivery processes, critical reflection on aeromedical retrieval practice, and the effects of policy and politics on health care provision, access and individual agency.
This course will expand on your current or recent experience within the health service, and you will undertake education and assessments that can be directly applied to your current or future professional practice and context. Specialist Electives HEA581 and HEA582 each include a one week compulsory intensive held in Darwin at the Casuarina campus with students responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses for the intensive. On completion of the Graduate Certificate of Aeromedical Retrieval, you may progress to the Master of Aeromedical Retrieval and apply for advanced standing for completed studies.
Career opportunities
This course will enhance and develop the knowledge and skills for roles which manage the emergency transport of patients by aeromedical retrieval. Graduates of this course have the opportunity to critically analyse and reflect upon the aeromedical retrieval journey. The graduate certificate examines the fundamentals and principles of aeromedical retrieval as well as the logistic components from the domestic to international level. Completion of this course positions graduates in a competitive position to undertake senior clinical and administrative roles within an aeromedical retrieval organisation.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
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.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $17,368.00. This equates to $4,342.00 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. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
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 upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- 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
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.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- 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
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- 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
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.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- 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?
This 40-credit point course consists of two core units and two specialist elective units. Specialist Electives HEA581 and HEA582 each include intensives. Students are required to attend a 3-day-on-campus simulation block for HEA581 and a 4 day on-campus simulation block for HEA582 as a part of these units. The intensive is held in Darwin, at the Casuarina campus, with students responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses for the intensive.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (2 units) | 20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. HEA580 Fundamentals in Aeromedical Retrieval HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics |
Specialist Elective (2 units) | 20cp | Specialist Elective Units totaling 20 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below: HEA574 AI in Healthcare - Architecture and Implementation The followings units are no longer available: |
40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 4-day on-campus simulation block for HEA582 and a 3-day on-campus simulation block for HEA581 as a part of these units.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
HEA574 AI in Healthcare - Architecture and Implementation added as a specialist elective
HEA515 Health Informatics and HEA525 Emotional Intelligence in Practice are no longer available.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
HEA581 Essential Skills in Adult and Obstetric Retrieval, HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response and HEA586 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters added as additional Specialist Electives from 2022.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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 prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA580 Fundamentals in Aeromedical Retrieval | CO | ||
| HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA580 Fundamentals in Aeromedical Retrieval | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| HEA574 AI in Healthcare - Architecture and Implementation HEA582 Essential Skills in Neonatal and Paediatric Retrieval # PHM516 Indigenous Health PHM592 Global Health | HEA574 AI in Healthcare - Architecture and Implementation HEA581 Essential Skills in Adult and Obstetric Retrieval # HEA584 Aeromedical Retrieval and Human System Extremes PHM553 Biostatistics PHM593 Tropical Child Health |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 4-day on-campus simulation block for HEA582 and a 3-day on-campus simulation block for HEA581 as a part of these units.
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for students enrolling in a part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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 prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| HEA580 Fundamentals in Aeromedical Retrieval | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| HEA574 AI in Healthcare - Architecture and Implementation HEA582 Essential Skills in Neonatal and Paediatric Retrieval # PHM516 Indigenous Health PHM592 Global Health | HEA574 AI in Healthcare - Architecture and Implementation HEA581 Essential Skills in Adult and Obstetric Retrieval # HEA584 Aeromedical Retrieval and Human System Extremes PHM553 Biostatistics PHM593 Tropical Child Health |
# Simulation block: Students are required to attend a 4-day on-campus simulation block for HEA582 and a 3-day on-campus simulation block for HEA581 as a part of these units.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Applicants must have:
- Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or international equivalent in the field of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, or Paramedicine; and
- At least two (2) years of professional employment experience in their health profession.
It is expected that applicants will have current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA).
Applicants who do not hold a bachelor degree in an approved clinical field, but have at least five (5) years of appropriate professional experience in a non-clinical role in the aeromedical industry (such as logisticians, engineers, support staff, and pilots), will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants must provide a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application. The CV will be reviewed by the Dean of the Medical School and the Academic Lead to assess whether the applicant has the appropriate background to successfully undertake the course.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
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
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
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 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
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.
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