Becoming an Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA)

Ambulance Transport Attendants (ATAs) serve a critical role in the growing Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) sector.

What is an Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA)?

Ambulance Transport Attendants (ATAs) are often part of an ambulance crew. They undertake a similar role to Patient Transport Officers (PTOs) but can be required to perform more advanced patient care at times. This includes, but is not limited to, assessing a patient’s health, cardiac rhythm monitoring and basic life support.

Typical duties of an Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA)

  • Transport patients for specialist treatment
  • Attend public events where accidents may occur
  • Ensure ambulances are maintained and stocked with medical supplies
  • Assess the health of patients and need for assistance
  • Prepare reports on patients’ injuries and treatment
  • Administers drugs according to protocol
  • Resuscitate patients and operate life-support equipment

Employment outlook

Strong growth has been predicted for ATA roles between 2021 to 2026, with an estimated 8.4% or 1,600 increase in jobs during this period.*

Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA) salary

An Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA) can earn between $73,000 – $114,000* per year, depending on an individual’s level of experience.
*World Salaries (2024)

Become a qualified ATA

How to become an ATA

Australian Paramedical College (APC) can help you gain the fundamental skills needed to start a rewarding career in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT).

A HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care will allow you to become an ATA but the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care could give you an edge when applying for roles in the industry.

Learn more

Hear what it’s like to be an ATA

APC student, Alan, shares what his role covers as an Ambulance Officer in South Australia.

From hearing about the different levels of the role to the types of duties and call-outs that can be expected on shift, check out this video to learn more and see if it interests you as a career pathway.

ATA skillset and qualities

Collaborative

Values teamwork and effectively collaborates with other emergency services, hospital staff and the local community when assisting with patient transfers

Strong interpersonal skills

Having the ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and build trust with others

Empathy & patient care

ATAs need to demonstrate a high level of compassion and understanding on a day-to-day basis for patients in need

Explore other career pathways

Medical Emergency Services Officer (MESO)

Medical Emergency Services Officer (MESO)

Explore the multi-skilled role covering security, fire, rescue, medical response, training and work health and safety.
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Ambulance Paramedic

Ambulance Paramedic

Learn how you can progress into a degree qualification to become a registered Ambulance Paramedic.
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Patient Transport Officer (PTO)

Patient Transport Officer (PTO)

Transport non-critical patients to and from their home, medical facilities and hospitals. A rewarding community-based role. Start as soon as you graduate from the Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport.
Learn more