Program Overview
The HLT31220 Certificate III in Basic Health Care equips learners with essential skills and knowledge to operate as first aid or medical response workers. These professionals deliver basic health care services, including emergency first aid and, in some cases, patient transport, within both pre-hospital and out-of-hospital settings.
This qualification also serves as a foundational step toward becoming a Registered Paramedic by studying a Bachelor.
Upcoming Intakes
Choose the intake that works best for you and start your journey in emergency healthcare.
QLD
Cohort 1
(Tuesdays)
Commencing
9th February 2027
QLD
Cohort 2
(Wednesdays)
Commencing
10th February 2027
NSW
Cohort 1
(Wednesdays)
Commencing
10th February 2027
COURSE INFORMATION
Kickstart Your Healthcare Career in High School
Australian Paramedical College (APC) is proud to offer the next generation of passionate healthcare workers a fantastic opportunity to get a head start on their career by studying with us before they finish school.
Burleigh Heads, Queensland
Hurstville, New South Wales
1 day per week, over 30 weeks
The program has been specifically designed for high school students, providing a flexible and practical way to gain a recognised qualification while continuing with their regular school studies.
Designed to fit seamlessly around existing study commitments, the program allows students to complete their learning and assessments entirely during attendance. Best of all, everything can be completed in class, meaning there is no additional study, coursework or assessment required at home.*
This makes the program an ideal opportunity for students to gain a valuable, real-world qualification without adding extra pressure to their already busy school schedules. Students can build their skills, strengthen their future employment or further-study opportunities, and walk away with a real qualification they can take with them beyond high school.
Learn from Qualified Industry Professionals
Blended practical and theoretical learning. All delivered on-site.
Whether you’re a student looking to explore a rewarding career in healthcare, a parent searching for meaningful opportunities for your child, or a school looking to provide students with practical, industry-relevant experiences, this program offers an accessible way to take the first step.
Delivered by experienced, supportive industry professionals, the program combines practical, hands-on learning with essential theory, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, develop valuable skills and gain insight into the world of emergency and non-emergency healthcare.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Charlotte
VETiS Student | Gold Coast, QLD (2026)
Charlotte shares her experience as a student in our VET in Schools program while completing her final year of school (Year 12). With aspirations of pursuing a career in healthcare after graduation, she saw the program as the perfect stepping stone towards achieving her career goals.
She has now been accepted through early admission to Southern Cross University, where she will study a Bachelor’s degree specialising in Speech Pathology and Biomedicine.
Enrolling Now
QLD and NSW Locations
How does it work
Obtaining Your Cert III with APC
Study duration
One day per week for 30 weeks
Onsite learning
Delivered at APC’s head campus in Burleigh Heads
Blended training delivery
Where hands-on experience meets flexible online learning
Your Pathway to Becoming a Medic or Paramedic
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STEP 1: Learn in School
Study whilst in school, with all learning and assessments completed in a single day – no at-home learning required.*
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Graduate with HLT31220 Certificate III in Basic Health Care
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STEP 2: Study the Diploma
Receive up to 7-unit credits* from completing the VETiS program toward our HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care. The Diploma combines flexible-online learning, with hands-on workshops and valuable clinical industry placements.
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Graduate with HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care
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Launch your career
Start working immediately as an EMT, ESO, Event Medic, Industry Medic, Patient Transport Officer, and more!
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Continue studying to become a registered paramedic
Study to become a Registered Paramedic. Several universities have a VET entry pathway, meaning you can gain university entry with a Diploma-level qualification. Many of our graduates have even received credits towards their degree, shortening their study time.*
REGISTER FOR OUR 2027 INTAKE!
If you’re a school student, parent or Industry Liaison Officer looking to learn more about studying with
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The course combines hands-on and online learning at APC’s Burleigh Heads (QLD) campus. In 2027, we’re also expanding our VETIS program to our NSW campus in Hurstville. Intake for both locations are open now.
Yes – it’s the first step in a clear pathway. Graduates can move into a range of further career and study opportunities, with the qualification also providing credit towards further study.
The qualification gives you up to 7 units of credit towards APC’s HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care. The Diploma can then provide a pathway into a Bachelor of Paramedicine at university, with some universities also offering additional credit towards the degree.
It’s open to Year 11–12 students interested in healthcare or emergency service careers – no experience required. You’ll complete the HLT31220 Certificate III in Basic Health Care alongside your regular schooling, building the foundational skills used in first aid and patient transport roles.
ABOUT AUSTRALIAN PARAMEDICAL COLLEGE
Australian Paramedical College (APC) is proud to be Australia’s leading specialist education provider in pre-hospital healthcare.
With over a decade of experience, we’ve helped thousands of students gain the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of emergency health services.
Whether you’re looking to begin a rewarding career as a first responder, work in community health, or take the first step toward becoming a Registered Paramedic, our nationally recognised training programs are designed to support your journey every step of the way.
