A Bachelor of Paramedicine (also called a Bachelor of Paramedic Science) is the university qualification required to become a registered paramedic in Australia. While APC does not deliver the degree, our nationally recognised training can provide an effective pathway into university, help you build foundational clinical skills, and give you a head start before you begin your bachelor.
If your long-term goal is to work on-road as a paramedic, this guide breaks down everything you need to know – entry requirements, how long it takes, career prospects, and how APC can help you start your journey faster.
The Bachelor of Paramedicine is a university-level qualification (AQF 7) that prepares students for careers as registered paramedics. It combines clinical science, emergency medical care, patient assessment, trauma management, and extensive clinical placements with state ambulance services.
Graduates can apply for registration with the Paramedic Registration Board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
It is the only qualification that allows you to work as a registered paramedic in Australia.
This degree is ideal for people who:
If you’re not ready to commit to university yet, APC’s courses are a practical way to begin building skills and confidence while keeping your options open.
Most Australian universities offer the degree as a 3-year full-time program.
Some also offer part-time or online/blended study options, depending on the state.
Clinical placement hours range from 300 to 2,000+, depending on the university and state ambulance service requirements.
Entry requirements differ between universities, but commonly include:
Academic Requirements
Alternative Entry Pathways
If you don’t meet ATAR requirements, you may qualify through:
Hundreds of APC students use our Diploma as a stepping-stone into paramedicine degrees each year.
While each university varies, core units generally include:
Practical training is delivered through simulation labs and on-road clinical placements.
Paramedics respond to medical emergencies, assess and treat patients, and deliver life-saving interventions in pre-hospital environments.
The role is highly active and in demand. During 2024-2025, Australian ambulance services responded to 5.9 million ambulance responses, assessed, treated or transported 4.3 million patients, and managed 4.5 million incidents nationwide (Australian Government 2026).
Typical duties include:
While most graduates aim for state ambulance services, there are multiple other career paths, including:
The demand for skilled emergency health professionals continues to grow across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that ambulance officers and paramedics have median full-time earnings of $2,852 per week with around 90% of staff working full-time (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026).
APC does not offer the bachelor degree – however, our emergency health courses give students:
APC’s HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care has helped students gain entry into universities across Australia.
You’ll learn:
Many APC graduates report feeling significantly more prepared than first-year students entering straight from high school.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
When Matthew injured his knee at work his plans of becoming a firefighter where shattered.
He still wanted to pursue a career in emergency services, but without an ATAR he felt his options were now extremely limited.
“I knew from a young age I never wanted to be behind a desk. Always doing a new thing every day. Never being bored. Helping people.”
Then Matt found APC and realised he could use the Diploma as a university pathway and become a paramedic. And he was thrilled with the course.
“The workshop’s really good. Trainers are all great. […] I was a bit concerned studying online, at the start. But it’s been really good being able to do it at my own pace.”
“I made the right choice!”
“I always considered paramedicine, but just never thought I really had the right study side of things, and I didn’t feel like I was smart enough for it… I’ve been loving it!”
“I got about 4 of 5 credits off my degree with the Diploma so that’s been really good. It’s shortened my degree by about 6 months.”
While studying your Diploma, and upon graduation, you may be able to work in roles such as:
This gives you real experience before (or while) attending university.
APC has trained over 6,000+ students across Australia and New Zealand, with many progressing into Bachelor of Paramedicine programs