How to Become a Paramedic Overseas [Hospital Ships]

Do you want to become a paramedic but aren’t sure about what opportunities are available? In addition to joining state ambulance services, event teams, transport companies or mining sites, students can opt to become a paramedic overseas!


Become a paramedic overseas – Help those less fortunate.

If you enjoy travelling and love providing assistance to people living in dire circumstances, we suggest looking into working on a hospital ship and become a paramedic overseas. These ships were predominately used during the World Wars to help the wounded, sick and shipwrecked soldiers.

Nowadays there are many ships similar to these operating around the world, which visit towns and communities to provide vital health care and surgeries.

Mercy Ships 

Mercy Ships is an organisation based in Australia that has transformed the lives over 2.42 million people in under developed countries over the last 35 years. Staffed with Australian surgeons, nurses and medics, they perform procedures and treat illnesses and injuries including life-threatening tumours, cleft lip and palate repairs, plastic reconstruction for severe burn-related injuries, hernia repairs, cataract removal, correction for orthopaedic deformities, obstetric fistula repair and dental care.

Youth with a Mission Medical Ships

One organisation that is having a major impact on global health is Youth with a Mission medical ships (YWAM). Based in Australia and operating in more than 180 countries since 1960, YWAM’s current mission is to deliver medial aid to people living in remote locations in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Formally used as a cruise ship, the YWAM PNG ship has been converted to a floating hospital that carries up to 100 personnel who assist in delivering much needed medial aid.

60 meters in length, this ship contains a dental clinic with four dentists operating at once, day procedure clinic, laboratory clinic and infrastructure to carry up to four small boats that can be launched in order to reach remote locations.

Project Hope

Project Hope is a service that delivers essential medicines, supplies and aid to people around the globe. With an international team of over 500 people in 30 countries, Project Hope work in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and sends medical personnel aboard ships around the world to provide medical assistance, health education and vaccinations to those who need it most.


So, if you’re ready to join such a fast paced industry and want to travel, we suggest you become a paramedic overseas and help those less fortunate!

How to become a paramedic overseas

The Australian Paramedical College is the largest pre-hospital health care training provider in Australia. We are dedicated to providing training of the highest standard for all students who enrol in our courses to get you on the pathway to becoming a paramedic. APC offers a Certificate IV in Health Care and a Diploma of Emergency Health Care. Our training programs provide a flexible and affordable pathways for those who wish to work in the private sector or choose to continue their education at university.

Why become a paramedic?

‘It’s a very self-satisfying career’

“I think it’s a very self-satisfying career that is expected to expand with job opportunities over the next few years. I have had a look at a few entry pathways to gaining my degree; and I hope this option is the most time efficient way to securing a degree.”
– APC Paramedic student

For more information on paramedic pathway training call 1300 377 741.

What is your career journey?

To discover how you can become a fully qualified Ambulance Paramedic or Basic/Advanced Life Support Medic, complete a personalised paramedical career development plan.