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Some people fall into teaching and then there are people like Betina. Betina, or “B” as she is affectionately known as at Australian Paramedical College (APC) – are one the rare ones who feel called to educate, and never look back. As APC’s Training Manager, Betina brings eight years of frontline Paramedic experience, a genuine passion for people, and a teaching philosophy built entirely around one thing; making students believe in themselves. If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare and looking at your study options, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn abut the level of support you’ll find on your APC student journey. |
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From Childhood Fascination to a Healthcare Career
Betina’s love of healthcare started long before she ever stepped foot in an ambulance.
“I’ve honestly always been fascinated by anything medical-related,” she says. “Growing up, I loved medical TV shows, stories, and learning about how the human body works.”
But it wasn’t just curiosity that drew her toward healthcare jobs, it was the desire to show up for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Originally, Betina thought Nursing might be her path. Then she discovered prehospital care and paramedicine, and everything clicked.
The unpredictability, the fast pace, the need to think on your feet – it all resonated deeply.
In 2016, she completed her Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedicine) through Charles Sturt University, and her career in Australian healthcare was officially underway.
On the Frontline: Working with the London Ambulance Service
Before planting roots back in Australia, Betina spent four formative years working with the London Ambulance Service in the North East sector around Shoreditch – an experience that shaped her both as a paramedic and as an educator.
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Working on a double-crewed ambulance alongside EMTs, she quickly discovered that healthcare is as much about communication and education as it is about clinical skill. A significant part of the role involved helping patients understand their conditions, guiding them toward the right services, and reassuring them during incredibly stressful moments.
“I quickly realised how powerful education and communication can be,” Betina reflects, “both in healthcare and in student learning.”
During her time in London, she also mentored university and internal students, and completed a six-month secondment during COVID – working at ambulance headquarters, assessing and re-triaging patients over the phone following emergency 999 calls (UK 000).
It was demanding, high-stakes work that deepened her clinical instincts and her appreciation for calm, clear communication under pressure.
Then, in 2023, an opportunity arose that took her skills somewhere entirely unexpected and she spent three weeks in Tanzania as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, completing health assessments for school children within local communities.
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you just how far a healthcare career can take you.
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Discovering a Passion for Teaching
Here’s something Betina openly admits: she actively avoided having students for a good chunk of her early paramedic career.
“I didn’t think I knew enough yet to be a good mentor,” she says with a laugh. But a manager encouraged her to give it a go – and after her very first student placement experience, everything changed.
“Watching students grow in confidence, develop their clinical skills, and start believing in themselves was incredibly rewarding. That experience really sparked my passion for education.”
Her own experience as a student also shaped the kind of trainer she wanted to become. During placement at university, she had two very different mentors.
One made her feel like a burden. The other – supportive, welcoming, and always encouraging questions – became a lasting inspiration.
“She created such a safe learning environment, and I’ll never forget that,” Betina says.
That memory lives at the heart of everything she does at APC today.
From Trainer and Assessor to Training Manager at APC
Since returning to Australia in 2021, Betina has moved through several private healthcare settings before finding her home in education. She started by teaching first aid, then joined APC as a Trainer and Assessor, progressed to Senior Trainer, and has now stepped into the role of Training Manager, a journey she describes as both humbling and exciting.
In this role, her days are wonderfully varied. She supports trainers across all APC campuses, ensures programs continue meeting ASQA and industry standards, collaborates with industry partners to keep paramedical training current, and works across teams to improve processes and student support.
“There’s also a lot that happens behind the scenes,” she adds, “everything from assessment support and student assistance requests through to equipment orders, budgets, and data collection.”
But the part that truly lights her up?
Building a positive, supportive learning culture – one where every student feels encouraged, capable, and genuinely excited about their future in healthcare.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Ask Betina to describe the APC learning environment and she’ll give you four words: supportive, welcoming, hands-on, and student-focused.
“Starting something new can feel intimidating, especially in healthcare,” she acknowledges. “But APC really focuses on creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning without judgement.”
It’s not just a marketing line, it’s something she works to build every single day.
Whether it’s a first-year student navigating their online healthcare courses or a career changer stepping into paramedicine for the first time, Betina and the wider APC team are invested in every student’s success.
Why Practical Workshops Are at the Heart of Healthcare Education
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For Betina, the real magic happens in the practical workshops, and anyone who’s attended one of hers will know she brings serious energy (and plenty of laughs) to the room. “There’s something really rewarding about seeing students progress from nervous and unsure on day one to becoming more confident, capable, and comfortable applying their skills in realistic scenarios,” she says. As a hands-on learner herself, Betina understands that online learning can sometimes feel isolating. Workshops provide the space for students to connect, practise skills, ask questions, and support one another, all within a safe, encouraging environment that mirrors the real world of practical healthcare training. She’s also a big believer in the community that forms through these sessions. Group chats, study partnerships, friendships that last well beyond graduation – it’s the kind of thing that makes the APC experience feel less like studying and more like belonging. “I think humour and creating a relaxed environment can really help reduce nerves and build confidence,” she says. “Learning should absolutely be engaging and enjoyable too.” |
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Advice for Students Starting Their Healthcare Journey
If you’re nervous about taking the first step into healthcare study, Betina has a message for you – and she means every word of it.
“Feeling nervous is completely normal. Starting anything new can feel overwhelming, especially in healthcare, where there’s so much to learn. But remember, you are not expected to know everything on day one.”
She’s also quick to remind new students that they’re far from alone. Every APC student has experienced that moment of self-doubt – and most of the time, they know more than they think they do.
Most importantly: ask for help.
“Please never feel like you’re being annoying or a burden. Our trainers, student support team, and the wider APC community are all here because we genuinely want you to succeed. We’ll absolutely be your biggest hype person along the way.”
Your Journey Is Just Beginning
Betina’s hope for every APC student is simple but powerful: that they leave believing in themselves.
“You’ve gained the knowledge and skills – now it’s about continuing to apply and build on them in real-world situations,” she says. “Remember, healthcare is a lifelong learning journey. Finishing your qualification isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning.”
Whether you’re fresh out of school, changing careers, or taking your first steps toward becoming a paramedic, the team at Australian Paramedical College is here to walk that journey with you.
Ready to start your healthcare career?
Explore APC’s range of healthcare and paramedical training courses and find the pathway that’s right for you.
Or, if you’d like to chat with someone from the APC team about your options, get started today.