How to transition from a Nurse to a Paramedic

Are you working as a EN or an RN and thinking about how different your working life would be on-road as a paramedic, instead of being on the ward all day/night? What happens, however, when you want to change career paths? Do you have to start again from scratch?

If you want to make the change from a Nurse to a Paramedic, our proven training pathway to becoming a paramedic can help you transition into your new career.

Working as a nurse is an incredibly rewarding experience, as you would know.  A  job that brings with it a variety of technical skills and knowledge which can be applied across other areas of the health care sector.

We can show you which training and pathway options are available via the Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care), or by way of a degree/graduate diploma.
Note: APC is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector provider of pre-hospital emergency health care. If a career as an Ambulance Paramedic appeals to you, then a Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree is needed. Our diploma can get you into university where credit towards the degree can be awarded (please check with your university first).

There are a few options to consider – so please read on.

First of all…make the most of your nursing skills, life experience and current qualifications.

Throughout your studies and experiences as nurse, it goes without saying that you possess many great qualities that contributes towards a successful career as a paramedic. For that reason, the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care via partial recognition of prior learning (RPL), could be the first step towards validating your experience.

Available online with face-to -face clinical workshops and clinical placement, the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care is nationally recognised and will deliver essential pre-hospital emergency health care skills necessary to step into roles, such as:

• Emergency Services Officer (ESO) Mining and Resource Sector – Diploma of Emergency Health Care
• Industrial medic – Diploma of Emergency Health Care
• Basic to Advanced life support medic first responder
• Ambulance Paramedic (additional degree required)
• Ambulance transport attendant (ATA) – Certificate IV in Health Care / Diploma of Emergency Health Care
• Emergency medical technician (EMT) – Certificate IV in Health Care / Diploma of Emergency Health Care
• Private patient transport officer (PTO) – Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport
• Emergency patient transport officer (Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport – Diploma of Emergency Health Care)

RPL Pathways

Transitioning from a nurse to paramedic can be achieved by;

• Apply for RPL and/or credit transfer into the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care. This is a cost-effective way to transition into the pre-hospital emergency health care system, without committing to a university degree. Making a tentative step into emergency care in the private sector has been a favourite approach for many people. Doing it this way, means the financial investment is not as big as university and the transition into pre-hospital care is cheaper and swifter.
• Use the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care to acquire course credit towards the Bachelor of Paramedical Science.
• Complete the degree and apply for a position with a State Ambulance Service.
• Work in the private sector as a Paramedic (once the degree has been completed).
• RPL existing RN qualifications and experience, complete the essential bridging units of competency to gain the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care – work as a Life Support Medic in the private sector (mining, oil & gas, community, flight medic etc). There are opportunities to work as a Paramedic with the London Ambulance Service
• Complete a Graduate Diploma with a participating university.

The process of RPL or Recognition of Prior Learning will assess and recognise the qualifications and experience of RN’s wanting to become a paramedic.

Get the credit you deserve!

Nursing core units that are eligible for Credit Transfer, (you may also be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for other units depending on your experience):

• CHCDIV001 – Work with Diverse People. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• CHCDIV002 – Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety. If you completed this unit as a part of your nursing studies, you may be eligible for a Credit Transfer for BSBFLM303 – Contribute to Effective Workplace Relationships. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather information and maintain effective relationships and networks, with particular regard to communication and representation.
• CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and Improve Own Professional Practice. Reflective practice is an important component of professional development. Reflecting on your own practice means you analyse the work you do and think about the ways how you can improve.
• HLTAAP002 – Confirm Physical Health Status. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret information about a client’s health status and to check a patient’s physical health.
• HLTINF001 – Comply with Infection Prevention and Control Policies and Procedures. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow infection prevention and control procedures in the workplace. This unit is of particular importance during a time where viruses are spreading throughout the community.
• HLTWHS002 – Follow Safe Work Practices for Direct Client Care. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients.
• HLTWHS006 – Manage Personal Stressors in the Work Environment. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and well-being by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high-stress situations and circumstances.