What is Paramedic career progression?

Becoming a qualified and registered Ambulance Paramedic is an admiral goal, however, many of our students ask about career progression within the different Ambulance Services. They want to know where their career can lead them and which qualifications are important to give them the best opportunity for success.

Using the Queensland Ambulance Service as an example, there are many training programs, activities and assessments to ensure every paramedic keeps their skills current through Continued Professional Development (CPD).

The Paramedic rank structure within the Queensland Ambulance Service is as follows:

  • Student Paramedic
  • Ambulance Paramedic
  • Advanced Care Paramedic
  • Intensive Care Paramedic
  • Officer in Charge, Station Officer Level 1-4
  • Operations Supervisor
  • Director of Operations /Executive Manager Operations (depending on the LASN)

You can also visit the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) website for more insights into their Clinical Practice Manual (CPM), among other things.

This is a very good resource to learn firsthand about QAS Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), Clinical Practice Procedures (CPPs), Drug Therapy Protocols (DTPs), Current clinical research (PDF), Glossary, Abbreviations and Acronyms (PDF, 683KB) and additional references.


Find out more

Discover more about the emergency health care sector by downloading our getting started guide to becoming a Paramedic.

Study pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications online at APC; with the aid of clinical workshops as well as online and phone support from experienced trainers and educators. Enjoy unlimited access to a student success team who are always ready to help and assist. Although paramedical pathway courses can be studied online; APC has created a vibrant and passionate online community which encourages students to support one another throughout the entire learning journey.

Choose from three pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications.

HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care – A pathway to a degree in paramedical science.

HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care – Study towards a career as a Basic Life Support Medic.

HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport – Become a Patient Transport Officer.

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.