Queensland Ambulance Service Paramedic Pathways

Once the Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic eligibility requirements have been meet, your next step is deciding which pathway you can take to become a paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service. That brings us to the (B) in becoming a paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service.

(B) Choose Your Pathway with the Queensland Ambulance Service

There are essentially two main pathways available to prospective paramedics:

1) The Graduate Paramedic Induction Program

In order to be considered for the Graduate Paramedic Induction Program with the Queensland Ambulance Service applicants need to complete a tertiary degree in paramedical health science from an Australian or New Zealand university.

Several universities have developed partnership arrangements with the Queensland Ambulance Service to strengthen the position of their paramedics as allied health professionals throughout Australia. These include Queensland University of Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australian Catholic University, Central Queensland University and University of Queensland.

This partnership has resulted in the development and delivery of Bachelor degree and double degree programs in Paramedic Science and Paramedic Science and Nursing. It is worth noting that the Queensland Ambulance Service also recruits graduates from an additional nine Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) accredited universities throughout Australia.

For example, Central Queensland University in Rockhampton offers a nationally recognised Bachelor of Paramedical Science (Specialisation). This 3 year degree (2 semesters per year) is available both on-campus and by distance education supported by on-site, hands-on practical skill building laboratory sessions conducted by expert clinicians who are also qualified and experienced educators.

That means HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care graduates with the Australian Paramedical College are eligible to apply for credit to towards the bachelor degree, and may be awarded credits.

Those who meet the university education requirements can then be accepted into the Queensland Ambulance Service Graduate Paramedic Induction Program.

The goal of the program is to prepare university graduates for operational duties as Queensland Ambulance Service Paramedics by training them in the following areas:

  • Develop an understanding of QAS organisational standards
  • Apply clinical theory across a wide range of practical settings
  • Reflect upon practical experience to develop clinical judgment
  • Develop professional skills such as communication, effective workplace relationships, documentation, workplace health and safety
  • Develop an awareness of QAS professional opportunities.

2)  Have Your Current Paramedic Qualifications Assessed

If you were a Qualified Ambulance Paramedic from inter-state or overseas, you may be eligible to apply for positions within the Queensland Ambulance Service.

To do so you will be required to have your qualifications and experience assessed and recognised under the Recognition of Current Ambulance Practice (ROCAP) Panel process.

This ROCAP process evaluates an applicant’s paramedic experience, period in the pre-hospital care and emergency service positions, and educational training. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Educational transcript/certified award
  • Name of training institution and viewable syllabus
  • Letter from previous employers confirming role and time of employment
  • Official scope of practice and job role

The requirements can seem a little overwhelming, but remember, it just takes a little hard work and the right approach and you can land your dream job with the Queensland Ambulance Service. Once you have meet both the eligibility and requirements the last step is to complete an application. To find out more call a Paramedical Career Advisor today on (07) 5520 2522 or click on the link below.

How to Apply to the Queensland Ambulance Service

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.