Can You Become a Paramedic Without a Bachelor’s Degree?

Careers in emergency health care

One of the biggest questions people are asking today in the paramedic field is whether you can become a paramedic without a bachelor degree?

The short answer is, no. In order to become a registered paramedic, you are required to hold a bachelors degree before applying for registration.

However, there are many paramedic-style careers and roles in the community that don’t require a bachelor degree. These roles have a very similar skill set of a paramedic, but with a different (and usually lower level) scope of practice.

Below you will find an overview of the many different career paths you can take that will give you a similar experience to a paramedic. You will also learn the general training and education that is required for each position. These are just a few examples, there are many similar roles out there within different industries. It is important, however, to keep in mind that many of these requirements differ from state to state and within different organisations.

Event Medic

An Event Medic provides an advanced level of first aid and life support to patrons of medium and large events. When people gather in large crowds, it’s imperative to have on-site medical assistance nearby to deal with any life-threatening emergencies. Events that enlist Event Medics include sporting events, music festivals, conferences, marathons and much more! You can learn more about event medics here. The most popular qualification for this career choice is the Diploma of Emergency Health Care.

Emergency Services Officer (ESO)

Become a medic on mine sites and offer medical assistance to mine workers in both routine and emergency scenarios. This role requires skills in pre-hospital medicine, WHS, rescue operations and more. This role may require further qualifications in Mine Rescue. You can learn more about ESOs here. The minimum requirement for this role, depending on which state you are hired in, is either the Certificate IV in Health Care or the Diploma of Emergency Health Care. (plus a mines rescue course, not offered by APC)

Industrial/Construction Medic

Be the ‘go-to’ medical assistance on-site of large industrial or construction sites. Both minor and major injuries are common on construction sites, despite the best safety processes. Large construction sites that have many workers, power tools, trucks and other dangerous activities will often hire Emergency Health Care workers to remain on-site and render medical assistance as required. The most popular qualification for this career choice is the Diploma of Emergency Health Care.

Adventure and Expedition Medic

Once the threat of COVID-19 reduces, the world will begin to open up again for recreational travel. People will be making up for lost time and going to places on their bucket list that they’ve always dreamed of going to. Advanced level hikes and expeditions will often have an emergency medical crew travel with them to remote locations, just in case! Travel the world and get paid for it. Complete the Diploma of Emergency Health Care to ensure you have the right skills to help your clients, especially in remote locations when you can’t call for backup.

Oil and Gas offshore medic

High-paying salaries attract many people to live and work off-shore in oil and gas rigs. Their locations mean they are unable to access emergency trauma care in hospitals, so there are WHS requirements to have Emergency Health Care workers on-site. This role may require additional training. The entry-level course would be the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care.

Patient Transport Officer (PTO)

Transport non-emergency patients to and from the hospital in an ambulance, as a PTO. For example, aged care or injured patients who do not have the ability to transport themselves will be required to attend medical appointments. These patients are non-emergency but do require medical monitoring under the observation of a trained health care worker. We have a course dedicated to this role as it is an extremely fast-growing industry. The HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport is typically the minimum requirement, although many students opt for the HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care in order to give themselves a competitive advantage on their resume.

Become a pre-hospital healthcare professional without a bachelor degree through the Australian Paramedical College

The great thing about the Australian Paramedical College is that you can complete all of the above required courses. You can also complete the e-Learning component at your own pace, conveniently working around your needs and your unique circumstances, then complement your studies with Clinical Workshops and Clinical Placement. Talk to one of our emergency health care career advisors today by calling 1300 377 741.

Study pre-hospital emergency healthcare qualifications online at APC; with the aid of clinical workshops as well as online and phone support from trainers and educators. Enjoy unlimited access to a student success team who are always ready to help and assist. Although study is primarily online, APC fosters a vibrant and passionate community that encourages students to engage and help one another.

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.