Private sector medics are pre-hospital emergency care professionals that are employed in a range of industries where medical assistance may be required; including events and sports, the energy sector, search and rescue and the military.
They are required to undertake many of the same tasks as a state ambulance paramedic, as well as tasks specific to their industry.
However, unlike becoming a registered state ambulance Paramedic, you do not need to hold a degree in paramedicine to become a private sector medic. Completing a course like the HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care or the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care will allow you to start working in the private sector straight away.
So if you have a passion for helping others and want to move into emergency healthcare, choosing a career as a private sector medic that you can tailor to your interests could be the perfect choice. Find out more about the types of roles available below.
There are different kinds of roles in the private sector that you can consider as a medic that also aligns with your interest.
For example, if you enjoy sports and recreational events, working as an Event Medic at major sporting events like rugby, tennis, NRL, etc. or music festivals would be perfect for you. Or perhaps you’d prefer to work remotely on industrial sites with the chance to earn some big money – then a career as an Industrial Medic is for you.
Work in fast-paced and unpredictable environments where every day is different. Develop your career and choose the sector that suits your past experiences and existing skill set.
Travel the globe as a Medic on-board a tanker, container ship or freighter.
Private sector medics are required to undertake many of the same duties as a state ambulance paramedic, including the tasks listed below.
Depending on the private sector industry you work in, you will also be required to complete duties that are more specific to that industry. For example, an Event Medic will spend more time dealing with large crowds and heat exhaustion while a medic in the mining sector would be required to regularly carry out drug testing as a part of their role.
One of the considerations when deciding to study to become a paramedic/medic is whether there will be enough jobs to go round. Joboutlook.gov.au predicts strong growth in the demand for medics/paramedics over the next five years to 2026.
A private sector Medic/Paramedic can earn between $53,000-$98,000 per year.
This could increase further depending on your level of experience and the industry you choose to work in.
Australian Paramedical College students completed their Clinical Placement in the private sector as Event Medics at the Gold Coast Turf Club for Melbourne Cup day 2020. Find out what the day involved.
APC can give you the theoretical knowledge, practical hands-on experience and confidence to start your career as a medic in the private sector as soon as you graduate.
The HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care will qualify you for roles such as Basic Life Support Medic, while the HLT50120 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care, could give you an extra competitive edge when applying for roles within the private sector.
The diploma is also a pathway to university, should you decide that you’d like to pursue a degree and work as a State Ambulance Paramedic further down the line.