HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care

Earn a nationally recognised qualification, gaining essential skills and hands-on experience for a successful career in emergency healthcare

Course overview

HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care

This nationally recognised qualification will give you the skills to deliver pre-hospital care in a range of emergency healthcare roles, or put you on the pathway to becoming a paramedic.*

The moments when patients require emergency care are often some of the most vulnerable they’ve ever experienced. This diploma will give you the skills to assess the situation, put the patient at ease and deliver exceptional care.

Whether you’ve worked in healthcare previously or are dreaming of moving into a rewarding career in emergency response, this course will allow you to fit your studies around your schedule to reach your next career goal.

How it works

  • Flexible online study and expert guidance from trainers who are qualified and experienced medics and paramedics.
  • 2 x 5-day clinical workshops, at our NSW, VIC, QLD, or WA campus locations where you’ll apply your learning in a practical, hands-on environment.
  • 160 hours of clinical placement with our industry-leading partners like St John, Medical Edge, and other trusted employers across Australia and New Zealand.     

Flexible study

Choose your own schedule and fit study into your lifestyle or work roster

Quality education & training

Developed by industry-trained and qualified healthcare experts

Supportive community

Learn alongside and be supported by your peers and APC’s dedicated team who are committed to helping you 

Overview

Location

Australia & New Zealand, with in-person attendance at an APC Campus

Delivery mode

Flexible eLearning, with 2 x 5-day Clinical Workshops and 160 hours of Clinical Placement

Course duration

24 months
(may reduce depending on study load)

Upcoming intake

Applications now open

Why choose a career in Emergency Healthcare?

Australia’s demand for qualified emergency health professionals is growing rapidly — and so are the opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Emergency healthcare offers a dynamic, hands-on career path where no two days are the same. Whether you’re responding to critical incidents, supporting patients during medical transport, or delivering clinical care in high-pressure situations, your work directly influences patient outcomes.

Graduates of the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care go on to work in vital roles such as First Responder, Event Medic, Emergency Services Officer (ESO), Patient Transport Officer, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and more — with the option to use the qualification as a stepping stone to university.

This nationally recognised course combines online learning with immersive workshops and professional clinical placements, giving you the skills and confidence to work across a wide range of environments — from sporting events and urban areas to mining sites and remote communities.

If you’re ready to step into a rewarding, fast-paced career where your actions truly matter, emergency healthcare could be your calling.

Is this course right for you?

If you’re looking for a career that combines critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on clinical skills — and you thrive under pressure — this could be the perfect starting point.

This course is an ideal fit for:

  • Newcomers to healthcare who want a practical qualification that gets them job-ready sooner

  • Aspiring paramedics seeking a strong foundation before entering university

  • Current healthcare workers or emergency responders looking to expand their scope of practice

  • Career changers driven to make a real impact through emergency response

  • Those who value flexible online study, but also want real-world training and placement

  • Individuals seeking roles like ESO, Event Medic, PTO, or Ambulance Attendant

  • People who want to build advanced clinical capabilities

  • Didn’t achieve a high ATAR and want to explore healthcare without committing to a full degree

*This course is not designed for those wanting to become a registered Paramedic immediately upon graduation — in Australia, that requires a Bachelor of Paramedic Science and AHPRA registration. However, this Diploma can provide the experience, skills, and industry connections to help you gain employment in related roles and support your transition to university.


Course Structure

What you’ll learn

The HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care provides the comprehensive training needed to deliver advanced life support in various emergency healthcare settings. Throughout the course, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to respond to a wide range of emergency situations, from assessing and triaging patients to performing medical procedures like intravenous cannulation and ECG interpretation. You’ll also learn essential communication techniques for interacting with patients of all ages and backgrounds, while developing the resilience needed to manage stress in high-pressure situations.

This course covers a variety of critical skills required for a career in emergency healthcare, including:

  • Using medical equipment and terminology like a healthcare professional
  • Safely assessing and triaging patients to determine appropriate treatments
  • Providing emergency healthcare management of a variety of conditions, including; cardiac arrest, asthma, anaphylaxis, chest pain, trauma, burns, overdose, seizures, stroke, pain relief, and more
  • Transporting patients and managing on-road care
  • Confidently caring for patients experiencing mental health conditions 
  • Responding to car accidents, mass casualty events, and disaster scenarios
  • Communicating effectively with colleagues, other healthcare professionals, and patients from diverse backgrounds
  • Meeting legislative requirements, including for patient care reporting
  • Maintaining personal and team wellbeing, managing stress, and supporting colleagues

View the scope of practice here.

How you’ll learn

We provide an award-winning online learning experience that adapts to your lifestyle. In 2024, we were proud to receive the Training Excellence Award, at the Australian Business Awards for our course design, which underscores the quality and relevance of our training. 

With our flexible online platform, you can complete your units and assessments anytime, anywhere, giving you the freedom to study at your own pace. The platform is designed to engage you through dynamic content and interactive modules, providing a strong theoretical foundation in emergency healthcare. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or balancing work and study, our online system allows you to learn wherever it’s most convenient for you.

Our online learning is paired with expert support and resources to help you succeed. You’ll have everything you need to complete your coursework and prepare for the hands-on elements of the program, like workshops and clinical placements.

Clinical Workshops are a key component of the course, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned online in a hands-on environment. These workshops are held in cutting-edge facilities across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. Here, you’ll practice real-world skills and gain vital experience in emergency healthcare scenarios. The 2 separate 5-day workshops will give you the opportunity to refine both your theoretical and practical knowledge. Our students often find this the most exciting and valuable aspects of the course.

As part of your training, you’ll complete 160 hours of Clinical Placement, where you’ll gain practical, on-the-job experience in real-world emergency and pre-hospital settings. You’ll have the chance to work alongside industry professionals at events like music festivals, sporting events, or even remote mine sites, and apply your learning in high-pressure situations.

APC offers you the flexibility to tailor your clinical placement to your career interests and goals, with over 20 industry partners offering placements across Australia and New Zealand. Not only will this provide hands-on experience, but many students also receive job offers during their placement, as employers often use this time to evaluate potential candidates.

Your clinical placements will help you transition from theory to practice, preparing you for your career in emergency healthcare.

Please note that some organisations may charge students a fee for their placement. These fees are not covered by APC and will be at the student’s own cost. 


Entry Requirements

To be admitted to this course, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. When reviewing your application, we consider these factors to ensure you are prepared for both the academic and practical components of the course.

  • Age: Applicants must be at least 16 years old (parental consent is required for applicants under 18).
  • Education & Experience: No prior experience of qualifications required.
  • Residency: Applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, or hold an approved temporary visa.
  • Driver’s License: A current driver’s license is required. Learner’s licenses are acceptable for enrolment, but a provisional (P) license is required before attending your Clinical Workshop.
  • Technology: Applicants must have regular access to a computer and internet, and be comfortable with online study.
  • Language, Literacy, and Numeracy: A short quiz will assess basic English and math skills to ensure students are prepared for the course.
  • Health: A medical declaration is required confirming that the student is fit to study and can perform the necessary physical tasks, including lifting up to 25kg, bending, twisting, and uninterrupted CPR for up to 15 minutes.

Clinical Workshops, prior to the time of booking:

  • Students must complete all required theoretical components prior to booking their attendance at a clinical workshop.
  • First Aid (HLTAID011) and CPR (HLTAID009) certification is mandatory for Australian students. New Zealand students must hold comprehensive First Aid certification (NZQA Standards 6402, 6401, 6400).
  • Students are required to purchase black safety boots (usually around $40-50) and navy blue work pants (usually around $20-30) for their clinical workshop and placement. Students will be provided with an APC teeshirt, and may purchase additional tee-shirts (optional).  

Clinical Placement, prior to the time of placement:

  • Additional requirements, such as police checks, working with children checks, and proof of vaccinations, may be required by placement providers.
  • Students are responsible for any costs related to these requirements and must ensure they meet the placement provider’s criteria.

Credit Transfer & RPL

Both CT and RPL are available and could reduce the number of units you would be required to complete. Speak to an APC course advisor today to determine your eligibility and find out how we can help you accelerate your studies.

Credit Transfer is available to students who have previously completed units of study that are equivalent to those in the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care. Successful CT applications can reduce your course fees and may shorten the duration of your studies by giving you credit for units you have already completed.

RPL is available for students who have gained skills and knowledge through work experience or informal training. After you’ve enrolled in the course, an RPL application can be submitted to assess whether your prior learning aligns with the course competencies. While RPL may reduce the number of units you need to complete, it does not affect the price of your course. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure that your experience is accurately recognised and assessed.


Funding Options

If you haven’t connected with an APC Course Advisor yet to discuss course fees, we would recommend you to do so to ensure you know the best payment options to invest in your future. In the meantime, explore our course funding options listed below.

Many students choose to pay for their course upfront as it allows for stress-free finances while working towards a new career or upskilling in the workplace. By paying upfront, you can focus entirely on your education without any ongoing financial obligations.  

If you’re unsure how to finance your studies, APC’s payment plans are a popular and easy-to-apply option.

When you speak with your APC Course Advisor, they’ll walk you through the available options and help you customise a plan fit to your needs. Whether you prefer weekly or fortnightly payments or want flexibility in the repayment duration, we can tailor the schedule to suit your financial situation. Plus, you have the option to make bulk payments if you wish to pay off your course sooner.


Employment Pathways

From APC student to employed emergency responder

Graduates of this course will be well-placed to take on various professional roles across Australia and New Zealand in the pre-hospital healthcare industry including:

Many of our graduates work with some of the biggest employers in the industry, many of whom are also our Industry Partners. This provides opportunities for direct employment, with students often receiving job offers during or after their Clinical Placement. 

Additionally, many students choose to work part-time or casually in the industry while pursuing further study at university to become a paramedic. This allows them to gain valuable real-world experience while continuing their education, setting them up for a successful and rewarding career in the healthcare field. 

Partnered with Industry for Real Career Outcomes

We’re proud to partner with over 20 established organisations across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, creating employment opportunities for our students and graduates. Learn more here.


University Pathways

From Diploma to Bachelor of Paramedic Science

The HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health care is an excellent stepping stone for students who aspire to become registered paramedics. Studying with Australian Paramedical College not only provides you with a nationally recognised qualification but also prepares you for university entry.

You can progress to a Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree through two main pathways:

  1. Direct Entry – You can apply directly to university for a 3-year full-time or part-time study option to become a registered paramedic.
  2. Diploma Pathway – Gain a Vocation Education & Training (VET) qualification through APC, and then transition into university with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical experience.

Several universities have a VET entry pathway, meaning you can gain university entry with a Diploma-level qualification. Many of our graduates have even received credits towards their degree, shortening their study time.

 


Student Stories

Hear directly from our students as they share their journeys, experiences, and the impact APC had on their healthcare careers. See many more student story videos here.

Shannon, APC graduate

Shannon gained employment as a PTO with AirMed and was accepted into University via the Diploma pathway at CSU.

Rob, APC graduate

Rob is an Emergency Services Officer (ESO) in the mining industry, who studied with APC to gain skills and provide a higher level of clinical care.

Tamara, APC graduate

Tamara swapped teaching for emergency healthcare, earning her qualification with APC and starting work as an Emergency Services Technician (EMT).

Chris, APC graduate

Chris chose the Diploma pathway as a stepping stone to the Bachelor of Paramedicine. He enjoyed the flexibility and support APC provided for him. 

I’ve re-learnt how to learn, solidified my practical skillsets during Clinical Workshops before gaining invaluable experiences on Clinical Placement. All this led to the commencement of my career with NSW Ambulance as an on-road Trainee Paramedic just one week after my graduation.

Sarah Sgroi, APC graduate

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Trusted by Students and Industry Leaders

Thousands of students have chosen APC to launch their careers in emergency healthcare. We’re also trusted by major employers across Australia and New Zealand—many of whom hire directly from our graduate pool. Read what our students have to say on Google and Trustpilot.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply using through our application form and one of our experienced Career Advisors will give you a call to discuss your pre-hospital healthcare course options and answer any questions you have.