University credit points
Wondering whether studying at Australian Paramedical College (APC) can give you university credits?
The answer is yes, you can receive credits for completing the HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care!
Depending on the university you choose, the amount of credit awarded will vary. APC graduates have established new precedents in pre-hospital emergency healthcare education by using the diploma to gain admission into university and obtain credits (or advanced standing).
University pathways
There are two pathways to obtain a university science degree to become a paramedic practitioner in Australia or New Zealand.
Direct Entry
Gain direct admission into university: 3 years full-time study or 3-6 years part-time study
Diploma Pathway
Gain a VET qualification before progressing onto university: APC’s HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care is perfect for students who choose this pathway!
APC graduates can receive credits from university
What our students say
For people who choose the diploma pathway, by studying with APC they may be eligible to receive university credits if they decide to go onto university.
Many APC students and graduates have had positive experiences when making this transition, as shared by many of our dedicated cohort.
“I also have the option now of working as a qualified diploma medic while I complete my study. So, all in all I’m glad I chose this pathway, I also hadn’t finished school so the diploma helped me in to uni and credits gave me almost a full year off university”, APC graduate.
Are all universities equal?
APC diploma graduates have previously been credited for multiple subjects of the degree. This often shortens the study duration of the degree, while allowing them to study and work in the healthcare industry at the same time.
The subjects credited differ depending on the content structure of the degree. This can be subject to change as some universities have different entry requirements, so we recommend you check with your chosen university first.
Check out some universities that offer the Bachelor of Paramedic Science.
Students speak
We asked some of our graduates to tell us in their own words about their personal experiences with universities.
- “Central Queensland University (CQU) will give you 7 subjects credit, but it’s still 3 years unfortunately.”
- “CQU will give you 7 units, but they require you to complete the basic units to be able to go out on practical placement.”
- “It depends entirely on the Uni and how they recognise the diploma and fit the units into their own course structure. Last time it was discussed I think general consensus was that CQU recognised the diploma significantly more than anywhere else.”
Pleases note: University credit criteria can change – so make sure you check in with your chosen university. The information supplied by our students, although accurate at the time, is subject to change.
- “Edith Cowan University (ECU) credit 7 subjects with the diploma.”
- “ECU (Western Australia) students have been getting through the graduate entry program rather than SAO (student ambulance officer), and you can get RPL with ECU.”
Pleases note: University credit criteria can change – so make sure you check in with your chosen university. The information supplied by our students, although accurate at the time, is subject to change.
“So excited! Finished my Diploma of Paramedical Science (superseded by the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care) in 9 months and just got an Offer to Study a Bachelor of Paramedicine with Charles Sturt Uni.”
“It’s 192 points for the degree at CSU in total. I’m doing distance study with CSU and they said it would take off roughly a semester.
“Just got accepted into Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie for a Bachelors of Paramedicine. You get 48 credits of RPL for your diploma. It works out to be roughly a semester.”
“I’m in NSW as well and I know CSU gives RPL for the diploma. I think they take about a year off.”
Pleases note: University credit criteria can change – so make sure you check in with your chosen university. The information supplied by our students, although accurate at the time, is subject to change.
“I received quite a bit of credit. I have 6 subjects off and pending 3 more”.
“The diploma helped me get into uni.”
“That’s a long time off the degree!”
“I also have the option now of working as a qualified diploma medic while I complete my study. So, all in all I’m glad I chose this pathway. I also hadn’t finished school so the diploma helped me get into university and credits gave me almost a full year off.”
Pleases note: University credit criteria can change – so make sure you check in with your chosen university. The information supplied by our students, although accurate at the time, is subject to change.
APC student success
Graduates from APC are well-prepared to succeed at University, excelling in lectures, online self-directed study, face-to-face clinical assessments and on-road simulations.
APC graduates possess the ability to balance their lifestyle needs with the demands of university-level study, making their lives more enjoyable and less stressful.
This has been achieved because the study and work experience gained from studying the diploma has given them the confidence and skill to tackle university life head-on.
APC graduates who study at university are also taking on the role of supporting and mentoring other students who may have no previous knowledge of the paramedic scope of practice, and this is something APC are truly proud of.
“On my first University placement with QUT and evidently my Diploma from APC has served me well, with the comments that I am doing better than a lot of third year students. Getting heaps if experience and LOVING IT!” – APC Graduate
“I also have the option now of working as a qualified diploma medic while I complete my study. So, all in all I’m glad I chose this pathway. I also hadn’t finished school so the diploma helped me get into university and credits gave me almost a full year off.” – APC Graduate
Requirements to become a paramedic
In Australia, all paramedic registrations are managed through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Persons who possess a HLT51020 Diploma of Emergency Health Care can apply for registration too!
University degree
A Bachelor of Paramedic Science is required to work as a Registered Ambulance Paramedic Officer.
National registration
All paramedics are required to register with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme by way of the Paramedicine Board of Australia.
You might also be interested in…
Ready to learn more?
Take a closer look at our courses and have a chat to one of our friendly Course Advisors to find out how APC can help you create that amazing career you’ve always dreamed of.