Top 10 Reasons to Become a Paramedic

Why being an Australian Paramedic is so rewarding.

A career as a Paramedic or Basic Life Support Medic can be incredibly rewarding for compassionate, courageous and driven people who want to make a difference. We wanted to share the top 10 reasons why people become a Paramedic/Medic in Australia.

To become an Ambulance Paramedic and attend to triple zero calls, you will need a Bachelor degree in Paramedic Science from a recognised university.

There are many other emergency health care jobs you can do without having to go to university for 3 years full-time. Private sector medics are still highly trained and possess similar skills to that of an ‘on-road’ Paramedic.

Private sector medics can study the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care and progress to the highest qualification before university. This Diploma qualification is recognised Australia-wide and is classed as Level 5 in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

10 reasons why people become a paramedic or medic in Australia:

  1. Make a difference to your community
    Helping others is an experience like no other, and becoming a Paramedic will help you make a difference in your community every day!
  2. A fulfilling career
    There are so many incredible and rewarding career paths available to you as a Paramedic. Here are just a few: Patient Transport Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, Ambulance officer, Industrial medic, Ambulance attendant or Medic/Paramedic. You could even specialise in aeromedical paramedics or disaster management – it truly is a diverse career path, all of which are incredibly fulfilling because you get to help people in their hardest moments.
  3. Multiple career pathways
    The idea that you need to spend tens of thousands of your hard-earned dollars and precious years of your life studying at a university is just not accurate when it comes to paramedical studies. In fact, with the growing demand for paramedics/medics in the pre-hospital industry and the increasing number of paramedic opportunities and job roles are massive.
  4. Enjoy a great lifestyle
    Many jobs in the health care industry can be based on a shift roster. Typically Paramedics work on a 38-hour rotating shift, which allows you a great work/life balance with heaps of diversity.
  5. Earn as you Learn
    By choosing a vocational style of learning, you can fit your study around your lifestyle (not the other way around)! As well as creating a future for yourself, you’ll have the opportunity to continue in your current job and earn as you learn. Qualifications in pre-hospital emergency care like our HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care and the HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care means that you’ll be well prepared to take on the many job roles available in the private sector.
  6. You’re part of a team for life
    The Ambulance Service and Emergency Response sector are like one big family who is always there for each other. As a Paramedic/Medic or perhaps a Patient Transport Officer, you will experience some life-changing moments with your colleagues. The bond you share will create lifelong friendships and mutual respect.
  7. You never stop learning
    All Paramedics are passionate about ensuring their skills are up to scratch at all times. As the industry evolves, you will be presented with new opportunities to further develop your skills. This means that the door to new career pathways will always be open.
  8. Constant support
    The job of a Paramedic is certainly not your typical 9-5. The view from your ‘office’ will change hourly when you’re on the road. You’ll get to travel and discover new places you’ve never seen before (even if it’s in your local community). You may be exposed to highly emotional and confronting scenes, but the constant support network and your employer means that you’ll be well prepared.
  9. A lifetime of fun
    Being a Paramedic isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle. There are so many different career paths you can take as a Paramedic that give you a great work/life balance. For example industrial Paramedics, Emergency Services, Search and Rescue paramedics, training and assessing, Advanced Life Support, Acute Care paramedics, Team Leader, Expedition paramedics and so much more!
  10. Friends for life
    Given the type of work you do, you will inevitably form very close relationships with the people you work with. You will forever be part of a life-changing team, with friendships that won’t end when the shift ends – they will last a lifetime!

Thanks to NSW Ambulance Service for the inspiration for this article.

About Australian Paramedical College

Australian Paramedical College is the largest private pre-hospital health care training provider in Australia, we can help you to achieve your paramedical pathway training and career goals.

Our nationally recognised paramedical pathway training provides a flexible and affordable pathway to employment in the private sector, or as a stepping stone to university to study a Bachelor of Paramedic Science. APC offers you the opportunity to become an emergency healthcare practitioner, regardless of your educational background. We believe you should still pursue your goals even if your school or college grades have previously prevented you from following a career path you know you’d be good at.

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.