Extended Care Paramedicine

The Bachelor of Extended Care Paramedicine at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for advanced roles in the pre-hospital emergency healthcare sector. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across a diverse range of complex medical and trauma scenarios. Throughout their studies, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical assessment techniques, enabling them to make critical decisions in emergency situations. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on practical training through simulated environments and real-world ambulance service placements, ensuring graduates are confident and competent when providing extended care in various settings. The program also covers topics such as community paramedicine, mental health, aged care, and chronic disease management, reflecting the evolving scope of paramedic practice beyond traditional emergency response. Students will learn to operate advanced medical equipment, administer medications, and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to deliver timely interventions. The Bachelor of Extended Care Paramedicine prepares graduates for registration as paramedics with relevant authorities and opens pathways to further postgraduate study or specialization within the field. With a focus on professionalism, ethical practice, and continuous improvement, this program aims to develop compassionate, capable, and adaptable healthcare practitioners ready to meet the challenges of modern emergency medical services. Whether working in urban or rural environments, graduates will be able to provide extended care that enhances patient outcomes and supports community health needs.

The Extended Care Paramedicine program at Edith Cowan University is designed to prepare students for advanced roles within the emergency medical services sector. This comprehensive postgraduate course equips participants with the in-depth knowledge, specialized skills, and practical experience necessary to operate effectively in complex healthcare environments, particularly in community and extended care settings. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient management, focusing on advanced assessment techniques, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice to improve health outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Throughout the course, students will explore a broad range of topics, including advanced airway management, pharmacology, trauma care, and chronic disease management. The curriculum integrates theoretical learning with practical simulations and clinical placements, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios under the supervision of qualified professionals. Emphasis is also placed on communication skills, teamwork, and ethical considerations, ensuring graduates are prepared to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary health teams.

The program aims to develop highly skilled paramedics capable of providing extended care services across various settings, including rural and remote areas, aged care facilities, and community outreach programs. Graduates will be prepared to undertake roles that require autonomous decision-making, leadership, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments. The coursework adheres to the latest standards and guidelines set by relevant health authorities, ensuring that students are training to meet current industry requirements.

The Extended Care Paramedicine program offers flexible study options, including full-time and part-time modes, to accommodate the diverse needs of students. The course combines online learning modules with face-to-face workshops and practical assessments, fostering an engaging and collaborative learning environment. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian health practitioner regulatory agencies and are well-positioned to pursue further career advancement within the health sector. Overall, this program is ideal for paramedics seeking to deepen their expertise and expand their scope of practice to deliver extended, high-quality care to their communities.

University entry requirements apply. All applicants need to have a Bachelor's degree in Paramedicine, with equivalents considered. Alternatively applicants may apply with equivalent prior learning including at least five years appropriate professional experience.

The tuition fees for the Extended Care Paramedicine program at Edith Cowan University are structured to accommodate a diverse range of students, including domestic and international applicants. For domestic students, the fee per year is approximately AUD 8,000 to AUD 10,000, depending on the specific study load and semester enrolment. International students can expect to pay higher fees, roughly in the range of AUD 30,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, reflecting the university’s fee structure for international coursework. These fees are indicative and subject to change annually; therefore, prospective students are advised to consult the official university fee schedule for the most current information.

Funding options are available for eligible students, including the Commonwealth supported place (CSP) system for Australian citizens and permanent residents, which significantly reduces the total cost of studies through government subsidies. Students enrolled in a CSP are usually responsible for a student contribution amount that varies by the course program and is outlined annually by the government. Additionally, there are loan schemes such as the HECS-HELP for domestic students, allowing students to defer part or all of their tuition fees, repaid through the taxation system once their income exceeds a certain threshold.

For international students, full fee payment is generally required upfront unless the student arranges a private scholarship, sponsorship, or financial aid package. Some scholarships and grants may be available based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as regional background or employment in health services. These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of education, and interested students should review the university’s scholarship offerings and application procedures.

In terms of additional expenses, students should budget for uniforms, textbooks, medical supplies, and practical placement costs, which are integral parts of the Extended Care Paramedicine program. Practical placements often require students to cover their own transportation and accommodation if placements are outside the campus area.

Financial assistance and information on fees can be obtained directly from Edith Cowan University’s official website or the university’s Student Services Office. Prospective students are encouraged to explore all available funding avenues early in their application process to ensure they can plan financially for their studies effectively.

Extended Care Paramedicine at Edith Cowan University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers as advanced care paramedics. The program emphasizes the development of practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and clinical reasoning necessary for providing high-quality pre-hospital emergency care. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical placements, ensuring students gain real-world experience in diverse emergency settings. The curriculum covers a range of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, pharmacology, trauma management, and advanced life support techniques. Students are trained to operate advanced medical equipment and to make critical decisions under pressure, preparing them for the complex demands of modern emergency healthcare environments. The program also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical practice, and leadership skills, equipping graduates to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to community health initiatives. Upon graduation, students are eligible for registration as extended care paramedics, allowing them to perform advanced clinical procedures and work independently or as part of emergency response teams. The university’s facilities include simulated emergency environments, modern laboratories, and partnerships with local hospitals and ambulance services, providing an integrated learning experience. The program aligns with national standards for paramedic education and is designed to meet the evolving needs of emergency medical services. Career opportunities for graduates extend beyond traditional ambulance roles; they include positions in specialized rescue units, event medicine, and community health programs. Emphasis on research and continuous professional development ensures that graduates remain at the forefront of advancements in paramedicine. The program's duration is typically three years, with opportunities for further specialization or postgraduate study. Entry requirements include a relevant prior qualification or equivalent experience, a minimum academic standard, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Overall, the Extended Care Paramedicine program at ECU is aimed at producing highly skilled, adaptable, and compassionate emergency healthcare professionals ready to serve in a variety of challenging environments.