The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Paramedic Practice is a New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 8 qualification worth 120 points. It has been developed in collaboration with the profession to support advanced paramedic practice and specialist registration with Te Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council.

Students choose one of two specialist pathways:

• Critical Care Paramedicine
• Extended Care Paramedicine

The programme develops advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology, resuscitation, and specialist clinical decision-making skills through simulation and supervised clinical placements. Graduates become eligible to apply for specialist endorsement in their chosen area, subject to meeting the Paramedic Council's registration requirements.

Why Study the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Paramedic Practice at AUT?

• Study at New Zealand's only university offering specialist paramedicine education.
• Choose between two recognised specialist practice pathways.
• Develop advanced assessment, diagnostic, and clinical reasoning skills.
• Gain extensive simulation and supervised clinical experience.
• Learn from experienced paramedic educators and healthcare professionals.
• Prepare for specialist registration with the Paramedic Council.
• Strengthen leadership, evidence-based practice, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Advance your career in emergency, critical care, community, and rural health settings.

Programme Structure

Students select one specialisation.

Option 1 – Critical Care Paramedicine

Compulsory courses include:

• PARA804 Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning in Specialist Paramedic Practice (30 points)
• PARA806 Advanced Resuscitation (30 points)
• PARA805 Contemporary Critical Care Paramedicine (30 points)
• PARA809 Paramedic Practice for Registered Health Professionals (30 points)

This pathway includes approximately 270 hours of supervised clinical practice together with advanced simulation training.

Topics Covered

• Critical patient assessment
• Trauma management
• Advanced airway management
• Sedation
• Advanced cardiac care
• Intravenous therapy
• Emergency pharmacology
• Clinical leadership
• Simulation training

Option 2 – Extended Care Paramedicine

Compulsory courses include:

• PARA804 Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning in Specialist Paramedic Practice (30 points)
• PHMY803 Pharmacology Science and Therapeutics (30 points)
• PARA808 Community and Remote Area Paramedicine (30 points)
• PARA809 Paramedic Practice for Registered Health Professionals (30 points)

This pathway includes approximately 250 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Topics Covered

• Advanced assessment
• Community paramedicine
• Remote healthcare
• Primary healthcare
• Preventive care
• Pharmacology
• Diagnostic reasoning
• Chronic disease management
• Community-based clinical practice

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

Students choose one specialist area:

Critical Care Paramedicine

Focuses on:

• Advanced emergency response
• High-acuity care
• Air ambulance services
• Intensive care support
• Emergency departments
• Trauma care

Extended Care Paramedicine

Focuses on:

• Community healthcare
• Rural healthcare
• Preventive care
• Primary healthcare
• Remote medicine
• Chronic disease management
• Home-based patient care

Programme Highlights

• Newly introduced specialist postgraduate qualification.
• NZQF Level 8.
• 120-point programme.
• Two specialist pathways.
• Extensive clinical simulation.
• 250–270 supervised clinical placement hours depending on specialisation.
• Designed for practising registered paramedics.
• Graduates may apply for specialist registration with Te Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council (subject to regulatory requirements).
• AUT is the only university provider of paramedicine education in New Zealand.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may progress to roles such as:

Critical Care Paramedicine

• Critical Care Paramedic
• Flight Paramedic
• Intensive Care Retrieval Paramedic
• Emergency Department Specialist
• Advanced Life Support Clinician

Extended Care Paramedicine

• Extended Care Paramedic
• Community Paramedic
• Rural Health Practitioner
• Primary Care Paramedic
• Remote Area Paramedic

Graduates work in:

• Emergency ambulance services
• Hospitals
• Intensive care transport
• Air ambulance services
• Rural health services
• Community healthcare
• Urgent care clinics
• Primary healthcare organisations

Visa Requirements

International students studying in New Zealand generally require a New Zealand Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT.
• Valid passport.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.
• Payment of tuition fees (once applicable).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable).
• Approved medical and travel insurance.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Programme Code: AK3809.
• Qualification Level: NZQF Level 8.
• Credits: 120 points.
• Duration: 2 years part-time.
• Campus: AUT South Campus.
• First intake: 22 February 2027.
• Two specialist pathways: Critical Care Paramedicine and Extended Care Paramedicine.
• Includes 250–270 hours of supervised clinical practice, depending on the chosen pathway.
• Graduates may apply for specialist endorsement with Te Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council, subject to meeting all professional and regulatory requirements.
• International tuition fees for the inaugural 2027 offering have not yet been published by AUT.