Programme outline

This qualification is covered by the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021. Students are therefore required to be fully vaccinated including a booster dose, as they will have frequent contact/engagement with those providing health services and are considered tied to a role within a healthcare setting. Further information can be found in the health screening section below. 

 

The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) is a three-year full-time programme, run in conjunction with Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA), designed to prepare students for practice as paramedics.

 

Paramedics provide emergency and urgent medical services to the community through a specialised body of professional knowledge, delivering care in variable environments. Using clinical assessment, advanced medical procedures and treatment, they stabilise patients in clinically challenging environments, refer to primary and secondary care and provide on-going emergency medical care during transportation.

 

The BHSc (Paramedic) programme is delivered with a combination of theory classes, self-directed learning, simulation on campus, and clinical placements. The programme involves considerable study and serious thought should be given before a student undertakes paid employment that will make it difficult to maintain sufficient study time, or to attend clinical experience. It is suggested that no more than ten hours per week are worked.

 

A distance version of this programme is offered for working or volunteering paramedics. The Flexible Learning Stream (FLS) of the Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) is designed for students with an existing National Certificate or National Diploma in Ambulance Practice (Level 5) or with a practising level of EMT or paramedic.