A nationally recognised paramedic course is starting in the Northern Territory next year.
The Flinders Bachelor of Paramedic Science is an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency-approved program, and graduates will be qualified to pursue a career as a registered paramedic with any Australian state or territory ambulance service.
St John Ambulance Australia (NT) will provide clinical placements for students as part of the new Bachelor of Paramedic Science.
The degree for NT residents* will be available online with face-to-face workshops delivered in Darwin each semester. In addition, students can receive support at each of the Flinders sites in the NT - Darwin, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy, Katherine and Tennant Creek.
Course lead, Flinders University academic Dr Tim Rayner, grew up in the Top End and is delighted to bring the course to the Territory.
"As an old Territorian, it is my privilege to help deliver a course that will provide opportunities for Territory residents to become paramedics - and clinical placements with St John NT - without needing to train interstate.
"We believe this course has the potential to make a strong contribution to the development and sustainability of the remote and rural NT health workforce," says Dr Rayner.
Flinders University has considerable experience providing contemporary paramedic education having delivered the degree in South Australia for the past 20 years.
With an established curriculum and experienced teaching faculty, the Flinders program is highly regarded both nationally and internationally, and its academic staff are regular contributors to textbooks and publications used to educate the next generation of paramedic graduates.
This will ensure NT students receive a high-quality learning experience and be well equipped for a career as a paramedic.
Flinders NT has a significant record in making an impact on the Territory healthcare industry.
In addition to the NT Medical Program that educates a generation of future medical doctors, Flinders NT also supports placements for allied health and nursing students, and training opportunities to doctors after they graduate.
"The paramedic course is another milestone and continues our commitment to the Territory healthcare workforce," says Flinders NT Academic Lead, Associate Professor Narelle Campbell. "We aim to provide an environment where students can develop their skills and practice as medical and health professionals close to home."
* The NT-based course is also open to students from RRMA (Rural Remote and Metropolitan Area) 3 to 7 classification areas.
