Charles Sturt University (CSU) has received a record number of applications for distance education study in its paramedic course which leads to a career as a paramedic. Annual surveys have regularly rated paramedics as ‘the most trusted profession’.*

 

Ms Veronica Madigan, Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator at the CSU School of Biomedical Sciences at Bathurst, says interest in the paramedic course has increased in the last six to 12 months.

 

“There has been great demand from Year 12 school-leavers for the on campus paramedic course, and notably, the School has received nearly 100 distance education applications for places in the paramedic course, of which 40 are from personnel in the Australian Defence Forces (army and navy medics).”

 

Ms Madigan attributes this defence personnel interest to CSU’s ability to meet demand as paramedic courses elsewhere close or are less flexible with credits for recognition of prior learning.

 

“Many defence force personnel seek to enhance their qualifications by distance education study for a variety of reasons.  The defence force medics wish to increase their career prospects once they leave the armed forces, or to enhance their promotional prospects within the Services. Indeed other medics may choose to study via distance education to complete pre-medical qualifications to support their aim of studying medicine,” Ms Madigan said.

 

Anyone who is already employed in organisations such as the ambulance services, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the defence force as a medic or registered nurses are suitable for study at CSU in the paramedic course by distance education. The qualification they will gain upon graduation is the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).