Charles Sturt University (CSU) has cemented its reputation as a leading international educator of paramedics, renewing a five-year agreement with the National Ambulance Company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the University to provide further consultancy services to the NAC.

The agreement, signed on Tuesday 13 October in Abu Dhabi, includes the joint exploration of opportunities to advance international paramedic education and research.

It follows an agreement in 2013 for CSU to provide academic consultancy services to assist in the development of the Company's basic paramedic course through its internal clinical training department.

Professor Vann said, "Charles Sturt University's was Australia's first university to offer a paramedic degree, the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).

"Our graduates are highly sought and employed in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Vanuatu, South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and England through the London Ambulance Service.

"We are then well placed to remain the preferred educational partner of the National Ambulance Company."

The signing of the formal MOU cements the growing relationship between CSU and NAC, with CSU staff regularly travelling to NAC to support staff and student development, and a growing research partnership.

Through its School of Biomedical Sciences in Bathurst and Port Macquarie and via CSU Online, the University offers the Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic), a Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Paramedic Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Paramedic Service Leadership and Management, and a Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).

In 2016 CSU hopes to offer a new range of post graduate courses for paramedics targeting both domestic and international students.

A partnership between the Abu Dhabi Police and Aspen Medical, the National Ambulance Company provides public and private ambulance services in the UAE.  It hires paramedics from around the world including CSU.