Bachelor of Nursing - Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic)
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The Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) offers you a rewarding, fast-paced career that really makes a difference to people's lives.
Become an ambulance officer
CSU's Bachelor of Nursing - Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) enables graduates to gain a qualification as a registered nurse, then immediately complete further paramedic study.
Why study this course?
The Bachelor of Nursing - Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) at CSU enables you to enrol in a study pathway providing you with a range of career options in health care.
You will complete the Bachelor of Nursing full-time at Bathurst Campus in the first three years of the course, gaining a solid theoretical and practical grounding in health care, before continuing on to complete the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) over two years by distance education.
The Bachelor of Nursing component prepares you for health care in the 21st Century and beyond, equipping you to work in a broad range of contexts and with patients across the lifespan. You will become a competent and adaptable graduate, able to be a creative and critical thinker, and a reflective and ethical practitioner, educator and facilitator.
The Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) enables registered nurses to transition to paramedic practice, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement plans of action that are clinically, ethically and logistically sound.
You will complete theoretical subjects in the sciences and health care, as well as nursing and paramedic clinical placements to develop your practical skills.
Reasons for studying Nursing and Paramedic at CSU:
- Follow a study pathway linking nursing and paramedics to provide diverse career options
- Clinical experience is offered in both nursing and paramedic settings
- Prepares you to become an effective member of a multi-disciplinary health care team.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course will be eligible to work as registered nurses or apply for graduate entry to the ambulance services.
Find out where this course can take you
Professional recognition
This course consists of two courses that are linked through a program code. The Bachelor of Nursing is accredited through the ANMAC and the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) is currently undergoing accreditation with the Australasian Council of Ambulance Authorities Inc.
Workplace learning
You will gain practical experience using state-of-the-art facilities on campus and attending clinical placements in a range of health care settings.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course will be able to work as professional registered nurses with the skills to work in health facilities ranging from primary to tertiary settings, and who will have a specific knowledge of regional and Indigenous health services.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) will have the knowledge base to support their decision-making processes, and work in a multi-disciplinary team, with a positive and caring attitude.
Workplace learning
During the Bachelor of Nursing, you will develop practical skills using simulated learning in various health care settings on campus, as well as attending placements. These may include working in secondary health settings with children and adults, community or residential aged care facilities, mental health community or institutional settings, or other primary, secondary or tertiary health settings.
Students in the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) complete 140 hours of clinical experience in a supervised placement in an ambulance service setting. The placement focuses on developing clinical skills working with patients with acute health conditions, with an emphasis on communication, scene management and procedures dealing with airways, breathing, circulation, posture and patient assessment.
All students are required to comply with the risk management policies and procedures of their host ambulance authority while on placement.
National Criminal Record Check
Students may be required to undergo a criminal record check and/or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration under the Child Protection Act 1998 as part of professional experience requirements. These checks are intended to identify people who might, because of convictions for such things as violence or sexual offences, put students/clients' personal safety or health at risk. Traffic violations and other minor offences are not of interest.
As such, prospective students should be aware that an inability to obtain a criminal record clearance or complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration may limit practicum opportunities in some organisations and industries. Furthermore, criminal convictions involving violence or sexual offences may limit continued enrolment in a course and/or employment opportunities after completing the course.
If you have any queries regarding these matters, including the opportunities available for review of a particular case, contact the Course Director.
Senior First Aid Certificate
All students are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate, obtained at their own cost, from an accredited body (Workcover approved) before undertaking any workplace learning (e.g. clinical placements, practicums or internships). The Senior First Aid Certificate must be current for the duration of the course.
If you are an Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse or Paramedic you may instead provide documentation from a current employer which indicates evidence of competency based CPR accreditation.
NOTE: As many courses include a clinical practicum in the first session, students are advised to complete their Senior First Aid Certificate prior to commencement of their first year of study.
Immunisation
NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students undertaking workplace learning. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases (PD2007_006) that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement.
All students must undergo vaccination against infectious diseases prior to placement within the NSW Health System, and most other Australian State Health Systems. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a personal record card (available from the School through which the student is studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other State Health staff, whilst the student is on placement.
The Policy requires that you consult your local doctor to obtain written proof of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and hepatitis B.
NOTE: It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the requirements of this policy have been met, and failure to comply with the requirements may jeopardise completion of your studies.
As a full course of vaccinations may take several months to complete, you are advised to consult your local medical practitioner well in advance of the commencement of your clinical experience placement. Please contact your medical practitioner to identify your local TB screening provider and ensure the screening is completed prior to your first clinical placement.
PLEASE NOTE that, as many courses involve clinical practicums in the first session of study, the hepatitis B immunisation should be commenced early, in order for full immunisation status to be attained prior to clinical placements and so meet NSW Health requirements.
Further information is available from NSW Health.
This is a combined course and to complete the course students must successfully complete 32 subjects and will graduate with the Bachelor of Nursing,Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic). Students can transfer and exit after completion of 192 points with the Bachelor of Nursing.
Bachelor of Nursing
BMS191 Human Bioscience 1
BMS192 Human Bioscience 2 (Key Subject)
BMS291 Pathophysiology & Pharmacology 1
BMS292 Pathophsiology & Pharmacology 2
NRS191 Primary Health Care Nursing 1: Health Promotion and Education
NRS192 Primary Health Care Nursing 2: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice (Key Subject)
NRS193 Disipline of Nursing 1: Contexts of Nursing
NRS194 Indigenous Culture, Health and Nursing
NRS195 Psychosocial Nursing
NRS291 Health Challenges 1: Nursing Interventions and Rehabilitation (Key Subject)
NRS292 Health Challenges 2: Nursing Interventions and Rehabilitation
NRS293 Clinical Nursing Practice 1 (Key Subject)
NRS294 Clinical Nursing Practice 2 (Key Subject)
NRS295 Discipline of Nursing 2: Health, Law and Ethics
NRS296 Discipline of Nursing 3: Inquiry and Research
NRS375 Health Optimisation 1: Gerontic Nursing Care
NRS376 Health Optimisation 2: Mental Health Nursing
NRS377 Health Optimisation 3: Chronic and Complex Nursing Care
NRS378 Health Optimisation 4: Family, Community and Rural Health Nursing
NRS379 Discipline of Nursing 4: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
NRS381 Clinical Nursing Practice 3
NRS382 Clinical Nursing Practice 4
PSY214 Health Psychology
SOC108 Sociology of Health and Health Care
Key Subjects
NRS192 Primary Health Care Nursing 2: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
BMS192 Human Bioscience 2
NRS293 Clinical Nursing Practice 1
NRS294 Clinical Nursing Practice 2
NRS381 Clinical Nursing Practice 3
NRS382 Clinical Nursing Practice 4
Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic)
The course will consist of 64 credits points consisting of:
APS401 Prehospital Pharmacology
CLS400 Advanced Paramedic Medical Emergencies
CLS411 Paramedic Internship *
CLS412 Introduction To Internship **
CLS410 Major Incident Management
PHC401 Paediatrics for Pre-hospital Care
PHC404 Paramedic Systems
PHC410 Paramedicine as a Discipline
* Internships must be completed in an approved out-of-hospital setting such as a statutory ambulance authority. Students undertaking the internships must satisfy the risk assessment requirements of the relevant ambulance authority.
** This subject has a 5 day residential school.
Enrolment pattern
Bachelor of Nursing
Session 1
BMS191 Human Bioscience 1
NRS191 Primary Health Care Nursing 1: Health Promotion and Education
NRS193 Discipline of Nursing 1: Contexts of Nursing
SOC108 Sociology of Health and Health Care
Session 2
BMS192 Human Bioscience 2
NRS192 Primary Health Care Nursing 2: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
NRS194 Indigenous Culture, Health and Nursing
NRS195 Psychosocial Nursing
Session 3
BMS291 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1
NRS291 Health Challenges 1: Nursing Interventions and Rehabilitation
NRS293 Clinical Nursing Practice 1
NRS295 Discipline of Nursing 2: Health, Law and Ethics
Session 4
BMS292 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2
NRS292 Health Challenges 2: Nursing Interventions and Rehabilitation
NRS294 Clinical Nursing Practice 2
NRS296 Discipline of Nursing 3: Inquiry and Research
Session 5
NRS375 Health Optimisation 1: Gerontic Nursing Care
NRS376 Health Optimisation 2: Mental Health Nursing
NRS381 Clinical Nursing Practice 3
PSY214 Health Psychology
Session 6
NRS377 Health Optimisation 3: Chronic and Complex Nursing Care
NRS378 Health Optimisation 4: Family, Community and Rural Nursing
NRS379 Discipline of Nursing 4: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
NRS382 Clinical Nursing Practice 4
Students can exit with the Bachelor of Nursing
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Practice (Paramedic)
Session 7
PHC404 Paramedic Systems
CLS410 Major Incident Management
Session 8
APS401 Prehospital Pharmacology
PHC401 Paediatrics for Pre-hospital Care
Session 9
CLS412 Introduction To Internship
CLS400 Advanced Paramedic Medical Emergencies
Session 10
CLS411 Paramedic Internship
PHC410 Paramedicine as a Discipline
Professional recognition
This course consists of two courses that are linked through a program code. The Bachelor of Nursing is accredited through the ANMAC and the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) is currently undergoing accreditation with the Australiasian Council of Ambulance Authorities Inc.
Admission requirements
Admission to this course is based on students' ATAR or equivalent.
Applicants need to be able to attend a five-day residential school as part of the Introduction to Internship subject in the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
- previous studies, and
- other attainments and experience.
Previous studies
Previous studies include:
- the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
- the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
- a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
- a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
- an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
- completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
English language proficiency
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
- have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
- were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
- have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
or - have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
- an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
- a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
- a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
- a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
- a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
- a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
- completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
- a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
- completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
- completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
- successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
- a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
- a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
- IRI Diploma of English.
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
Attainment and experience
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
- voluntary or paid work experience;
- performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
- participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
- completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
Internet access
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
Costs of study
Australian and New Zealand students
Commonwealth supported place
You will make a student contribution (formerly HECS) towards the cost of your tuition fees.
Options:
- Defer your payment using a HECS-HELP loan, which is repaid through the taxation system once your income reaches a certain threshold
- Pay your fee contribution up-front each session and receive a 10% discount (if eligible)
| TBA* | Student fee contribution for your first year of study |
|---|
* This is an indicative 2013 figure based on a standard equivalent full-time study load of eight 8 point subjects per year (64 points). Part-time and distance education students will usually study only four 8 point subjects per year (32 points).
This course is not available to international students.
Apply now
This course is available to commence study in
Session 1
Australian and New Zealand students
Apply through UAC
Full-time on campus study only
Admission code: Bathurst - 214717
International Students
This course is not available to international students.
Prospective Student Inquiries
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