Curtin University\u2019s first cohort of paramedicine students have graduated and will soon be working as paramedics.<\/p>\n
The Bachelor of Science – Health Sciences Paramedicine Major<\/a> provides students with knowledge and experience in pre-hospital care and is accredited\u00a0by the\u00a0Council of Ambulance Authorities<\/a>.<\/p>\n Commencing studies in 2013, the inaugural student intake completed Curtin\u2019s three-year, full-time paramedicine major, which is offered in partnership with St John Ambulance Western Australia (SJA-WA).<\/p>\n Course co-ordinator, Mrs Jaci Mason, from Curtin\u2019s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, congratulated the graduates, adding the collaboration with SJA-WA provided students with fantastic work-integrated-learning experience which equipped them with the knowledge and skills to be at the frontline of pre-hospital care.<\/p>\n “These students have been\u00a0employed as SJA-WA Ambulance Officers during the past two years gaining invaluable clinical experience, while studying online with the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine,\u201d Mrs Mason said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis distinctive approach to learning has provided the students with experience working inter-professionally in the pre-hospital environment, allowing them to already make a difference to patient care.\u201d<\/p>\n Current paramedicine student Mr Jeremy Maitland-Smith said the course was the first step in what he hoped would be a lifelong career in health.<\/p>\n \u201cThis course is the beginning of a long path for me in healthcare and even once I\u2019ve obtained my degree, I can see myself coming back to Curtin and hopefully inspiring other Indigenous people to achieve something similar,\u201d Mr Maitland-Smith said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to going on the road as an ambulance officer next year.\u201d<\/p>\n Students undertaking the paramedicine major join other Health Sciences students as part of the interprofessional first year and then continue studying applied paramedic bioscience, behavioural science, paramedic professional practice and paramedicine clinical practice.<\/p>\n Upon completion of the The Bachelor of Science – Health Sciences Paramedicine Major degree, graduates undertake a final transition period with SJA-WA before becoming a SJA-WA paramedic.<\/p>\n