Nurse to Paramedic pathway
If you're a recent ECU nursing graduate living in a regional or rural area, and the idea of adding a new, but related skillset appeals to you, this fast-track paramedic pathway could be for you.
Why would you consider this?
If you're eligible, you can study paramedicine part-time over 18 months and continue working and earning while you study.
You'll also receive credit for many of your nursing degree units.
This will give you two degrees after completing only 4 years of full-time equivalent study.
This paramedicine qualification will add to your nursing skills and widen your career opportunities, making you a valued member of any emergency response team.
This is especially the case in regional and rural locations where flexibility is everything.
Who is eligible to apply?
This opportunity is open to people who have graduated with an ECU nursing degree - including the nursing/midwifery double degree - within the last 2 years, i.e. you completed your course in Semester 2, 2023 or later.
You must be living in a rural (RRMA 3 to 5) or remote (RRMA 6 & 7) postcode, as defined by the rural or remote and metropolitan (RRMA) classification.
And you must be in good standing with ECU (WAM of 60+).
"I have learnt to expect the unexpected; when you think you've seen it all, the next patient will prove you wrong."
I began volunteering on the ambulance every weekend to gain exposure to emergency situations. ECU has provided me with various pathways to gain experience in my selected field of critical care, which has placed me in a positive position to launch a successful career.
Natasha Doust
ECU Nursing graduate and Paramedical Science student
Course overview
It can be the difference between life and death. A highly trained, clear-thinking Registered Paramedic regularly faces life and death situations as a first responder. It's unpredictable. It's demanding. And it's exciting. But is it for you?
This innovative course bridges the gap between nursing and paramedicine, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to excel in high-pressure emergency situations. You'll learn advanced life-saving techniques, gain hands-on experience through rural placements, and be prepared to respond to emergencies with confidence and expertise.
Your studies will include work placement experiences with WA-based rural healthcare providers.
You'll be taught by AHPRA registered industry professionals with on-road experience, with many still actively working in the profession. They'll help you develop an understanding of professional and ethical practice, communication and safe practice within the public health, social, cultural and clinical paramedical science environments.
The course will launch in the South West from Semester 2, 2026.
Placements with rural healthcare providers
Placements across rural and regional WA are an integral part of the paramedicine coursework. There are no placements in Perth.
Key points:
- You'll complete your placements over a 12-month period, starting in January 2027.
- Ambulance placements are a compulsory element of the course.
- Placements may include rural emergency department, emergency ambulance, rural health clinics, aboriginal health services, and more.
- You may be able to do your placements locally or at your workplace. We have a process for this, involving academic and placement staff.
- Any placements arranged locally must be approved in advance, must align with the course learning outcomes and be approved by the accreditation body.
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Nurse to Paramedic Pathway Information Session
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Yes, this course is accredited by the Paramedicine Board of Australia.
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Yes you can, but only for the theoretical content of those units. Some units require compulsory attendance at our Bunbury campus for clinical skills workshops.
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Yes, there are compulsory clinical workshops – ranging from 5 to 7 days – that are held at the South West campus.
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No, it isn't possible to study this version of the course full time. It's a part-time course, designed for students who are already registered nurses and likely to be working, but wish to gain a paramedicine degree.
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You'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Paramedicine Board of Australia, if you meet all criteria as set by the Board and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
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No, you'll be required to wear the ECU paramedicine student uniform. The uniform can be purchased through School Locker.
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Yes, provided any overseas paramedicine study tours take place during your course of study you’ll be eligible to apply for these.
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Credit transfer will automatically apply to all registered nurses and nurse/midwives eligible for this course. RPL has already been assessed for you prior, so you don't need to do anything else. If you have additional experience, you may be able to apply for additional units, but this cannot be guaranteed.
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It's likely that you’ll be required to purchase some paramedic specific texts. Some units also have textbooks available for borrowing through the ECU library.
Do you have any questions about Nurse to Paramedic pathway study?
Student stories
Simulating every kind of emergency
Master of Paramedical Science student Wayne van Biljon discusses why he chose postgraduate study at ECU.
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.