Monash University is set to deliver Australia’s first-ever Paramedic Practitioner Master’s degree, which will be completely free.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Ambulance Services, Gabrielle Williams said the degree will be developed by Ambulance Victoria, Safer Care Victoria, paramedics, clinician, hospitals, and unions – with the first students commencing at the start of 2024.
“We’re making it free to become a Paramedic Practitioner – because money should never be a barrier to giving Victorians the care they need and deserve,” said Premier Daniels.
With advanced clinical training, Minister for Ambulance Services, Gabrielle Williams said the new Paramedic Practitioners will be able to assess, diagnose patients and treat in the field, make clinical decisions and take pressure off our busy emergency departments.
Paramedic Practitioners can provide urgent care to patients who need it and eliminate the need for a trip to the hospital for many patients. The new course will prepare paramedics for the new role with a focus on advanced assessment techniques, diagnostics, clinical decision-making, treatment planning, legal and ethical considerations.
“We’ll start the roll out of Paramedic Practitioners in regional Victoria – delivering urgent care in the community and reducing demand on our regional hospitals,” said Minister Williams.
The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested $20 million to establish the role of Paramedic Practitioner and deliver the new degree at no cost to trainees.
“I can’t think of a better place for Australia’s first Paramedic Practitioners to study than right here at Monash,” said Member for Oakleigh, Steve Dimopoulos.
