Paramedic Practitioner Scholarship Program

About the scholarship

The Victorian Government, in collaboration with Ambulance Victoria and Monash University, has introduced the Paramedic Practitioner/Advanced Practice Paramedicine Scholarship Program. The Scholarship Program is part of the Paramedic Practitioner Program which aims to integrate advanced paramedic roles into healthcare systems, reducing the pressure on emergency departments and ensuring timely healthcare access.

The scholarship covers the course fees to obtain the Master of Paramedic Practitioner, a new course delivered by Monash University.

Scholarships were available for students commencing in 2025, with additional scholarships to be offered in subsequent years.

Please see the Paramedic Practitioner/Advanced Practice
Paramedicine Scholarship Program Guidelines for more
information.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for the scholarship, candidates must:

Have a completed Bachelor of Paramedicine (or equivalent) with at least a pass (50%) average or qualifications and experience approved by the Department of Paramedicine, Monash University.
Have a minimum of 5 years’ FTE (full time equivalent) experience as a registered Paramedic in a directly patient-facing role. (Please note - This can be an accumulative total over a period greater than 5 years)
Be currently employed by Ambulance Victoria, working in a clinical position with direct patient contact.

To accept a scholarship, candidates must also be willing to complete the following prior to enrolment:

National Police Check is required.
Working with Children Check is required.
Provide evidence of immunisation record consistent with registered health workers in Australia.
Be willing to attend work integrated learning / clinical placement including willingness to travel.

Selection criteria

Key selection criteria for the program include commitment to rural and regional healthcare, candidates’ dedication to advancing their career within paramedicine, and alignment with the philosophical underpinnings of advanced practice.

About the course

The Master of Paramedic Practitioner is designed for registered paramedics who aspire to elevate their clinical practice and contribute significantly to community paramedicine. This course broadens the scope of paramedicine practice, encompassing both urgent and non-urgent care settings as well as primary healthcare environments. In this program, students will deepen their understanding of complex clinical scenarios that align with everyday advanced practitioner challenges. This will enhance their clinical decision-making, critical thinking, and autonomous clinical reasoning abilities. Moreover, the curriculum delves into advanced clinical assessment and prescribing while emphasising the importance of evidence-based practices and research. Consequently, students will emerge as reflective practitioners who not only elevate their clinical capabilities but also drive positive transformations within their employing organisation, the broader paramedicine profession, and the overarching healthcare system.

A link to the course handbook and unit particulars can be found here.

Course structure

The course comprises 72 points structured into two parts: Part A. Core Units (66 points) and Part B. Elective Unit (6 points).

Part A. Core Units (66 credit points)

Year 1

PAR5401 Foundations of advanced care paramedic practice (12CP)
PAR5320 Community paramedicine 1 (12CP)

Year 2

NUR5411 Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning (12CP)
NUR5208 Therapeutic medication management (Prescribing) (12CP)
PAR5106 Paramedic Practitioner Essentials (0CP)

Year 3

PAR5105 Community paramedicine 2 (6CP)
PAR5107 Community Paramedicine 3 (12CP)
PAR5106 Paramedic Practitioner Essentials (0CP)

Part B. Elective Unit (6 credit points)

One 6 credit point unit chosen from any Monash Postgraduate unit for which students meet the required prerequisites, co-requisites and any other restrictions. The elective unit must be relevant to this specialisation course and chosen in consultation with the course coordinator. This elective unit is designed to be completed in year 3 of the course.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

To be eligible for the Master of Paramedic Practitioner, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Hold a Bachelor of Paramedicine (or equivalent) with at least a pass (50%) average or qualifications and experience approved by the faculty.
Be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Paramedic.
Possess a minimum of 5 years' full-time equivalent experience as a registered Paramedic in a directly patient-facing role.
Does my previous healthcare experience outside of being a paramedic (e.g., time as a nurse, physio) count towards total experience for eligibility?
No, not at this stage.
No you do not. Intensive Care Paramedics however are of course eligible to apply and will receive credits for some units of study based on previous academic qualifications.
What documents do I need to submit when applying to the university (after being successful in this sponsorship application process)?
Applicants must provide the following on application to the university:
*Proof of organisational endorsement to undertake the course and evidence of full sponsorship from the Victorian Government as part of the Paramedic Practitioner initiative.
*A curriculum vitae (CV) detailing the duration and nature of their work experience as a Paramedic. The CV should also include referee details for verification of work experience, or a statement from the employer to substantiate the duration and nature of employment as a Paramedic.
*Evidence of obtaining a Bachelor of Paramedicine (or equivalent) with at least a pass (50%) average or qualifications and experience approved by the faculty
*Evidence of registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Paramedic
Does my employer require an affiliation with the university? And if so, how do we go about it?
Yes, there is a requirement for an affiliation between your employer and the university. The university will assist in this process to ensure an arrangement for integrated professional practice hours can be undertaken at your workplace or via placement providers. This arrangement stipulates professional indemnity arrangements and must be in place prior to practice.
1. How long is the Master of Paramedic Practitioner course?
The Master of Paramedic Practitioner course is a 3-year program when taken part-time.
2. Can I take the course full-time?
The course is structured to be taken part-time to allow students to balance their studies with their professional commitments, especially given the significant demands of the Paramedic role. We do not currently offer the course full time.
3. Is there on campus attendance?
The course is designed online but some units provide opportunity for attendance on campus in Clayton and Peninsula but these classes are also offered online in both synchronous and asynchronous setting (can be watched later at a time convenient) .
4. What's the expected workload?
Expect to commit to a workload similar to other postgraduate courses. This will vary depending on individual study habits, but in general, you should be prepared for lectures, readings, assignments, and clinical placements. Given the part-time nature of the course, it's designed to be manageable alongside full-time employment. Students often report they spend around 10 hours per week undertaking lessons and completing assessment tasks
5. Are there alternative exit points in the program?
At this stage there are no alternative exit points in the Master of Paramedic Practitioner program. Students are expected to complete the full duration to attain the Master's qualification.
6. Can I get credits or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for previous studies or work experience?
Monash University generally has provisions for RPL. If you believe you have relevant prior learning or work experience, it's recommended to discuss this with the admissions or academic department during the application process.
1. How are students assessed in the Master of Paramedic Practitioner program?
Assessment in the Master of Paramedic Practitioner program is varied and may include written assignments, exams, practical assessments, presentations, group projects, and workplace-based assessments during placements.
2. What grade do I need to achieve to pass each unit?
Typically, students must achieve a minimum of 50% to pass each unit. However, specific grade requirements may vary depending on the particular unit or component of the course. It's always a good idea to refer to the course handbook or consult with the unit coordinator.
3. How is the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component assessed?
WIL assessments are usually workplace-based and can involve direct observations, feedback from supervisors, reflective journals, and project reports. The nature of the assessment is designed to ensure students can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings effectively.
4. What happens if I fail a unit?
If a student fails a unit, they may be given the opportunity to re-enrol in the unit in a subsequent teaching period or undertake supplementary assessment tasks. Students should consult the course coordinator or academic advisor to understand their options and potential impacts on their overall course progression.
5. Can I progress at my own pace?
Yes, the Master of Paramedic Practitioner program is offered part-time over three years, allowing students some flexibility. However, there might be prerequisites or corequisites for certain units, which means some units may need to be completed in a specific order.
6. Are there any mandatory checkpoints or milestones I need to meet throughout the course?
Yes, certain milestones or checkpoints ensure students are meeting the course's requirements and standards. These could include mandatory assessments, WIL components, or other course-specific requirements. It's advisable to be aware of these by consulting the course handbook or speaking with the course coordinator.
7. Can I take a leave of absence from the program?
Yes, students can usually apply for a leave of absence for various reasons, including personal, medical, or professional. It's important to discuss your intentions with the course coordinator and understand any potential impacts on course completion or duration and your scholarship amount will cover these leaves of absences.
8. Is there support available if I'm struggling with the course content or assessments?
Absolutely. Monash University offers various support services, including academic advisors, counselling services, and peer-assisted study sessions. We encourage students to reach out if they're facing challenges.
1. How much does the Master of Paramedic Practitioner program cost?
The fee structure for the Master of Paramedic Practitioner is consistent with postgraduate programs at Monash University. Exact fees may vary based on various factors, so it's essential to refer to the university's official fee schedule or contact the admissions department for specific details.
2. I'm sponsored by the Victorian Government as part of the Paramedic Practitioner initiative. How does this affect my fees?
Students who are sponsored by the Victorian Government will have their course/tuition fees covered as part of the Paramedic Practitioner initiative.
3. Are there additional costs beyond course/tuition fees?
There might be additional costs associated with books, materials, mandatory annual student services fees and costs of graduation services varies. Students are advised to budget for these additional expenses accordingly.
1. What career opportunities are available after completing the Master of Paramedic Practitioner?
After successful completion of the Master of Paramedic Practitioner, graduates can expect to take on clinical and leadership roles within paramedic services, join community health settings, engage in research, and contribute to the evolving paramedic profession. The course prepares graduates to work in diverse healthcare settings, ranging from traditional ambulance services to Primary Health Networks and local community health services as a Paramedic Practitioner. Completion of the course however does not guarantee employment with a specific employer in a Paramedic Practitioner role.
2. Can I work internationally with this qualification?
While the Master of Paramedic Practitioner is tailored to the Australian healthcare context, many skills and competencies are transferable. Graduates interested in working internationally should verify recognition and any additional requirements in the desired country of practice.
3. Will I be recognized as a Paramedic Practitioner upon course completion?
Upon successful completion of the course and meeting any additional requirements graduates will be recognized as Paramedic Practitioners. We are currently working on whether this will be via an endorsed area of practice facilitated by the Paramedicine Board of Australia via AHPRA or a separate fellowship program through an organisation willing to undertake the work.
4. Are there opportunities for further academic progression after this course?
Certainly! Graduates can pursue further academic studies, such as PhD programs in health sciences or research, or delve deeper into specialized areas within the paramedic field.
5. How does the Master of Paramedic Practitioner position me in the evolving healthcare landscape?
The Master of Paramedic Practitioner is designed to address emerging needs in community healthcare, making graduates well-equipped to be at the forefront of the profession. As the Paramedic Practitioner model becomes more established, graduates will be instrumental in shaping its future trajectory and expanding its scope.
6. Are there opportunities for networking and professional development during the course?
Throughout the course, students will engage in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements in diverse settings, allowing for extensive networking opportunities. Monash University also frequently hosts seminars, workshops, and conferences that can aid in professional development and networking.
Mandatory Compliance
If you are undertaking a course with clinical or fieldwork placements you must demonstrate compliance with the following checks and requirements. For more information refer to the Mandatory Compliance webpage and carefully read the Student placement guide. It is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation is obtained prior to commencing clinical/fieldwork placements.
Fitness for practice and professionalism
To complete your course, you are required to demonstrate that you meet fitness for practice expectations. Fitness for practice is part of the assessment in all units in this course. If you don't meet the fitness for practice expectations you will receive a fail mark for the unit and be required to repeat the unit before you can progress to the next year level of the course. In some circumstances, not meeting fitness for practice requirements can lead to exclusion from the course. Details of the course's Professional Standards, Ethical Behaviour and Student Support (ProFESS) framework are found at: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/study/student-services/policies/student-placement-guide.
Police checks
A current Australian Criminal History Check (police check) is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements. A current International Criminal History Check is also required if relevant. For more information refer to the university's Police Checks webpage.
Working with Children checks
A current Working with Children check is required regarding suitability to undertake clinical/fieldwork placements.
Immunisation and vaccination requirements
In accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations, this course requires that you comply with the faculty's Mandatory Compliance requirements regarding immunisation and vaccination. These requirements are designed to provide maximum protection against the increased risk of some vaccine preventable diseases for students, patients and workers in health care settings.
You are required to have certain specified vaccinations and have your blood borne virus status determined, before commencement of clinical/fieldwork placement. Non-compliance of this requirement may result in you being unable to undertake the clinical/fieldwork placement, with the attendant academic consequences. If you test positive to a blood borne virus (including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) you will be required to consult a specialist medical practitioner approved by the faculty to provide advice on any necessary restrictions on work practices to protect patients and others from infection.
AHPRA registration
You must maintain AHPRA registration throughout the course. Parental leave and other types of leave are possible while maintaining registration as the non-practicing registration options make this possible.
Paramedics with non-practising registration remain subject to the Paramedicine Board of Australia’s (the Board) jurisdiction in relation to their professional conduct. They also have the same obligations under the National Law with regard to mandatory reporting of notifiable conduct and notifying the Board of certain events required by the National Law (such as a change in criminal history).
Paramedics who take a break from practising the profession and intend to return to practice in the future should ensure they are familiar the recency of practice requirements for paramedics.