The Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedic Studies is a 36 unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  The graduate diploma is normally undertaken part-time over four semesters.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold either a Bachelor of Paramedic Science or an equivalent degree, or possess a formal vocational ambulance qualification which permits authority to practice at a paramedical level.  A minimum of two years industry experience as a practising paramedic is required.  The Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

Graduates from this course will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and judgment to successfully perform the role of Intensive Care Paramedic within the South Australian Ambulance Service.  The Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedic aims to:

  • enable paramedics to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values relevant to the provision of intensive care treatment in the pre-hospital environment;
  • provide opportunities for personal and professional development of paramedics working in the pre-hospital environment;
  • provide foundations of professional development covering the wider aspects of emergency medical care in the pre-hospital environment;
  • develop critical thinking necessary to provide evidence based judgement in the field of pre-hospital emergency medical care.. 

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the degree, graduates will be able to:

  • provide clinical leadership and practice in this field;
  • integrate clinical emergency practice in a holistic appreciation of health issues;
  • deliver the specific skills and competencies necessary for the delivery of intensive care paramedic practice;
  • expand the capacity for professional reflective practice in this field. 

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedic Studies a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.


 PARA8001  Advanced Bioscience for Intensive Care Paramedic Practice  (4.5 units)
 PARA8002  Acute Assessment and Management of Altered Perfusion  (4.5 units)
 PARA8003  Acute Assessment and Management of Ventilatory Abnormalities  (4.5 units)
 PARA8004  Principles of Intensive Care Paramedic Practice  (4.5 units)
 PARA8005  Acute Assessment and Management of Cardiac Dysrhythmias  (4.5 units)
 PARA8006  Acute Assessment and Management of Pain  (4.5 units)
 PARA8007   Acute Assessment and Management of Altered Conscious States  (4.5 units)
 PARA8008   Acute Assessment and Management of Behavioural Disturbances  (4.5 units)

Except with the permission of the Faculty Board:

  • the program must be completed within six consecutive semesters;
  • no topic may be attempted more than twice

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in 13.5 or more units may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University’s policy on Student Progress.