Becoming a paramedic in the New South Wales Ambulance Service

By Emergency Live Last updated Jun 11, 2020

Many wonders how to become a paramedic, especially in Australia. In this article, we will report how to be a paramedic in the New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance.

In order to become a paramedic for the New South Wales Ambulance (NSW), you have to know that there are 3 training pathways you can attend: qualified paramedics, paramedic intern and the trainee paramedic training pathway.

Important: paramedics are the first to arrive on scene and are the first clinical care contact patients have. So, paramedics are requested to work collaboratively with other NSW Ambulance clinical care providers. Paramedics respond not only to emergency calls but also, and often to non-emergency calls. Is very important to understand which clinical decisions have to be taken.

According to the “paramedic role”, the paramedic is required to work shifts and is demanded to provide coverage and service delivery to the community of New South Wales 365 days a year on a 24-hour basis.

Become a Trainee Paramedic in the New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance

Applicants without a clinical qualification, or with no prior medical experience can apply to become a Trainee Paramedic in the NSW Ambulance. You will find the official page with more details at the end of the article. Through this educational pathway, you will obtain the nationally-accredited Diploma of Paramedical Science over three years, delivered by the NSW Ambulance Education Centre, Rozelle, Sydney.

A Trainee Paramedic has to demonstrate willingness and capability to undertake the necessary and relevant education as determined by NSW Ambulance to become a paramedic, with a minimum performance level of 4 in all core skills of the Australian Core Skills Framework.

Among the key skills of a Trainee Paramedic we find:

ability to abide by the accepted standards of conduct and performance
computer literacy and use of web-based programs
planning and organising skills to effectively manage your time and prioritise workloads, with the
ability to manage stress and maintain performance under pressure without a negative impact on
yourself or others
demonstrated ability to work autonomously and also to develop professional relationships and work collaboratively as part of a team
demonstrated ability to communicate appropriately with people from a broad range of backgrounds
with integrity, empathy and respect for ethical and professional standards including patient confidentiality and sensitivity
applying work health and safety policies to safeguard self and others whilst undertaking the
responsibilities of the role
analytical capability to assess and evaluate a situation and determine appropriate action whilst also
accepting responsibility for the impact of that action

At the end of the page, you will find the link to the documents you might need to consult to have more information on this pathway to become a paramedic.

Become a Graduated-Paramedic-Intern in the New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance

After having completed a Council of Ambulance Authorities accredited tertiary qualification in paramedical science or are in their final year of studying this qualification can apply for Graduate Paramedic. Before going out on road, you have to take a minimum of 5-weeks training is undertaken at NSW Ambulance.

You need the completion of an undergraduate degree in Para-medicine recognised by the Council of Ambulance
Authorities as said above. Willingness and capability to undertake the necessary and relevant training and work experience as determined by NSW Ambulance to become a paramedic will be essential.

Among the key skills of a Graduate-Paramedic-Intern we find:

ability to abide by the accepted standards of conduct and performance
computer literacy and use of web-based programs
planning and organising skills to effectively manage your time and prioritise workloads, with the ability to manage stress and maintain performance under pressure without a negative impact on yourself or others
demonstrated ability to work autonomously and also to develop professional relationships and work collaboratively as part of a team
ability to communicate appropriately with integrity, empathy and respect for ethical and professional standards including patient confidentiality and sensitivity
applying work health and safety policies to safeguard self and others whilst undertaking the responsibilities of the role
analytical capability to assess and evaluate a situation and determine appropriate action whilst also
accepting responsibility for the impact of that action

At the end of the page, you will find the link to the documents you might need to consult to have more information on this pathway to become a paramedic.

Become a Graduated-Paramedic-Intern in the New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance

Whether an applicant demonstrates to have satisfactory knowledge and understanding of ambulance practice and has paramedic registration conferred by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority (AHPRA), can apply to NSW Ambulance as a qualified paramedic. NSW declares that qualified paramedics may apply at any time.

Qualified paramedics via the NSW Health Jobs portal. The jobs portal provides all the details required to submit your application for review to the Credentialing Committee. Find more information on the official page of credentialing below.