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Version Effective: 16th of February, 2024

HLT51020 - Diploma of Emergency Health Care

Course Details

Course Summary

This program adopts a blended learning approach, combining online theoretical instruction with practical residential workshops distributed throughout the course duration. Residential schools are conducted on the Rockhampton Campus.

The Diploma of Emergency Health Care is designed to equip individuals for roles in pre-hospital and out-of-hospital settings, focusing on patient assessment, healthcare provision, and transport services.

Participants will develop the clinical competencies and theoretical understanding necessary to perform clinical assessments and execute pre-hospital and out-of-hospital emergency interventions. This includes the acquisition of advanced life support skills.

To successfully complete this qualification, students must undertake a minimum of 160 hours in Vocational Placement. This practical experience is crucial and must directly relate to the learning outcomes specified in the Assessment Requirements.


Entry Requirements

Prospective students must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the course, which has intakes in March and July. Prior to enrollment, applicants are required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment through bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder), unless they have previously completed a course at the same or a higher level.

Eligibility for the diploma program is broad, welcoming candidates from various educational backgrounds who demonstrate the capability to engage in vocational education and training at this level. Students must possess adequate reading, writing, and basic arithmetic skills to complete coursework, including workbooks, assignments, and assessments.

Enrollment necessitates access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity, a camera, a microphone, and speakers. The program includes mandatory vocational placements: physical fitness is important, as students must be able to perform tasks such as patient lifting and CPR during placements or simulation exercises.

This diploma is delivered through a blended learning model. While theoretical components are conducted online, attending the three compulsory residential workshops is mandatory. These workshops may necessitate travel and accommodation arrangements at the student's expense for those outside the Rockhampton location.


Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

A total of 160 hours are required to be completed for Vocational Placement in a pre-hospital / out of hospital context. These are usually identified by the student at a convenient location. The Vocational Placement activities will be negotiated between the Head of Course (VET) and the individual student to ensure suitability of placements. Vocational Placement opportunities may also be identified by the University. All costs in attending Vocational Placements are borne by the student. Note: Placements with State Ambulance services are not available to Diploma students.

Before commencing Vocational Placement, students must submit all CQU requirements to the Schools Work Integrated Learning Officers nine weeks prior to commencement of placement.

Immunisations:

- COVID-19 approved vaccination (If the provider or state requires this) Applicants should be aware that this may become a mandatory requirement, it is recommended applicants commence a COVID-19 vaccination for their future employment as health professionals.

 

- Hepatitis B

- Influenza vaccine

- Tuberculosis (TB) – Mantoux test or QuantiFERON Gold test (QLD Ambulance Service Placements Only)

- Varicella (chickenpox)

- Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis

- Measles, Mumps Rubella

- Working With Children Check (WWCC) in the state where placement is taking place

- National Police Check with Australian Federal Police (AFP)

- Current approved First Aid Certificate and updated CPR: HLTAID011 First Aid is valid for 3 years, but CPR requires updating every 12 months.


VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units.

For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us .


Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $13,226.00 (2024)
$13,668.00 (2025)
Fee for service per unit $778.00 (2024)
$804.00 (2025)
RPL Fee for service per Unit $389.00 (2024)
$603.00 (2025)
For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire or Apply Now
Study Area
  • Health
Skill Area
  • Health
AQF Level Level 5: Diploma

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Upon successful completion, graduates are poised for a range of career opportunities within the health care and patient transport system. The core and elective units cover essential skills such as working with diverse populations, legal and ethical work practices, infection prevention and control, safe work practices, and managing personal stressors in the work environment. This robust curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared to handle the demands of their roles effectively.

Career paths for graduates of this diploma include positions as ambulance officers, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and paramedic assistants. These roles are crucial in the health and community services industry sector, providing critical care and support to patients in emergencies.

Note: The Diploma in Emergency Health Care does not support AHPRA registration as a Paramedic. 

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 9 core units
  2. Complete 8 elective units

Study Mode Definitions

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement

18 months full time. 

This course is delivered via mixed mode: the theory is delivered online; there is a vocational placement requirement; and attendance at three Rockhampton Residential Schools is compulsory. 

  • Online
Cluster 1a - Placement Unit

Unit HLTOUT005 runs for the entire duration of this course. Upon admission, students must enroll in Cluster 1a, 1b, and 1c. 

Note: Cluster 1c will commence in the second month of enrolment.

HLTOUT005 Assess and deliver standard clinical care More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 1b - Introduction to Emergency Health Care
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control More Information Training.gov Details
HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 1c - Introduction to Emergency Health Care
HLTOUT001 Implement safe access and egress More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment More Information Training.gov Details
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 2 - Professional Practice
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice More Information Training.gov Details
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically More Information Training.gov Details
BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately More Information Training.gov Details
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people More Information Training.gov Details
Cluster 3 - Communication and Clinical Care
HLTOUT010 Communicate in complex situations to support health More Information Training.gov Details
HLTOUT008 Manage a scene More Information Training.gov Details
CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and the health system More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 HLTOUT005 - Assess and deliver standard clinical care
1 HLTINF006 - Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
1 HLTAAP002 - Confirm physical health status
1 HLTOUT001 - Implement safe access and egress
1 HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment
1 HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care
2 CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
2 CHCPOL003 - Research and apply evidence to practice
2 CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
2 CHCLEG001 - Work legally and ethically
2 BSBMED301 - Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
2 CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
3 HLTOUT010 - Communicate in complex situations to support health
3 HLTOUT008 - Manage a scene
3 CHCPRP005 - Engage with health professionals and the health system
3 CHCCCS020 - Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
3 CHCCOM005 - Communicate and work in health or community services


Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Practical Task
RPL
Written/Electronic Assessment
Third Party Verification
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

2024 Residential Schools/Workshops

Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Rockhampton North
Residential School 3 - Cohort 7
Location Rockhampton North, ROK 17/G.08
Start Date 11/03/2024
End Date 15/03/2024
Start Time 9:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes
Residential School 2 - Cohort 8
Location Rockhampton North, ROK 17/G.08
Start Date 18/03/2024
End Date 20/03/2024
Start Time 9:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes
Residential School 1 - Cohort 9
Location Rockhampton North, ROK 17/G.08
Start Date 08/07/2024
End Date 12/07/2024
Start Time 9:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes
Residential School 3 - Cohort 8
Location Rockhampton North, ROK 17/G.08
Start Date 26/08/2024
End Date 29/08/2024
Start Time 9:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes
Residential School 1 - Cohort 10
Location Rockhampton North, ROK 17/G.08
Start Date 04/11/2024
End Date 08/11/2024
Start Time 9:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes
Residential School 2 - Cohort 9
Location Rockhampton North, ROK 17/G.08
Start Date 25/11/2024
End Date 29/11/2024
Start Time 9:00 AM
End Time 4:00 PM
Compulsory Yes

Domestic 2021 Availabilities

Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2022 Availabilities

Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2023 Availabilities

Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2024 Availabilities

Online with compulsory residential schools and vocational placement

Online
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
For individual class days and times for each intake please check the TAFE Timetable located here
The availabilities shown above are for the current and future years. To view any historic availabilities please press "Show Historic Availabilities" below:

Show Historic Availabilities
More Details

More Details

Compulsory Attendance Requirements


Residential School

There are three (3) compulsory Residential Schools for completion of this course. Details of Residential School times and locations will be made available on the unit Moodle page at the start of each teaching term.


Residential Schools allow students to undertake hands on learning in a simulated clinical environment to put theory learned throughout the course into practice. Students are expected to engage with their peers at the Residential Schools and actively participate in activities and assessments.


Vocational Placement

There is a compulsory Vocational Placement component of this course of 160 hours. Students not currently working in industry must attend pre-hospital organisation/s for at least 160 hours of placement where a portfolio of evidence will be gathered for successful completion. All costs regarding placement and attendance at Residential Schools are borne by the student.


Pre-placement Mandatory Requirements

Before commencing Vocational Placement, students must submit all CQU requirements to the Schools Work Integrated Learning Officers nine weeks prior to commencement of placement:

- Immunisations:

  • COVID-19 approved vaccination (If the provider or state requires this) Applicants should be aware that this may become a mandatory requirement, it is recommended applicants commence a COVID-19 vaccination for their future employment as health professionals.
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza vaccine
  • Tuberculosis (TB) – Mantoux test or QuantiFERON Gold test (QLD Ambulance Service Placements Only)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
  • Measles, Mumps Rubella

- Working with Children Check (WWCC) in the state where the placement is taking place

- National Police Check

- Current approved First Aid Certificate and updated CPR: HLTAID011 First Aid is valid for 3 years, but CPR requires updating every 12 months.


Uniform Requirements

For placement activities and residential schools the following uniform standards are required:

  • Navy blue or black trousers
  • Paramedic Razor Polo (from CQUni Bookshop)
  • Navy blue or black socks with trousers
  • Closed in shoes according to organisational requirements.

Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will also need to be purchased as a Workplace Health and Safety requirement when on practical placement as per the organisations requirements. This may include specific footwear.


Textbook Requirements

It is recommended that students purchase the following textbooks:

  • Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine, 5th Edition: Cameron, Little, Mitra & Deasy
  • Oxford Australian Mini Dictionary, Fourth Edition: Oxford


Resource and Computing Requirements

It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that include but are not limited to, email, Internet, video streaming and electronic assessment submission. Students must also be familiar with using USB devices, retrieving electronic material, and uploading documents to and downloading documents from the online course.

Students are also required to create and complete tasks using Microsoft Office software products such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It is expected that students have a basic level of proficiency in these products prior to course commencement


VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units.


For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us.