Overview
Become an ambulance transport attendant with the Diploma of Emergency Health Care. Learn to treat and transport clients across pre-hospital and out-of-hospital care. Skills include learning to provide clinical assessments for hospital interventions to patients in emergency and non-emergency settings. Learn advanced skills in life support and graduate qualified to work in the private and non-emergency patient transport sector.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training
Put Swinburne to the test
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Join us online for the VTAC Applications and Scholarship Webinar on 29 August, or attend our on-campus Aviation Info Session on 31 August.
Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real industry experience. Complete 160 clinical placement hours with our industry partner Health Select to include a mix of morning, afternoon and evening shifts across the week. Or choose to complete your placement with the organisation you currently work with under the supervision of an ATA.
Skills you’ll learn
- Clinical assessment
- Life support
- Out-of-hospital interventions
Your career opportunities
- Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA)
- Patient Transport Officer (PTO)
- Ambulance Community Officer (ACO)
Admissions
There are no entry requirements for this program, however although applicants can commence at 18 years of age, they will not be able to be employed in this vocation until they have obtained a full licence.
Applicants must be 18 years of age at the commencement of the course and hold:
- A current Australian Drivers Licence (probationary licence accepted, however a full Victorian driver's licence is required for a vocational outcome. Learners Permits will not be accepted).
- A National Police Check, with no disclosable offences*. This is required to be obtained at least 10 weeks prior to clinical placement commencement. *If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.
- A current Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
- Up to date evidence of immunisations. The minimum vaccination requirements as required by Ambulance Victoria include: COVID-19 (fully vaccinated), Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chickenpox), Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Measles/ Mumps/Rubella. Highly Recommended: Tetanus, Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Influenzas. Additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your clinical placement.
If applicants have completed Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (any course code) outside Swinburne University, they must submit a certified copy of both their Award and Academic Transcript with their application.
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
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Certificate IV in Community Services
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Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport
Course structure
This program is comprised of a total of 17 units including 9 core units and 8 elective units chosen through industry consultation.
For those who have completed Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport, up to 11 units may be credited.
The remaining units are delivered as a full-time load, over six months, with 3 days face-to-face at both Wantirna Campus and the Best Practice site at Vermont. These days include theory, practical and vehicle skills, with additional work required outside of classes. Assessment methods will include direct observation, oral questioning, role play/simulation, case studies, driving assessment and clinical placement.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work legally and ethically
Core unit |
CHCLEG001 |
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Confirm physical health status
Core unit |
HLTAAP002 |
|
Assess and deliver standard clinical care
Core unit |
HLTOUT005 |
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Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
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Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Core unit |
HLTINF006 |
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Implement safe access and egress
Core unit |
HLTOUT001 |
|
Communicate in complex situations to support health care
Core unit |
HLTOUT010 |
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Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Core unit |
HLTWHS002 |
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Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Core unit |
HLTWHS006 |
| Elective units | |
|
Transport emergency patients
Elective unit |
HLTOUT006 |
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Transport non-emergency patients under operational conditions
Elective unit |
HLTOUT007 |
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Manage a scene
Elective unit |
HLTOUT008 |
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Manage the scene of a major incident
Elective unit |
HLTOUT009 |
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Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
Elective unit |
BSBMED301 |
|
Recognise healthy body systems
Elective unit |
HLTAAP001 |
|
Provide First Aid
Elective unit |
HLTAID011 |
|
Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy
Elective unit |
HLTAID015 |
2023 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$16,788
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$6,650
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$9,210
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
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Study this course for free in 2023
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2023 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.