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.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
Intake at capacity

We've reached capacity in this course for multiple intakes this year and early 2024. The next available intake is April 2024. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.

My preference is success

Want to maximise your VTAC offers? Discover how to get more for your ATAR with Change of Preference tips and tools.

Find out more

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)

Location options

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:

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.

Book your Pearson Test of English

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.

Learn more about credit

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.

Learn more about RPL

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.

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.

9
Core units
+
8
Elective units
+
160
hours
Placement
=
Diploma
Indicative nominal course hours: 1090

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Work legally and ethically
Core unit
CHCLEG001
Confirm physical health status
Core unit
HLTAAP002
Assess and deliver standard clinical care
Core unit
HLTOUT005
Work with diverse people
Core unit
CHCDIV001
Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
Core unit
HLTINF006
Implement safe access and egress
Core unit
HLTOUT001
Communicate in complex situations to support health care
Core unit
HLTOUT010
Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Core unit
HLTWHS002
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Core unit
HLTWHS006
Elective units
Transport emergency patients
Elective unit
HLTOUT006
Transport non-emergency patients under operational conditions
Elective unit
HLTOUT007
Manage a scene
Elective unit
HLTOUT008
Manage the scene of a major incident
Elective unit
HLTOUT009
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

2024 fees

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.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

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.

Find out more about fees

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.
Learn more about paying your fees

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.

Learn more about VET student loans

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.

Learn more about concession rates
  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    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.

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.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

Learn more about SSAF

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Representatives and agents
HLT51020
Search for agents

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.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-March-2024
Start dates
01-April-2024
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
26-June-2024
Start dates
01-July-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
01-April-2024
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
01-July-2024
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