Diploma of Emergency Health Care
Get qualified to work in the private and non-emergency patient transport sector as an Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA) with a Diploma of Emergency Health Care.
You’ll gain the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to treat and transport patients in an emergency across pre-hospital and out-of-hospital care, including advanced skills in life support.
You’ll complete 160 clinical placement hours with our industry partner Health Select including a mix of morning, afternoon and evening shifts across weekdays and weekends. Or choose to complete your placement with the organisation you currently work with under the supervision of an ATA.
Upon graduation you’ll be qualified to work as an Ambulance Transport Attendant, a Patient Transport Officer or as an Ambulance Community Officer.
Duration
This course can take up to 12 months to complete, including placement, however this may be decreased to 6 months with prior qualifications
Intakes
Wantirna (February, July) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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 if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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.
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
In Victoria:
- Ambulance Transport Attendant (ATA)
- Patient Transport Officer (PTO)
- Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) with Ambulance Victoria (in rural areas).
In other states, opportunities may vary. There may employment options with first aid providers, the Australian Defence Force and other private health care providers.
Aims and objectives
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $16,788. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Emergency Health CareEstimated course fees for 2023* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $9,210 | $6,650 | Yes |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | Fully Covered | Fully Covered | Yes |
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
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.
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,090.
Entry requirements
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.
Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.