Whitireia Community Polytechnic

Course Details

Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic)

Course Description

The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) degree is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Whitireia New Zealand is accredited to offer this programme. It is run in conjunction with Wellington Free Ambulance. Victoria University (Melbourne) are the external moderators. The degree is fully accredited and you can access student loans and allowances. The three year Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) programme runs from February until November, based on a four term year. Term breaks usually coincide with the primary school holidays. ​ The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) programme at Whitireia Community Polytechnic (Whitireia) is designed to prepare students for practice as contemporary ambulance paramedics. For those already partly qualified as Ambulance Officers, the programme offers greater depth of learning including research, which have not been in previous qualifications. Paramedics provide acute health care and emergency and urgent medical services to the community through a specialised body of professional knowledge, delivering care in variable environments. Through the use of clinical assessment, advanced medical procedures and treatment, they stabilise patients in clinically challenging environments, refer to primary and secondary care and provide on-going emergency medical care during transport. The programme is full-time and involves considerable study. Serious thought should be given before a student undertakes paid employment that will make it difficult to maintain sufficient study time, or to attend clinical experience. It is suggested that no more than ten hours per week is worked. Attendance at all classes, both theory and clinical, is a requirement for successful completion of the programme. Due to the hours of work and location of placements, students will require private transport to attend clinical experiences. Access to a personal computer after hours is essential.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

Graduates from this programme are prepared for work as ambulance paramedics.




Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) Whitireia Community Polytechnic